Individual News
21st of December 2007
That was a great win we had over Coventry on Wednesday night and we now look forward to a doubleheader against Sheffield on Saturday and Sunday. Then some of the guys will be rushing away to spend Christmas with their families or to relax for a few days in some European hotspot.
To find time to reflect on the past few months is impossible. To say that events so far this season have been unexpected would be an understatement.
In September, when I wrote my first column, I was talking about how much I was looking forward to coaching the likes of Peter Campbell, Stevie Lyle, Kyle Peto, Dean Melanson and Stevie Thornton.
In December, I find myself travelling up to Manchester in a fairly empty coach to play in defence for the first time in my career, chatting to the only player from that list still in England.
But we still travel in hope, with the target of making the play-offs in 2008. I want to thank all the players for standing together in the most difficult of circumstances. It's an experience that has given us a real strength and determination to realise that goal. It's a squad that every fan can be proud of.
I'm sure this was once again in evidence in our weekend fixtures. We were pleased to have the services of Joey Baird, Adam Bicknell and Jamie Line for our game against Hull.
They adapted well to the increased tempo of the Elite game and sustained their focus and concentration against a team which can be dangerous when they do eventually mount an attack. We took a lot of minor penalties and I thought the outstanding feature for us was our short-handed play.
In Manchester Brad Cruikshank was switched to defence to fill the gap left by Wes Jarvis. Tony Hand's team play a much more offensive style of hockey and we knew chances would fall our way. Curtis Cruickshank continued his fine form and Greg Owen picked up a pair of goals. It was only a defensive error a few minutes before the end of the game which let Manchester take the two points.
All of us associated with Bison would like to thank you for your loyalty and support. We'd like to think we've earned that. Have a great Xmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
To find time to reflect on the past few months is impossible. To say that events so far this season have been unexpected would be an understatement.
In September, when I wrote my first column, I was talking about how much I was looking forward to coaching the likes of Peter Campbell, Stevie Lyle, Kyle Peto, Dean Melanson and Stevie Thornton.
In December, I find myself travelling up to Manchester in a fairly empty coach to play in defence for the first time in my career, chatting to the only player from that list still in England.
But we still travel in hope, with the target of making the play-offs in 2008. I want to thank all the players for standing together in the most difficult of circumstances. It's an experience that has given us a real strength and determination to realise that goal. It's a squad that every fan can be proud of.
I'm sure this was once again in evidence in our weekend fixtures. We were pleased to have the services of Joey Baird, Adam Bicknell and Jamie Line for our game against Hull.
They adapted well to the increased tempo of the Elite game and sustained their focus and concentration against a team which can be dangerous when they do eventually mount an attack. We took a lot of minor penalties and I thought the outstanding feature for us was our short-handed play.
In Manchester Brad Cruikshank was switched to defence to fill the gap left by Wes Jarvis. Tony Hand's team play a much more offensive style of hockey and we knew chances would fall our way. Curtis Cruickshank continued his fine form and Greg Owen picked up a pair of goals. It was only a defensive error a few minutes before the end of the game which let Manchester take the two points.
All of us associated with Bison would like to thank you for your loyalty and support. We'd like to think we've earned that. Have a great Xmas and a happy and healthy New Year.