The Buzz Of The Fans

Posted on Wednesday, February 9th, 2011 at 6:14 pm

First and foremost, I would like to thank the fans who were so loud on Saturday night. That was the loudest the building has been all year and there was a “buzz” that was felt by the players. I know they fed off that emotion and won the biggest game of the year. I will admit, 4-0 was not what I expected when I walked into the building on Saturday. I knew we were in for a tough game and a physical encounter. The guys had a look in their eye all week and I thought if we played to our capability we would get the two points. The fact that the game doubled as the Challenge Cup semi-final was that much better. A 4-0 lead going into the second leg is unexpectedly good, however, there is a lot of hockey to be played.

The team has played very well in recent weeks and is 7-1-1 in our last 9 games. There will be some shock results down the stretch and w know we are still in the middle of the title chase. We will need a couple results to go our way but Saturday’s win keeps us alive.  If the team plays like they did on Saturday night, I like our chances of pushing all the way.

It was great to have a full line-up for the 8th time this season. Kaspars Astasenko has been a welcomed addition and I know he will help us down the stretch.  He is a bit rusty but he played well on Saturday night.

The stretch run does not get any easier. We play the Coventry Blaze in a home double header that can really boost our title chances. We need to keep winning.  Coventry had a tough run of injuries but they are starting to get their players back including Jon Weaver.  They have played Cardiff 4 times and went 1-1-2. They lost in a shootout to Sheffield on Saturday. It is a massive test for the team.  The rivalry with the Blaze is always vital to the title run and this year is the same! We need the fans to have that “buzz.”

Enjoy the run.  I know the team will.

Doug Christiansen
Stena Line Belfast Giants Coach