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Fan Voice: Jon Rowson and the Czech Extraliga

I love European hockey, it’s clearly no secret. Although it will never top the home sweet home of Canada and our passionate game, Europe and their leagues are following close behind. Here’s the thing, I know barely anything about the leagues aside from the EIHL and KHL and a bit of SM-Liiga. So when Jon Rowson approached me about his passion for the Czech Extraliga, I jumped at the chance to expand my hockey knowledge. Rowson is also the current English website manager for HC Slovan Bratislava of the KHL.

He took the time to talk to me about both leagues and the effect of last season’s NHL lockout.

March Hockey: Where are you located and how did you get into hockey?

Jon Rowson: Well I was born and raised in a town just outside of Birmingham, England, although this summer I’m calling Prague, Czech Republic home. It was actually my father who got me into hockey. He tells me that he took me to a game at the old Solihull Blaze rink back in the late 90s when I was very young, but apparently I hated it and so we left mid-way through the game! However, the Blaze then relocated to Coventry, and I was taken to a few games and I grew to love the game. I can still remember being there when the Blaze defeated the Dundee Stars in the 2003 British National League playoff final. Very hazy memories of course, but still, I remember all the streamers and confetti falling from the top of the stand!

MH: Why are you so passionate about the Czech Extraliga and in your opinion, what makes the league a superior one?

JR: When I was younger, my father did a lot of work in the Czech Republic, and he would often schedule his trips in time with my school holidays, meaning that from an early age I would end up in either the Czech Republic or Slovakia. Of course, we would also try and fit it in with the hockey schedule, and back in 2006 I went to my first Czech Extraliga game. None other than the Prague derby between Slavia and Sparta at the then Sazka Arena (now o2 Arena). Cue my surprise as a fourteen year old kid who had only been to EIHL games before that, seeing a massive crowd of over 10,000, riot police bringing in the Sparta fans, and also the whole atmosphere was just crazy. I had never experienced two sets of fans singing for the whole sixty minutes. From that day I began to love everything about Extraliga hockey.

While the fan culture is a massive part, and I’ve met some fantastic people through it, I also find that it is incredibly fun to watch. At present I work for a KHL club on their website, which has meant that I have watched a lot of KHL hockey over the past two years, and if I’m honest, I find it incredibly defensive minded and rather dull, even when I’m watching a team I support. The Extraliga is an incredibly offensive minded league, and I don’t think any of the fourteen teams understands what a neutral zone trap is. The players shoot at will, and I just find it by far the most entertaining league in the world to watch. I’ve also noticed that players seem to play the game with a real love for the sport. I love to see players really celebrate after scoring a goal like it means something to them. I hate it when guys score a goal don’t smile or show some sort of happiness at scoring. You don’t get that in the Extraliga. Continue reading “Fan Voice: Jon Rowson and the Czech Extraliga”

NZIHL Weekend Preview: The Fate of 4 Teams for the Grand Final

This weekend is a pivotal one for four teams in the NZIHL. Four teams have the chance to make the Grand Final. Every stride, every shot, every body check will be fighting for this moment. The action will unfold in dramatic fashion for the Canterbury Red Devils, the Southern Stampede and the Dunedin Thunder. Botany Swarm however, having already played all of their regular season games will be sitting on the edge of their seats watching how the standings will play out.

Red Devils goaltender Justin Findlay sums up the road to the Grand Final:

“Canterbury Red Devils MUST win 2 games in regulation as does Southern Stampede to have a really good chance at making the finals. The Dunedin Thunder must win at least 1 game against West Auckland Admirals and the Botany Swarm are patiently waiting at the top of the table (having played all there regular season games) but can be overtaken by the Canterbury Red Devils as well as the Dunedin Thunder.”

Doesn’t get any more complicated then that.

In the first set the Red Devils will be hosting the Stamps down in Christchurch. They’re coming off of a weekend series with the Botany Swarm having split both games. Swarm proved how powerful they were as they took a commanding 10-3 in the first match-up and only fell to Canterbury by one on the second. Canterbury will need to have top notch goaltending and the ability to stay out of the penalty box this weekend in order to remain alive for the Grand Final.

From the Stampede’s point of view, it looks pretty similar. They also took a powerful 10-5 victory over the Dunedin Thunder in their last weekend set but fell in the second game 6-4. I have a slight feeling were in for some rough action with this Red Devils/Stampede series folks.

On the other side the Dunedin Thunder are hosting the West Auckland Admirals. As Findlay said earlier, the Thunder only need to win one game this weekend. The Admirals will be in top form so they better not sit back and go into these games nonchalantly as everybody will be looking for a huge upset.

Catch all the action at ww.nzihl.tv as you’ll be in for some of the best hockey played this season.

Fan Voice: Craig Summerton and the Coventry Blaze

Craig Summerton is a die-hard Coventry Blaze fan who also runs his own blog dedicated to hockey of the United Kingdom. It might be new but his post gives an in-depth look at Team Great Britain and the Blaze in general. He gives me a look at the Blaze, how they will cope with the loss of Captain Shea Guthrie, and how they continue to Bleed Blue.

March Hockey: Where are you located and how did you first get into hockey?

Craig Summertown (middle) with Blaze players Adam Calder and Joel Poirier (Twitter: @block15blaze)

Craig Summerton: Born and bred in Coventry, living and working in London. Coventry Blaze season ticket holder so every game is an away game for me. On recommendation from a friend I attended one of the first Blaze games at the Skydome and I’ve been hooked ever since.

MH: What makes you a passionate fan of the Coventry Blaze and the EIHL in general?

CS: I used to be a Coventry City season ticket holder but after attending a few ice hockey games my passion quite quickly shifted to the Blaze. After my first season of ice hockey, the Coventry City season ticket wasn’t renewed (sorry for my part in the state that club are in today!) and I found myself travelling around the country following the Blaze most weekends. I enjoy being part of a fairly small community of UK hockey fans, I’ve met life long friends of all ages through ice hockey. One of the big attractions of the sport for me is how it breaks down age barriers. I’m 29, one of my best friends who I met through hockey is 82. It really makes no difference. I like the fact that fans of all teams, can make friends and come together after a game without fear of trouble. Can you imagine bringing ten sets of football supporters into one venue for a whole weekend like we do in the UK for the playoff weekend? Mixed with alcohol, it would be chaos. It’s a shame more ‘closed minded’ football fans won’t give ice hockey a chance in the UK.

The EIHL has taken a lot of criticism over the years (deservedly so in the most part) but I certainly wouldn’t want to go back to the old British National League days in which Coventry used to compete or indeed for my club to move to the current EPL. Don’t get me wrong, the EPL has its merits & some of my best hockey memories come from the days when Blaze competed in the BNL. However, I feel that the EIHL as a ‘product’ is a major step up in quality over the old BNL and current EPL and that’s where I want my team to compete. The level of import being recruited to play in the EIHL seems to be improving each and every year. Many clubs have done a good job forging links with local Universities in order to offer high calibre pros the opportunity to study and play. Younger guys from across the pond seem to be using the league as a stepping stone to get into the higher paying Euro leagues and British players appear to be reaching levels beyond what we have seen in the past. The ever-widening gap between the rich and poor in the league is a worry but the introduction of the conference system (with the prospect of tweaks in future years!) has to be considered a success. Continue reading “Fan Voice: Craig Summerton and the Coventry Blaze”

One on One with Peterborough Phantoms’ Nathan Pollard

Nathan Pollard is a fiesty defenceman who’s been playing with the Peterborough Phantoms of the EPIHL for the past 3 years. At 20 years old, he’s a definite force on solid player on the team.

March Hockey: Growing up, what player was the biggest influence on your style of play and why?

Nathan Pollard: There isn’t really any players that I based my style of play on, because when I was younger like everybody else your favourite player most of the time would either be the big goalscorer or the fighter! However 2 coaches have helped my progress as a player throughout my hockey career which are Jon Kynaston and Stevie Johnson. These guys have coached me since I started playing at the age of 9 and still now, Jon is teaching me ways to better my game every time I step on the ice.

MH: What was it like to be a part of the U18 championship?

NP: It was a good experience for the team and for me as a player, we didn’t play as well as we had first hoped. But we had a great team that year and played well all season to get there.

MH: Where would you like to see your hockey career go from here?

NP: I haven’t really thought about it to much, having just turned 20 I still (hopefully) have many years of playing ahead of me, so I’m just taking every season as it comes! I’d love to become a Peterborough legend and get my shirt on the wall with the other greats that have played in Peterborough colours! However it would be a dream to play in the EIHL or another top European league. Continue reading “One on One with Peterborough Phantoms’ Nathan Pollard”

First step in new era for Team GB

An interesting look at the future of hockey for Great Britain and the national squad.

UK Hockey Blog

First step in new era for Team GB

In the first step down a new path for Team GB, two Under 20’s squad have been announced for forthcoming tournaments.

Lithuania will be the first port of call in a six team tournament held from 23rd to 28th August 2013.
The tournament is dedicated to the memory of Alexei Cherepanov, a Russian hockey player who died after collapsing during a KHL game in Russia in October 2008.
Team GB will face Lithuania Under-20s, Poland Under-20s, Belarus Under-18s and Russian sides Omsk Hawks and Kapitan Stupino.
A young squad of players has been selected with the emphasis on getting valuable experience.
Nine of the players are aged 16-17, with just four 19 year olds.
Without going through each member of the squad, I’ve selected a few interesting or notable players to note.
Defenseman Ben Russell is now with Milton Keynes but…

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Spencer Watson’s shootout goal leads to semi final berth for Team Canada

Kingston Frontenacs forward Spencer Watson has been an unstoppable force for Team Canada at the 2013 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament in Breclav, Czech Republic. Today’s game finished in dramatic fashion as both teams kept fans on the edge of their seat.

Watson’s latest expenditure came at the hands of Team Switzerland where the Swiss forced Canada into a shootout. The Swiss rallied in the second and third period to tie the game up at three. Watson prevailed and notched the shootout winner to seal the deal and has had at least one point in each round robin game. Team Canada sits on top of the group A standings and will head to the semi finals.

Canada’s other goals came from Watson’s Kingston teammate Sam Bennett, Barrie Colts scoring machine and Team Canada leader Aaron Ekblad and Moose Jaw Warriors forward Brayden Point. Watson also picked up an assist on Point’s goal. Chicoutimi Sagueneens goaltender Julio Billia picked up his second win of the tournament.

This pivotal win gives Team Canada a playoff berth where they will face the Russians on Friday. Canada is going for its sixth gold medal in a row at this tournament.

In group B action, Team USA won their final game of round robin competition to finish on top of the standings. Three members of the Portland Winterhawks picked up points in their 5-2 victory over Slovakia. The United States will now face the host nation of Czech Republic in other semi final match up on Friday.

Fan Voice: Kevin Alcock and the NZIHL

The latest in our Fan Voice series features Kevin Alcock and his passion for the New Zealand Ice Hockey League. He is a proud hockey fan and takes me down under to the world of the NZIHL.

March Hockey: Where are you located and how did you get into hockey?

Kevin Alcock: I live in Christchurch, New Zealand. I played roller/inline hockey at high school. I went to my first NHL game in 1988 ( Kings v Canucks), soon after I found myself living in Vancouver, BC and started play social hockey. Survived the 1994 riot on Robson Street and I’ve been hooked for life.

MH: Does the NZIHL do enough to promote the league/teams and to involve the fans?

KA: I believe they do the best job they can with their limited resources. The Devils make the local paper after their games, which is very good as hockey is a very minor sport in New Zealand.

MH: Can you give a brief description of the Skate of Origin for our readers?

KA: New Zealand is made up of 2 major islands, North and South (yes us Kiwis have a great imagination). Skaters represent their home island in an annual game. As you imagine the rivalry between North and South is very intense across all sporting codes, so bragging rights are always sought after.

MH: Let’s talk NHL. Who’s your favourite team and player and why?

KA: After living in Vancouver for so long it is the Canucks, however I have a huge soft spot for the Leafs. People love or hate him, but I’m a huge Roberto Luongo fan, but Trevor Linden is my all time favourite as he represented what I believe a hockey player should be.

MH: Does New Zealand cover enough NHL? What would be your ultimate game to see?

KA: Hell no! Kiwi’s are great lovers of sport and if they actually could see more hockey it would give our local hockey a boost. I subscribe to NHL Game Center Live which allows me to see all the NHL I want or listen to radio broadcasts if I’m at work. Would love to see a Canada/Russia final in Sochi in 2014.

MH: Who are you pulling for in the NZIHL for the championship this season?

KA: The Canterbury Red Devils! Are there any other teams?!

If you’re a passionate hockey fan and want to represent your team or league, get in touch with me on twitter @MarchHockey or facebook, http://www.facebook.com/MarchHockey

Canterbury Red Devils Season Highlights

The Canterbury Red Devils play their final two home games this weekend in the race for first place.

They have put together a highlight package of the past year as a thank you to the fans. It’s worth checking out just for Joe Cocker’s rendition of With A Little Help From My Friends.

In all seriousness though, check out the video for some incredible goals.

Canada drops to Sweden; Sweden’s Eriksson Breaks Leg

Team Canada suffered their first loss at the hands of Team Sweden at the U18 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament today. However, Sweden suffered it’s own loss as starting goaltender Jesper Eriksson left the game.

Jared McCann of the Soo Greyhounds put Canada on the board first but it was Sweden who retaliated with three straight in the first period. Two of those goals came from Swedish sharpshooter Kevin Elgestal.

The Swedes carried their 3-1 lead into the third period but Sam Bennett had other ideas as he pulled Canada within one with goal coming at 3:54. However it was short lived as Micheal Nylander Altelius put Sweden on top by two once again. Spencer Watson notched a powerplay goal for the red and white near the end of the third but it proved to be not enough as Sweden hung on to a 4-3 victory.

Not all went well for Team Sweden though as starting netminder Jesper Eriksson left the game in the third period after colliding with a Canadian player who had been tripped. Eriksson is rumored to have broken his leg and will be out for the remainder of the tournament and possibly his upcoming season. A penalty was called against Sweden on the play.

Team Canada’s record falls to 1-1-0 as they powered over the Czech Republic with a 4-0 victory on Monday. Their next game comes in the form of Team Switzerland who actually formulated a win against Sweden in their second game of action. That game is set to take place on Wednesday at Alcapast Arena in Breclav, Czech Republic.

Fan Voice: Paul England and the Sheffield Steeldogs/EPIHL

The latest in our Fan Voice series where we feature passionate fans from across the globe on what makes them cheer for the teams and leagues that they do.

Paul England (who also resides there) is a die hard Sheffield Steeldogs fan. He is also a proud supporter of the AIHL and NZIHL. He gives me an in-depth look at the tier 2 league in the U.K.

March Hockey: Where are you located and how did you get interested in hockey?

Paul England: I am from the UK and live in a town called Huddersfield which is in West Yorkshire. I first got interested in hockey when I was at high school. My PE teacher was Canadian and always went on about the sport. So one day I phoned up my local Ice rink to get some information about the local team. A few days later I went to see my first hockey game. It was the Bradford Bulldogs v Haringay Greyhounds and the year was 1985. From then I was hooked and watched and helped out at the Bradford Bulldogs games. I was the DJ for the junior games for a few years which was really good fun. I left the club after 4 years but to this day the Bradford Bulldogs are still going strong and have a really good junior system that is doing really well.

MH: What makes you a passionate fan of the EPIHL compared to the EIHL?

PE: For me the fact that the EPIHL is a league that is mainly of British players really is the key. The teams are only allowed to ice 4/5 imports which really helps the development of the British players. Even though it is a semi professional league, the standard of hockey is really good and it keeps improving every year. The other thing about the EPIHL is I like the style of hockey that is played. It’s more of a British based style of hockey compared to the EIHL which is a more North American style. I think the EIHL is also very overrated. They have 11/12 imports per team which dosen’t help the sport develop over here at all. In my view they should be working with the EPIHL teams in order to bring the British players through to play in the EIHL which in turn would bring better results for the National team and more coverage on the TV and Radio. Continue reading “Fan Voice: Paul England and the Sheffield Steeldogs/EPIHL”