LONDON, UK – In the eighties Nintendo made a classic hockey game called ‘Blades of Steel’ for their iconic console. Aside from the bizarre fact that Minnesota played in purple rather than their famous green, it was a game ahead of its time with classic game play and a catchy sound track.
Nintendo classic
If for some reason Nintendo based a sequel on research gathered from watching my first two pre-season training sessions last week, the title would undoubtedly be ‘Blades of lead’.
Despite sporadic appearances down the rink over the summer, the 18 mile drive to Streatham for last Wednesday’s session had a different air to it for me. With temptations to do other activities pulling from all sides including watching the England match, going for beers or even walking the dogs, I simply jumped in the car, put Kiss FM on and psyched myself for the inevitable skating drills.
The eye of the tiger was definitely on its way by the time I hit London Bridge, I was pumped up, focused and determined to put in 100%. Unfortunately my focus was shattered when passing through Brixton, owing to the massive flashing illuminated signs proclaiming “Kerb crawlers will be prosecuted”.
And so it transpires that for the last 12 months or so I have been unwittingly been driving through one of South London’s prime red light districts two or three times every week. If that news was a shock to the system, then the tough on-ice session had a greater effect.
I will resist the temptation to give a blow by blow account, however I can summarise the evening by saying that at one point I thought I was going to pass out, as the salubrious surroundings of the High Road span in my eyes. Still, whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger as they say, and I am looking forward to this week’s training.
The new jersey test
To much acclaim, the Redskins new jersey sample made an appearance last week. I have to say I think it is pretty cool and indeed rather sexy. A good jersey can be judged on whether a lovely lady fresh out of the shower, is enhanced by slipping it on, and I think the drawstring neck is a major plus point in this type of scenario.
The new jersey is not the only improvement for this year. The boards have been straightened and the kickboards fixed, this means that when the puck is dumped in the zone you don’t have to wait 5 seconds to see which way it will bounce. As a defenseman who spends quite a large percentage of the game in this kind of situation chasing pucks, I still haven’t decided whether this is a good thing or a bad thing.
So with less than a month to go before the start of the season, most teams are close to finalising their rosters. Once this is done, there will be a full preview feature on the teams in ENL South so please keep an eye out for that. I am sure I am not the only player looking forward to the new season starting.
Other news that will be expanded upon within various interviews, includes Bristol Pitbulls’ new car, MK Thunders’ link up with the National Lottery and Wightlink Raiders’ cross Solent nude swim for charity. Ok I made the last one up.
Contact the author: david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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