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Does what it says on the tin.

This should be a good introduction for the new guys into Elite League hockey.

Up against one of our main rivals who have retained more players from last season and are two weeks ahead in pre-season.

Whilst I'd love to see us win down there, at this stage I'm not expecting it. I just hope we can remain competitive in the game and the new guys show us enough to make us feel confident for the future.

Always interesting to see line combinations in the pre-season games.

I wonder how Fox will play the netminding this weekend.

Regards

Doom

Am I imagining it or do we regularly start our pre-season later than our competitors? If so why?

Think we managed an overtime/penalty shots win last season even though Cardiff were ahead from a pre-season perspective.

Cardiff finished above us in the league and comfortably beat us in the playoff final, so you could argue their preseason helped better than ours did.

I’m personally not that fussed playing a long preseason, as I think that continues into the CC games. I’d just prefer to not play against EIHL teams all the time.

Result isn’t really important, just stay injury free lads.

Hi Brian I was thinking the same thing. I replied earlier but it has not appeared. Don’t know why, Why do we play teams we will meet many times during the season. We have a lot of new names you would think fox would at least get them together earlier,

same here,,,other teams seem to be odd week or so together ahead of us, whether thats an advantage or not who knows,,, hindsights a wonderful thing,,,,,,,

I don't see a problem with our pre-season.

Belfast only started their pre-season last night and I think most would agree that Keefe doesn't get much wrong.

4 games seems about right to me, especially as the Challenge Cup could be considered as an extension to the pre-season.

I think too many games and you risk picking up more injuries before the proper action starts.

As for the opposition, I get it that overseas teams are more interesting for some supporters, but is there more cost involved and does it prepare new players for Elite League style hockey?

I've personally no problem with a 4 game pre-season against EIHL teams, but I guess it's each unto their own.

Regards

Doom

Interesting line combinations for tonight:

Archambault/Dowd/Whistle
Jasper/Collins/IBN
Juusola/Gettinger/Teissala
Balmas/Rockwood/Tait

Certainly shows strength in depth, but I really hope this doesn't mean Balmas is left wing.

When checking the stats last season, Balmas was great at centre or RW, but was horrible on LW.

Regards

Doom

Anyone having issues logging on to stream the game?

Yes, trying my 4th device now. Laptop, Tv, PS4 all the same, going to try my works laptop.