The hockey season is back, and you can follow it all with us right here on BIH.
We are working on an archive of matches, stats and players from BIH in the past few years.
Okay, so anyone who has read any of my blogs will know that my favourite Giant is Tommy Walsh, in my opinion the best defenceman in the league, a fantastic guy and a Harvard graduate. I was excited to interview him and a real insight into the man behind the great number 6 jersey.
SM: Tell us about the real Tommy Walsh; likes, dislikes, hobbies, etc.
TW: Outside of hockey, I like playing golf and watching good TV shows. This year my room-mate and I have finished Mad Men and Dexter. Both great shows.
SM: How does playing for the Belfast Giants in the Elite league compare to your previous experience?
TW: There are some similarities and some differences. This is the nicest home arena that I have played in by a long shot. The travel is a little annoying, especially when we have to take the ferry, but overall it’s an awesome place to play
SM: Talk me through a typical day as a Giant.
TW: Well there are usually a lot of naps! I am a lot busier than some of the guys because I have to go to school a few days a week, but I still find plenty of time to relax.
SM: What has been your best moment this season?
TW: I think that the best moment for me personally was scoring my first goal as a Giant. I ended up getting two goals in the same game and we won. My parents were in town as well so that made it even more special.
SM: I know this might sound silly but how does your study at University of Ulster compare to your Harvard education?
TW: Well I studied government at Harvard and am studying business here so the classes are very different. But its really pretty similar. You get out of it what you put into it.
SM: If you could play for an NHL side which would you choose?
TW: Boston Bruins
SM: Who is your favourite hockey player of all time?
TW: That’s a tough one. Probably Ray Bourque.
SM: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
TW: Definitely my parents. They are the best parents anyone could ask for and they made me the person I am today.
SM: Where do you see yourself in five years time?
TW: [Laughs] I have trouble seeing where I’m gonna be in two weeks never mind 5 years.
SM: What has been your proudest moment?
TW: Another tough one. I would probably have to say graduating from Harvard. That was a pretty cool day.
SM: How do the Belfast fans compare to other fans you've played in front of?
TW: The Belfast fans are great! They really get into the game and absolutely help us play better at home.
SM: Which of your fellow players were you looking forward to playing with the most?
TW: Kevin Phillips.
SM: Do you have any superstitious rituals you do before playing a match?
TW: I always put my left skate on before my right one. That’s about it.
SM: Who else in the league has impressed you this season?
TW: Well Coventry obviously has our number and as of right now are in first place so I guess they have impressed me the most.
SM: I saw you on the Friday Show; on your date. If you had to take ahem, a fan on a date.. what are your best moves?
TW: [Laughs] I don’t think that I can reveal my secrets. I need to keep my competitive advantage intact.
SM: If you weren't a hockey player what would you be doing career wise?
TW: I don’t even want to think about having to get a real life job. I’m dreading the day I need to start one
SM: If you had three wishes to be granted what would you wish for?
TW: Win the lottery, play in the NHL, and win the regular season title with the Giants!
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| 11th February 2012 19:00 | ||
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| 11th February 2012 19:00 | ||
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| 11th February 2012 19:00 | ||
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| 11th February 2012 19:00 | ||
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| 11th February 2012 19:15 | ||
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| 12th February 2012 00:00 | ||
6-2 |
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| 5th February 2012 18:30 | ||
4-5 |
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| 5th February 2012 18:00 | ||
2-4 |
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| 5th February 2012 17:00 | ||
6-1 |
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| 4th February 2012 19:30 | ||
4-1 |
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| 4th February 2012 19:00 | ||
6-2 |
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| 4th February 2012 19:00 | ||
| Club | GP | W | L | OL | GF | GA | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belfast Giants | 41 | 33 | 8 | 3 | 167 | 83 | 69 |
| 2 | Nottingham Panthers | 40 | 30 | 10 | 2 | 182 | 87 | 62 |
| 3 | Sheffield Steelers | 35 | 30 | 5 | 0 | 133 | 77 | 60 |
| 4 | Coventry Blaze | 40 | 25 | 15 | 1 | 153 | 113 | 51 |
| 5 | Cardiff Devils | 39 | 20 | 19 | 10 | 124 | 112 | 50 |
| 6 | Braehead Clan | 39 | 22 | 17 | 2 | 146 | 127 | 46 |
| 7 | Hull Stingrays | 41 | 11 | 30 | 4 | 107 | 165 | 26 |
| 8 | Edinburgh Capitals | 38 | 11 | 27 | 3 | 89 | 170 | 25 |
| 9 | Dundee Stars | 40 | 7 | 33 | 5 | 95 | 163 | 19 |
| 10 | Fife Flyers | 39 | 7 | 32 | 5 | 79 | 178 | 19 |
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| 8th February 2012 19:45 | ||
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| 11th February 2012 17:45 | ||
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| 11th February 2012 18:00 | ||
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| 11th February 2012 18:30 | ||
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| 11th February 2012 19:00 | ||
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| 11th February 2012 19:00 | ||
3-0 |
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| 5th February 2012 18:30 | ||
4-2 |
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| 5th February 2012 18:00 | ||
6-3 |
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| 5th February 2012 17:30 | ||
6-8 |
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| 5th February 2012 17:30 | ||
3-0 |
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| 4th February 2012 19:30 | ||
1-3 |
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| 4th February 2012 19:00 | ||
| Club | GP | W | L | OL | GF | GA | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guildford Flames | 38 | 26 | 12 | 3 | 172 | 111 | 55 |
| 2 | Manchester Phoenix | 39 | 24 | 15 | 3 | 145 | 123 | 51 |
| 3 | Slough Jets | 37 | 24 | 13 | 2 | 167 | 117 | 50 |
| 4 | Sheffield Steeldogs | 38 | 22 | 16 | 4 | 119 | 101 | 48 |
| 5 | Milton Keynes Lightning | 37 | 22 | 15 | 1 | 116 | 99 | 45 |
| 6 | Basingstoke Bison | 38 | 21 | 17 | 2 | 135 | 126 | 44 |
| 7 | Swindon Wildcats | 39 | 15 | 24 | 5 | 126 | 134 | 35 |
| 8 | Bracknell Bees | 37 | 13 | 24 | 8 | 107 | 142 | 34 |
| 9 | Peterborough Phantoms | 38 | 14 | 24 | 2 | 123 | 164 | 30 |
| 10 | Telford Tigers | 39 | 9 | 30 | 2 | 106 | 199 | 20 |