The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL

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Rex Kramer
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PostThe official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Rex Kramer » Mon Aug 13, 2018 11:55 am

I've been kicking around the idea of starting a thread to discuss all things ice hockey here at GR. I'm fairly certain there's a handful of UK ice hockey fans on here so I'm hoping there's enough happening to make it worthwhile.

Anyways, as an opening gambit, what's your team, hockey history etc.

I'm a Nottingham Panthers fan and have got more into it over the last couple of years coupled with a waning interest in football (a combination of shite ownership at Forest and the widening gap between the top 6 in the premier league and the rest of English football). Went to about a dozen games last season. I used to go along in the late 90s/early 2000s but moved away. Back into it now though as my kids are at an age where they have some interest. Other than the Panthers, I keep half an eye on the Flyers which is really just because of late 90s coverage by Channel 5 and them having an awesome 1st line of Renberg, Lindros and LeClair.

Hoping for a good season for the Panthers this year after last year was a real up and down one. The CHL campaign was fantastic, some cracking games with a great atmosphere at the NIC and it looked like we'd really challenge in the league. But then the wheels fell off once we got knocked out and December was a disaster. Almost recovered to do something decent in the playoffs before losing to the Steelers (pantomime boo). We've got a massive roster this year, almost every player is 6'2"+ so should at least be entertaining with plenty of hits. Still think the Devils will win the league though.

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Mafro » Mon Aug 13, 2018 11:59 am

Fife Flyers are just up the road from me. Used to go regularly but haven't been in a while because of the daft ticket prices.

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by D_C » Mon Aug 13, 2018 5:14 pm

I approve this thread. I guess my nearest team is Milton Keynes, but strawberry float going up there for that. I'd much rather save my money and finally fly over to Pittsburgh :wub:

I absolutely adore hockey and the complete unpredictability of it.

Case in point, one of my favourite moments:


Playoff hockey absolutely ruins my sleep and work pattern for (sometimes) months, but it's so damn worth it. I remember staying up one night to watch a playoff game, and it went to nearly 3 extra periods of OT (Pens lost). 50-odd minutes of edge of your seat hockey :wub:

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by jawafour » Mon Aug 13, 2018 5:59 pm

D_C wrote:...Case in point, one of my favourite moments...

Wow! I don't know much about ice hockey but that really was an incredible finale, D_C!

I did watch the Winter Olympics final back in February when Russia defeated Germany 4-3 in overtime. It was so intense and exciting at the end! IIRC Germany were the underdogs and were in a great position to win before Russia fought back.

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Mafro » Mon Aug 13, 2018 6:08 pm

My brother-in-law is a huge Carolina Hurricanes fan. He's played in their alumni game twice.

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Kanbei » Mon Aug 13, 2018 7:21 pm

Used to go to the Belfast Giants alot when I was at school as the tickets were super cheap. Have only been the once since then. Been thinking of going to a couple of games this season.

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Rex Kramer » Mon Aug 13, 2018 9:11 pm

Kanbei wrote:Used to go to the Belfast Giants alot when I was at school as the tickets were super cheap. Have only been the once since then. Been thinking of going to a couple of games this season.

You should, they're a decent side (though Steelers have nicked a few players off them this summer). They qualified for the 2nd tier European competition last season and are hosting the semi final weekend at home in November. Should be a really decent few games and a chance to see some teams from other leagues. More info here - https://belfastgiants.com/2018/06/22/gi ... n-belfast/

D_C wrote:I approve this thread. I guess my nearest team is Milton Keynes, but strawberry float going up there for that. I'd much rather save my money and finally fly over to Pittsburgh :wub:

I might be tempted to agree given what I saw of the Lightning last season but to be fair to them they'd only just taken the step up from the national league and it was their first season in the EIHL. One thing that might be of interest though, the EIHL have signed a TV deal with Freesports so you'll be able to watch some (beer league) hockey on freeview from September/October.

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Mafro » Mon Aug 13, 2018 9:15 pm

Ooh never knew it was gonna be on Freeview this season. That's a big plus.

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Rex Kramer » Mon Aug 13, 2018 9:22 pm

Mafro wrote:Ooh never knew it was gonna be on Freeview this season. That's a big plus.

Definitely. The fans have been crying out for it for a while now but a couple of the owners seemed to think it would hit their Saturday night attendances. Very short sighted of them as it's the only way the game is going to grow in the UK.

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Rex Kramer » Mon Aug 13, 2018 9:24 pm

Turns out they've also got some NHL games which I wasn't aware of.

Ice Hockey
Elite Ice Hockey League — LIVE games every 2 weeks & highlights
National Hockey League – 3 games a week that can’t be shown live on Premier Sports.
International Ice Hockey Federation – 20 live games from Championships and 5 GB games from Div1A
Champions Hockey League – 20 live games
Swedish Hockey League – 2 live games a week
KHL
Spengler Cup live semi's and final
GB u18s World Championship


Here's their website - https://www.freesports.tv/

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by OrangeRKN » Mon Aug 13, 2018 11:49 pm

Coventry Blaze fan here! A fan since the end of primary school I had a season ticket with my family throughout my entire time at secondary school, only stopping once I moved away for uni (and now living in reading). I still go to a few matches every year when I'm visiting my parents, and we always go to the playoff finals in Nottingham every year without fail.

Very much looking forward to being able to watch the coming season on TV!

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Return_of_the_STAR » Tue Aug 14, 2018 12:00 am

I’ve always wanted to get into ice hockey ever since I was a massive fan of the mighty ducks films in the 90s but I never found the time to seek it out. My friend and I used to play street hockey with each other, pair of roller blades, proper street hockey sticks and puck. For some reason I never followed this passion up to ice hockey. I know a few people who go to watch MK Lightning regularly so I really should give it a try.

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Rex Kramer » Tue Aug 14, 2018 10:29 am

OrangeRakoon wrote:Coventry Blaze fan here! A fan since the end of primary school I had a season ticket with my family throughout my entire time at secondary school, only stopping once I moved away for uni (and now living in reading). I still go to a few matches every year when I'm visiting my parents, and we always go to the playoff finals in Nottingham every year without fail.

Very much looking forward to being able to watch the coming season on TV!

You know what, you definitely should. But unfortunately Freesports have just released their game schedule and the only team not on all season is the Blaze. It's rather mystifying (or entirely expected if those on high in the EIHL are involved).

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Mafro » Tue Aug 14, 2018 10:49 am

Rex Kramer wrote:
OrangeRakoon wrote:Coventry Blaze fan here! A fan since the end of primary school I had a season ticket with my family throughout my entire time at secondary school, only stopping once I moved away for uni (and now living in reading). I still go to a few matches every year when I'm visiting my parents, and we always go to the playoff finals in Nottingham every year without fail.

Very much looking forward to being able to watch the coming season on TV!

You know what, you definitely should. But unfortunately Freesports have just released their game schedule and the only team not on all season is the Blaze. It's rather mystifying (or entirely expected if those on high in the EIHL are involved).

Do you have a link to the schedule?

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Rex Kramer » Tue Aug 14, 2018 10:54 am

Mafro wrote:
Rex Kramer wrote:
OrangeRakoon wrote:Coventry Blaze fan here! A fan since the end of primary school I had a season ticket with my family throughout my entire time at secondary school, only stopping once I moved away for uni (and now living in reading). I still go to a few matches every year when I'm visiting my parents, and we always go to the playoff finals in Nottingham every year without fail.

Very much looking forward to being able to watch the coming season on TV!

You know what, you definitely should. But unfortunately Freesports have just released their game schedule and the only team not on all season is the Blaze. It's rather mystifying (or entirely expected if those on high in the EIHL are involved).

Do you have a link to the schedule?

Yup - https://eliteleague.co.uk/2018/08/14/el ... r-2018-19/

LIST OF TELEVISED GAMES FOR 2018/19
(Please note list is subject to change at a later date, TBC game to be added for March)

Sunday 16th September –

Cardiff Devils vs Milton Keynes Lightning (6pm)

Wednesday 26th September –

Nottingham Panthers vs Cardiff Devils (7.30pm)

Wednesday 10th October –

Belfast Giants vs Guildford Flames (7.30pm)

Wednesday 31st October –

Glasgow Clan vs Cardiff Devils (7,30pm)

Wednesday 14th November –

Milton Keynes Lightning vs Glasgow Clan (7.30pm)

Wednesday 21st November –

Cardiff Devils vs Fife Flyers (7.30pm)

Wednesday 5th December –

Dundee Stars vs Belfast Giants (7.30pm)

Thursday 27th December –

Sheffield Steelers vs Nottingham Panthers (TBC)

Wednesday 16th January –

Manchester Storm vs Guildford Flames (7.30pm)

Wednesday 30th January –

Guildford Flames vs Sheffield Steelers (7.30pm)

Wednesday 13th February –

Challenge Cup Semi Final

Wednesday 27th February –

Fife Flyers vs Belfast Giants (7.30pm)

Wednesday 20th March –

Glasgow Clan vs Cardiff Devils (7.30pm)

Saturday 6th April –

PredictorBet Playoff Quarter Final

Sunday 7th April –

PredictorBet Playoff Quarter Final

Sunday 14th April –

PredictorBet Playoff Final

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Mafro » Tue Aug 14, 2018 10:58 am

Yeah that looks a bit dodgy :lol: Not surprised given what the EIHL is like.

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Jenuall » Tue Aug 14, 2018 11:25 am

Went to see the Cardiff Devils a couple of times when I was at uni years ago, it was a really enjoyable experience but I can't say that I really follow the sport!

Apparently Cardiff are a fairly decent side, I seem to recall them winning most of the games I did go to.

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by OrangeRKN » Tue Aug 14, 2018 12:48 pm

Rex Kramer wrote:But unfortunately Freesports have just released their game schedule and the only team not on all season is the Blaze.


Five Cardiff games

Zero Blaze games

ok

At least we'll be on TV for the challenge cup and the playoffs :toot:

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Rex Kramer » Sat Aug 18, 2018 9:38 am

My first game of the new season tonight, friendly against a German side. Will be interesting to see the new roster as there are massive changes from last season. Also a new coach in place so expecting a different style of play too.

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PostRe: The official (i.e. only) GR Ice Hockey thread: EIHL, NHL, CHL or any other HL
by Rex Kramer » Sat Sep 01, 2018 10:28 pm

Went to the Panthers vs Steelers challenge cup game tonight. Easy win for Panthers, 5-2 and I'm not sure they deserved 2. It's far too early in the season to get too excited but our team look really decent. Big, fast skaters with decent puck handling as well. If we can avoid our annual Christmas drop off then this could be a good season. Steelers looked shite, dreadful powerplay and they got plenty of practice. I almost feel sorry for them. Knowing them though, they'll still do well.


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