Blaze back to back

by Seanna Murdock

Blog from Door 19

11th February 2011

Belfast Giants vs Coventry Blaze

I was filled with a sense of dread as I reached the Odyssey, although the Coventry Blaze weren't proving to be the powerhouse that they were last season it was always dicey coming up against one of the 'big' teams. A long day at work stood between me and a night at the Odyssey. Getting a pint and taking my seat I was able to unwind for a weekend of hockey even if my stupid mobile phone was broken and going to cut me off from everyone. The lights dimmed and I waited for the Giants to take to the ice.

It was a must win weekend, we needed 4 points. If we lost in regulation or OT the great win against the Devils would have been worthless in the long run. It says a lot for a team that their first goal scorer, ex-Giant Sean Selmser (2.44) spent more time in the penalty box than on the ice. Farmer and Weaver set up the first goal of the night, but the pressure was on from the outset with the Giants hungry for the points, the Blaze lack lustre at best. The Giants were hard hitting, several dives later the period ended at 1-0. It wasn't looking good, it never ends well the majority of the time that Belfast go behind (remember Braehead on Boxing day?). The second period however was the turnaround, not just for the match but for Coventry's fortune.

The Giants were solidly in control going into the second period but the visitors had the goal advantage. The Giants however answered the challenge by scoring ten minutes into the second period. Peaks and Danny Welch set Prudden up for a great wrist shot against Jaeger, there was no chance he could have saved it. The dead lock lasted for three minutes with the Giants pushing ahead; Lambert converting a pass from C-Way to score his 13th goal of the season. The Giants had the lead for less than a minute and a half with Carson and Weaver setting Fulghum up for his 33rd goal of the season. It looked as though we were being answered goal for goal and the match would be close. Selmser took another penalty, 2 minutes for interference which allowed Danny Welch to convert a pass from Benedict and Prudden, and put the home team ahead once again.

The crowd were on their feet, it was fantastic to be ahead going into the final period. It was looking good, the Chavs were again looking to be a shadow of their former selves. The travelling support were silenced going into the third period, barely any cheering as the Blaze took back to the ice. Belfast looked strong but Jaeger refused to concede another goal, twelve minutes into the third Lambert scored his second goal of the game and 14th of the season. The Giants seemed to have the game sewn up, but tensions were still high as the Giants felt the pressure, Doug's 'plan' for remaining in the race for the top of the league could allow no slip ups. Tension's boiled over as Josh Prudden gained a 2 minute penalty for boarding and after, well lets say a rather lengthy discussion with Hanson took exception to Prudden's defensiveness and sent him off for abuse of official almost 18 minutes in.

The Giants kept their heads down and kept the Chavs at bay for the last two minutes. Thommo pulled Jaeger, empty net, six seconds left, Hemingway scored from the Giants own blue line. Didn't work again, enough said. But Saturday would be the real test of the Giant's grit and determination. As Doug said a successful coach can make or break a game with their words of advice, with the Giants playing their best hockey they have in a long time Doug's words have been sterling!

12 February 2011

Belfast Giants vs Coventry Blaze

It was the night of love in the Odyssey, the tackiness of Valentines day merged with hockey, it was guaranteed to be a good night. Getting to Rockies after a bit of retail therapy I was in total hockey mode on a caffeine buzz. I had downloaded and listened to four hours worth of the best hockey podcast on the web, 'Pucknuts' seconded only by the Pittsburgh Penguins Mike Lang highlight package. Highly recommended; Pucknuts is available through i tunes, just the right mix of comedy, NHL hockey news and fan insight, the ONLY podcast to listen to if you have a sense of humour and you're a hockey fan (not for kiddies though). Grabbing a drink Pete and our friend Matt had a go at Box Hockey before we headed into the Odyssey (Pete now 3-0 in his box hockey career). My favourite, Prudden's jersey was up for grabs so collectively we pulled together to try and get me a shirt, however you don't always get what you want. It didn't put a dampener on the night however, a four point weekend would raise anyone's spirits.

Getting a drink we took our seats and waited for the action to begin. It was a milestone for the Blaze organisation with Paul Thompson having coached 1000 Elite League games, a great achievement for him and for British Ice Hockey. Todd Kelman made a special presentation of vintage whisky to Thommo which was a great sign of respect showing the on ice rivalry didn't stretch to a personal one.

The first period was closely contested with neither team giving away a goal, Cruikshank and Gleed both getting two minute minor penalties. There were plenty of opportunities which neither team could convert, the goal tenders had an amazing first period with both making some great saves.

Two minutes into the second the home fans were treated to the first goal of the evening, Brett Hemingway scored his 23rd goal of the season. The Coventry fans were subdued and their players didn't seem to have their hearts in the game. They knew there and then that they had been beaten, their style of play was sloppy and they slowed right down. Five minutes later Peaks scored set up by Mason and Welch, it was the game winning goal, Thommo chastised his defence and the Blaze had a slight renewal of stamina. This resulted in one of the best beat downs I've seen all season Graeme Walton completely owned Robert Farmer. It started with pushing and shoving, but Wally wasn't expecting the gloves to come off. Once he had got his balance, Wally overpowered Farmer and both players earned five minute fighting majors. It energised the crowd to see the born and bred Belfast lad stand up for himself, even if it was against Farmer who I have on good authority never won a fight as a Steeler either.

The third period was a... well it was a total whitewash. The Giants were like a dog with a bone, they had those two points and they weren't letting them go. Shields and Prudden added to the scoring for the Giants. The Blaze fans were so bored that they were beginning Mexican Waves themselves and sarcastically cheering every successful pass the Blaze put together. Great to see their support for their team... A hooking call against Mason allowed the Blaze to ruin SMurph's shutout. After about 3 seconds of the PP, Owen set Carlson up for his 20th goal of the season, another awful call that allowed the opposition to score a goal that they wouldn't have gotten otherwise. It was too little too late, the home team had a four point double header, it'll be a long wait until the next home match but we're now in the Challenge Cup Final against the holders, the Nottingham Panthers with a seriously under pressure Corey Neilson at the helm... well lets just see what happens there.

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Cardiff	0-3	Basingstoke
12th March 2006 19:00
Coventry	5-3	Sheffield
12th March 2006 19:00
Edinburgh	4-5	Belfast
12th March 2006 19:00
Newcastle	1-4	Nottingham
12th March 2006 19:00
Basingstoke	4-4	Cardiff
11th March 2006 19:00
Newcastle	2-4	Coventry
11th March 2006 19:00

	Club	GP	W	L	OL	GF	GA	Pts

Chelmsford	5-8	Telford
19th March 2006 19:00
Hull	5-1	Wightlink
19th March 2006 19:00
Romford	4-1	Milton Keynes
19th March 2006 19:00
Slough	5-2	Swindon
19th March 2006 19:00
Solihull	3-7	Bracknell
19th March 2006 19:00
Sheffield	1-1	Guildford
19th March 2006 19:00

	Club	GP	W	L	OL	GF	GA	Pts

	Club	GP	W	L	OL	GF	GA	Pts

	Club	GP	W	L	OL	GF	GA	Pts

	Club	GP	W	L	OL	GF	GA	Pts

	Club	GP	W	L	OL	GF	GA	Pts

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