So, as I write this, there is less than a week until our first home game of the 2013-2014 season. And yes, I’m bloody well excited. I hate the off season. At least last year there was the distraction of the London Olympics, but this year… well, Andy Murray won Wimbledon (finally), and Mo Farrah proved he is the world best distance runner once more.
Anyways, unlike most other blogs, I’m not going to do a run down of the other teams in the league. We all know by now who looks strong (Guildford obviously, and ourselves), who looks, well, shit to be honest (Steeldogs, I’m looking at you), and the rest look pretty much as they always do. I did have a bit of a chuckle though at Andre Payettes bit of over hype: according to the Steeldogs messiah (Budda?) in residence, the Steeldogs have the best netminder, the best playmaker, the best player, and probably the toughest guy in the league.
Wait a minute, did I miss Hand, Lyle or Fone, and Psurny joining the Steeldogs? Oh, nope, my bad, I didn’t because, well, they didn’t. I’m all for a bit of hype to get the fans interest piqued before the start of a season (especially if you expect it to be a long, hard one, eh Andre?), we do it often enough here in Manchester, but this just tripped into Simmsy territory. Seriously, what was Payette smoking when he made that quote, because it seems like it was some ‘good shit’ as they say. The only ‘best’ that the Steeldogs have is probably their rink (and that’s only because its the newest), although that’s debateable. Hell, 2 seasons ago they could rightly clam the best netminder (Bowns) and player (Ozolins), and maybe toughest (Payette when he was a wee bit slimmer), but now? Do me a favour, Andre and pull the other one, its got bells on it….
(Being totally fair, they do have probably the best youth development system in the country over in Shuff)
Of course, our traditional pre season opener is actually revenge time this year after those rascally Steeldogs had the temerity to win the ‘War of the Roses’ last year (and celebrate like it was an actual, real, means something trophy). That was an embarrassment that I feel needs to be rectified this coming weekend.
Anyways, as is the norm for gamedays, the Pyre will most likely be found in the rather excellent Malt Shovels pub before the game, so feel free to drop in and have a drink with us. We don’t bite (unless you ask very nicely).
See you at the Dome!