A Glaswegian Odyssey: Prologue
So, this weekend, I’m off to Glasgow to take in not one but TWO hockey games, and in true ‘I’m a proper writer, innit’ style, I’m going to preview the action ahead and perhaps hazard a prediction or two, before heading off for my lunchtime train. Because I’m a pro and that. Yeah!
Despite a professed fondness for Braehead early in the season, I have of late become somewhat estranged from my Glaswegian charges, having not seen them either live or on screen since their very first game of the season, back in September. They won convincingly that night and set out their stall as a feisty, physical yet skilful side, and it seems that the only thing they lack that prevents them from becoming a top side is consistency. On their day, they can take anyone. Will they be on their game this weekend? They come off the back of a pointless weekend last weekend so will be looking to appease the fans in this home double header.
First up, tonight, will be Belfast. Although the much-vaunted rivalry between Nottingham and Sheffield may be the biggest in UK hockey, they are not the only pair of teams with a mutual dislike this season. There’s no love lost between Belfast and Braehead, following the contentious and much debated events from earlier in the season involving Benoit Doucet and Sammy Zajac. It remains to be seen whether or not those demons have been laid to rest, or if the teams will still feel there are scores to be settled, however what most certainly isn’t in doubt is grudge match or not, these are two of the most physical sides in the league and the game promises to pack a major punch.
The teams are surprisingly well-matched, having met four times and shared the honours even, and it’s a tough one to call. Belfast lost their midweek Challenge Cup clash in Cardiff and in the league, with Nottingham and Sheffield breathing down their necks, two points on the road to start the weekend would make a statement to their rivals. However the injury-plagued Giants are a man down yet again, and a seriously important man at that, the hard-hitting and high-scoring Darryl Lloyd, so they will look once again to in-form Brit Rob Dowd who is on one hell of a hot streak to bamboozle the Clan defencemen and steal the win. Prediction? 2-2 in regulation time. I think it will go the distance and the Giants will win in the shoot-out.
On Saturday night the Clan face Scottish rivals the Dundee Stars, who are enjoying a mini-resurgence under coach Brent Hughes, having picked up three of the four available points last weekend. New boy Mark Kolanos is adding bite to their attack and despite personal cynicism having been unimpressed by the Stars on my two occasions of seeing them in action, it’s clear the side are starting to find some cohesion and in the play-off run-in they seek to pip a rival to 8th spot, and will look at games like this as chances to pick up precious points.
Goaltender Chris Whitley is consistently the best player on the Stars side and he will be looking to keep the scoreline lower than last time I saw these two sides face-off back in September, when the Clan netted an unanswered six. Braehead have had Dundee’s number so far this season and are unbeaten in four meetings against the Taysiders, but I think this will be their toughest test yet. Prediction: despite new-found confidence I still think Braehead have it in them to beat the Stars convincingly. 4-2 Clan.
Anyway. You might have noticed, if you’re a regular, or even casual reader of my ramblings, that I struggle to stick to a point. I don’t really want to be one of ‘those’ writers. You know, those ones that like, recount things that happen, in an orderly and factual manner. Journalists, I think they’re called. I like to impart great wisdom, through the medium of humour, inane observation and emotionally led opinion. Because let’s face it, you can pick up the facts from a number of sources. But what really HAPPENED? Who DOESN’T want to know about people falling over, amusing chants, pretty skating and comparative beard lengths?
I’ll admit though, I have drifted off topic perhaps one too many times and been a very bad hockey writer. Slap wrist. (Ooh I named two kinds of shot, see, look how topical I am!). As a result, I am setting myself a series of personal challenges to try and be a better writer, reporter and person. Here are my pledges. Call them (very) late New Year’s Resolutions:
1. I will attempt to limit my alcohol consumption prior to games so that I remain focussed on the job at hand. Just a half for me please, barkeep!
2. I will work harder at memorising squad numbers so I know who’s who at all times.
3. I will make copious notes in my blue notebook so that I actually remember what happened and don’t have to resort to piecing it together from my cider-addled recollections
4. I will attempt to take a selection of acceptable photographs. And what I mean by that is, not ones which feature blurry blobs on what may or may not be ice.
5. I will try to refrain from dancing during every single stoppage in play. It’s just plain unprofessional.
6. I will avoid commenting on facial hair for the duration of one whole report.
7. I will deliver you the FACTS!! The FACTS I tell you!
8. I will attempt to elicit a cuddle from a previously agreed member of the Braehead Clan squad. Oh wait, that’s going off topic isn’t it. Scratch that.
Come back early next week to see how I get on!! And now, To Glasgow!
