Season Expectations 2022/23

[paul johnston]

I want a return to feeling entertained after a game, I want to experience that visceral feeling that a good balanced hockey game should be about. A mix of speed, skill along with the physical combative edge that hockey has always been about. The type of game that revs my insides up, gets the pulse rate up, makes me leave the arena smiling.

Last year was very meh for me, even when we had convincing victories. Was only a handful of games that I really enjoyed including a close loss to the Devils. I had many a discussion with Jay about this and if I remember correctly he didn't get my point and felt I was being a bit harsh.

I do feel that the team signed looks more promising from that score. If I can enjoy most games, along with tasting victory frequently, I will be happy.

It is too long since we tasted league success (not that there ever is and should be a guarantee of winning) and the pressure from Tony should be on Foxy in that regard. I'm not sure it is though because our bums on seats is high, 50/50 and merchandise sales must be huge and Tony has always said thats his bottom line (bums on seats). Even the Whitehouse guy 50/50 seller, who used to be all about Steelers winning, doesn't seem to be as bothered anymore. I think that says something about the club. The balance between being a sports club and business has tilted much more towards the latter.

I think it will take a reduction in ticket, 50/50 and merchandise sales rather than lack of league title success before Tony will look at a coach change.

I'm hoping and hopeful that this will be a moot point this year and Foxy and the lads kick some serious ass!!

Oh and lastly for sure there is concern about the financial cost of living crisis. The Steelers and the league should be worried because I do expect there to be a much more selective picking and choosing of games to go to and other spending.

[ginger]

If we finished 2nd in every competition then I'm not sure you can seriously fire a coach! 2 one off finals - unless we got absolutely battered in both and were 10 points off 1st in the league maybe, but I'd guess that would mean 1 team was miles better than everyone.

Considering there are 4 teams including us who realistically could win the league, salary cap in place then it's about challenging for all competitions. If we do that, then I'm happy.

Fox's first season we won the challenge cup, and even though it looked like the league would have gone when the season got cut short, we could easily have won the playoffs. If we'd have done that, even with disappointment last season, would anyone seriously be saying Fox has to win something to keep his job?

It’s a fair point, but we’ve had coaches in the past fired for winning silverware by the same ownership.

Let’s be honest last season we weren’t really challenging for any silverware when it came to the crunch. Yes, we finished runners up in the league, but had the title in our own hands and was well beaten by Belfast. Cardiff embarrassed us in our own building in the CC semi-final and we didn’t even make the playoff weekend. No one remembers runners up.

If you’re happy with all that, then that’s great. It’s not good enough for me and a repeat of that, I would want a change in coaching staff.

Similarly if we have a great season Fox deserves all the plaudits, credit and praise.

Last year was a disappointment for sure. Injuries definitely played a part, but definitely not a season to remember. Another like that and I'd agree that Fox would be under pressure, don't disagree

[Johnny777]

Considering our first pre-season games are next weekend does pre-season training begin on Monday? I have seen severe remarks around players are arriving etc but nothing specific about the start date of pre-season

[Nathan]

Not entirely sure what I expect tbh.

I suppose an improvement in the general excitement levels of the game itself.

Too many last season were a bit meh.

Hopefully a trophy or two.