It’s all the CHL’s Fault?

[smbmetal]

So rather than keep hinting, is our loosing streak because of the CHL?

Saucerman wasn’t injured in the CHL, Vainio wasn’t injured in the CHL, not sure De-Filippo was injured in the CHL?

Greenfield, Dowd and Watling were injured in the CHL. Greenfield is a huuuuge loss. Perhaps its not necessarily the injuries rather the tough games which has completely tired us out?

We’ve arguably had the best ever result against Sparta Prague in our history, but I read comments on here that the CHL is to blame for our recent poor performances?

So I ask, if we were asked to play in the CHL next season, should we turn it down?

For me, it’s a huge no. Some of the best hockey I’ve ever seen in the UK was played in the CHL this season and yes, I would swap a League title for progressing even further.

[tim1234]

Some of the best hockey I’ve ever seen in the UK was played in the CHL this season and yes, I would swap a League title for progressing even further.

I 100% agree. Although it's frustrating to lose league points early on in the season, whether it's due to CHL injuries and/or heavy increased schedule, this team has made history in terms of a UK team progressing so far in the CHL - long may it continue.

The league is far from over however, and there is still time to make amends, hopefully this is only a short injury-induced blip.





Sent from my CPH2399 using Tapatalk

[mark]

The added load of playing these high intensity games makes it more likely that injuries can occur and we don't have the depth of squad that a Berlin has, but luck also plays a part, we've had non CHL seasons with loads of injuries and last year hardly any. I think there's a bit of orange tinted glass being looked through here, unless we win every league game, the cup competitions and avoid any injuries someone will blame it on the CHL.

[greeny]

Because of the uk roster sizes and schedule i would forfeit chl and focus on domestic

[Nottonsteeler]

I totally agree. We will never win the CHL so why risk our players and the chances in the domestic competitions. Just my opinion.

[smbmetal]

I totally agree. We will never win the CHL so why risk our players and the chances in the domestic competitions. Just my opinion.

I agree that we are very unlikely to ever win the CHL.

So should the likes of Fife and Dundee not bother playing in the Challenge Cup? Save their players for the league campaign. Cause they’re not going to win it?

[steeler pete]

It was refreshing to play some different opposition and we certainly weren’t whipping boys. In the long run I think it helps us and the league to stretch into the CHL.

Why not skip the challenge cup competition to make space and reduce the burden? It’s hardly a fair competition as it stands. Let’s be honest Belfast were virtually gifted a semi final place and they played fewer games to get there.

[Doom]

I wasn't as down on competing in Europe this season as I have been in the past, mainly due to us now having 4 lines and therefore being less fatigued whilst chasing the much better Euro teams around the ice.

I think there's also the consideration that it will have been the CHL carrot which enticed some of the players to return.

I think we almost got away with it until the Berlin game, which seems to have taken out 4 or 5 key players.

There's no doubt in my mind the CHL has impacted our domestic form, particularly over the last 2 weekends with the injuries we picked up, especially Greenfield.

I'm always dubious regarding competing in Europe because I've seen it derail our seasons in the past. That's often lead to the title challenge fading before the new year, reduced attendances as a result and financial implications following on from this.

I keep banging the same drum, but the league is our bread and butter which pays the bills. It's nice for the supporters to see new top quality teams, but I wouldn't want it at the expense of the future of our club.

I'd be completely against us competing in the other European tournament, but I'm sort of 50/50 with the CHL.

The CHL is now over and we're not out of anything yet, but we do now need to get players healthy ASAP and refocused on the domestic competitions.

To finish off my ramble, could I also request Santa provide us with a powerplay and a penalty kill for Christmas.

Regards

Doom

[DiscoRay]

I'm always dubious regarding competing in Europe because I've seen it derail our seasons in the past.

Don't win the league then, simple.

[mark]

Don't win the league then, simple.

You can do better than that. Try harder.