The completed squad - Your verdict

[smbmetal]

Gotta be honest, after so many years, I’m finding it all a bit boring now. Either I’ve grown out of it or there is nothing about the team or club to get excited about.

The record hasn’t changed for many years now.

I certainly attend less and less games these days. Definitely watch more streams then I do sat in the arena and that trend will likely continue this coming season.

As I've said many times before, I don't find our style of hockey very exciting to watch and therefore isn't good value for money in my eyes.

The club work hard on the off ice entertainment and I know many people that enjoy that side, certainly with young families.

I don't go to sing Sweet Caroline though or buy Tuesday's latest shirt design. It's the product on the ice for me which is severely lacking in success and entertainment for me under Fox. We do at least have a new identity/brand of hockey, which goes' best with a packet of ready salted crisps!

As for the squad so far, I'm trying to reserve my judgment until it's completed. Perhaps they're saving the exciting signings until last? I certainly hope so, as at the moment it's very underwhelming IMO. Crowd numbers will dwindle I think if it's the same as the previous 2 seasons.

[Brian]

The thing is crowd numbers will not dwindle with a lack of success. Only the people on here care about the result and the standards of hockey. As long as the night is fun and entertaining with lots of hype the bums will be on seats. We have won very little in the last few years but crowds and season ticket sales are up !
How else do you explain that fact ?
Yes , the team needs to be competitive but as for winning trophies, I think management sees that as an incidental bonus if it happens.

[Doom]

I know I've expressed my concerns about too many of last seasons squad re-signing, but I have to say I'm delighted to see Petgrave and Nevalainen back next season.

They give us a genuine number one defensive pairing and were certainly amongst the best in the league last season.

If rumours of Saucerman signing are true, I think we're looking good at the back end.

Hopefully we'll bring in a couple of young exciting forwards to bolster our attack, although I suspect they'll be more Allen/Kristo than Neumann.

Overall a very positive Steelers morning for me.


Regards

Doom

[paul johnston]

It does look as if the D Corp has been upgraded (especially if Saucerman is confirmed)
although I was generally happy with our D last year. Matt and Nik very decent individually but even better as a pair.

[Doom]

If Saucerman has signed, I wonder how that leaves our defensive pairings.

I think I'd go

Petgrave/Nevalainen
Saucerman/Diffley
Jones/Tansey

Regards

Doom

[Fozzie]

Just another musing... with those that have retired/moved on, specifically Connolly and McNally, I think that should be a reduction in PIM vs who has come in. Especially the more petulant 'daft' ones.

Good thing following Jono's retirement, wondering if this is in Fox's thinking too in the signings.

[mark]

Pleased to see those two back, the remaining forwards will now be the critical factor.

[Morpheous]

If Saucerman has signed, I wonder how that leaves our defensive pairings.

I think I'd go

Petgrave/Nevalainen
Saucerman/Diffley
Jones/Tansey

Regards

Doom

I think with Saucerman and Tansey having played for the same team before Fox might start them together maybe? Plus Diffley is coming in to play more of an offensive role so makes sense if he’s paired with Jones? Anyway they are paired I think our D looks stronger than last years…

[ginger]

Definitely looking much stronger if Saucerman confirmed.

Interesting on line combos but I suspect Tansey and Saucerman will start together. Whatever the lines I think some part of Fox's thinking will be that Nevalainen/Petgrave no longer need to log 30 mins a game - which ultimately should lead to less fatigue down the stretch. Big difference playing 22 min a game compared to 30

[greeny]

The quality of the remaining forwards is the key to having success in the up coming season, toughness and knowing where the back of the net is for me . Defence wise im content with what we have