A couple of weeks back, we played the Sheffield Steeldogs (Or Steel Dingles/Pups depending on how much you dislike them). As is usual, Andre Payettes merry men came to the Dome not exactly looking to play hockey, but more to cause chaos and destruction (or so it seemed).
For all the niggly plays, blatant cheap shots, and outright cheating, the Phoenix still took the points. Whether they should have had to put up with what they did though is a different matter all together.
My problem is this: Is Payettes brand of ‘Old Time Hockey’ going too far now? Given the fairly poor standard of officiating we often see in the EPL, a lot of the ‘old time hockey’ tricks have the potential to cause players serious injury. And Coach Payettes team are the worst proponents of this style. Coach Payette seems obsessed (to all intents and purposes) with having his charges play ‘dirty’ hockey. Elbows near the boards, cheeky punches to head when the refs back is turned, hand grabbing from the bench… The list is endless.
Now, I know Payettes style isn’t the most popular amongst the fans on the EPL. Shit, the only folks who seem to like it are the Steeldogs own fans. And being truthful, I can’t see things changing next season. Why? Simple: Some Steeldogs fans (and likely Payette himself) will argue that this style of play took them all the way to the EPL play off semi finals last year, and could/will do so again. This ignores one crucial fact: in the 2011-2012 season the Steeldogs had arguably the best netminder and forward in the league (Bowns and Ozolins). Take these 2 out of the equation and you have what transpired this season: failing to make the play off quarter finals.