All Still To Play For

Posted on Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011 at 12:36 pm

As the end of the season approaches, I am very pleased to say that we are the only team in the EIHL that is still alive for all three championships. It could be an amazing end to the season.  I am very proud of how the team has played in 2011.  The players are working hard and playing their best hockey. It makes a massive difference to have a full line-up.  One thing I am very proud of is the overall team chemistry. We have a team full of players who have been stars on their previous teams.  This team cares more about winning than they do personal accolades.  They are a pleasure to work with and have earned the right to play for every trophy down the stretch.

There is no doubt that the Sheffield Steelers are the front-runners for the league. It is our goal to make them play 54 meaningful games. A lot can happen in a weekend and we need to force them to keep winning.   With our game in hand and two games against them, we could be just one point behind them.  I am sure Cardiff will be cheering for us down the stretch as well.  The bottom line is we have to keep winning.   The team is buying in and, as I have said before, there will be lots of twists and turns down the stretch.

Our special teams are continuing to improve, evidenced by the fact that our combined power play and penalty kill rank second in the league. Our PP, which has struggled at times, is starting to produce better scoring opportunities and currently ranks 3^rd in the EIHL.  Much of that is due to the improved performance of Brandon Benedict and Colin Hemingway.  They are special players who make the players around them better. The two of them have to be accounted for on the ice and I believe their best is still to come.

One player who deserves to be recognised is Jon Gleed. He is the best defender in the league. Craig Wellar has all the headlines but I would not trade Gleed for him. If Gleed does not win defenseman of the year he was robbed.  He is currently in our MBA program at the University of Ulster and we are going to do everything in our power to bring him back.  It never hurts for the fans to let him know they appreciate his efforts and professionalism.

Finally, this group of Giants is about to be involved in one of the most exciting runs in the history of the franchise. In the space of 6 weeks, we will have a home game against the league leaders in a potentially title deciding clash, a Challenge Cup final, a slew of meaningful games and a home play-off game.  This is the time of the season teams play for; I am looking forward to sharing the ride with you! We might not win…but we might! We just have to enjoy it together!

Doug Christiansen
Stena Line Belfast Giants Coach