While most people's working week is ending, for Todd Dutiaume and his Flyers team it's just beginning. A double header with their old foes, the Edinburgh Capitals follows what was statistically their
best weekend in EIHL history and their are some pretty lofty expectations created from these results. Dutiaume discussed the expectations this week on Behind the Glass, if you haven't heard this weeks show you can listen
here.
I've seen a lot of comments over the last few days on the rivalry between the Capitals and the Flyers and how it is finally back, I've included a few of the comments below:
As a Flyers fan of almost 20 years I have to say that I've never seen the rivalry diminish, yes there will be times when one team does slightly better than the other. I don't think it's that simple to say that a rivalry doesn't exist because one team wins more of the games. Competition between the two teams may will improve but don't confuse that with rivalry. As an example, let's look at the Hogmanay games between the two clubs: in 2011 a 5-4 shootout victory for the Flyers, 2012 a 3-2 overtime win for the Flyers and 2013 a close fought 4-3 win for the Capitals each time in front of a crowd of approximately 1500 fans. So, 1500 fans are showing up on Scotland's biggest party day to watch a minority sport and we are claiming that this rivalry only reignited a month ago?
If that's the case I really cannot wait until this weekends games!
The big news around the league is the announcement that teams can now name 3 alternate captains in addition to the captain:
My question would be immediately, is this necessary? The argument is that an extra alternate would mean that there is always someone able to speak to the officials. I personally feel that, as long as they are asking a question and not abusing the official, any player can speak to the officials on a decision. I understand that there is often a need for a captain to speak with the referee and linesman and so this is one of those things that in theory would work. I'm just not convinced that in practice it will work, look at the Flyers as an example: Kyle Haines is the captain, Jordan Fulton and Bobby Chaumont are the alternates, they are all on the same line, an extra alternate on a different forward or defensive line is hardly going to remedy that, is it?
And finally...
Great cause on Friday 17th really hope all those attending take part and contribute!
