LONDON, UK – The English Premier League gets up and running this weekend, with the league looking more competitive than ever. Playoff Champions the Guildford Flames and the Manchester Phoenix are expected to top the league again, but with vast improvements made at the bottom end of the table – we are set for an unpredictable and exciting season. The Sheffield Steeldogs defeated the Swindon Wildcats in overtime last night in the season opener. With the rest of the league kicking off their campaigns this evening we take a look at each team. Basingstoke Bison Since dropping out of the Elite League two years ago, Basingstoke have struggled to compete with the league’s top teams. Two mid-table finishes and exiting the playoffs in the first round in both EPL seasons means there is much room for improvement at Basingstoke. Bison Coach Steve Moira has a knack for bringing in fantastic players from Slovakia. His latest ad dition could be a key player for Basingstoke this season. Marek Dubec, signed from Spisska Nova Ves could be one of the side’s leading scorers this season. If pre-season form is anything to go by, Basingstoke could be a tough opponent this season. After winning a 4-on-4 tournament, the Bison defeated Guildford twice. Basingstoke can realistically aim for a top four finish, and last year’s EPL Cup finalists will be looking to make an impact in the playoffs. Key players: Steve Moria, Marek Dubec, Nicky Chinn, Dean Skinns Prediction: 5th Bracknell Bees The Bees have endured a tough few years in the EPL. The Bees’ top forwards Jaroslav Cesky and Michal Pinc left over the summer, but Bees Coach Gareth Cox has brought in some top players, adding a lot of depth to the roster. Lukas Smital, Rob Lamey and Martin Masa all joined from high-flying Guildford, while Matt Foord is a big addition from Swindon. Bracknell have missed out on the playoffs in the last two seasons. However, they appear to have enough talent to reach the top eight this time around. The Bees may struggle defensively, but crushed the Slough Jets in two pre-season games. Consistency will be key for the Bees, and with a bit of confidence, they could surprise a few people this season. Key players: Lukas Smital, Martin Masa, Rob Lamey, Sergejs Louskins Prediction: 8th Guildford Flames This season will be a huge test for last year’s playoff winners. Although the Flames are always expected to be one of the top performers, several big players have moved on. The Bees have snapped up many of the Flames’ veterans, but Guildford still have one of the strongest teams in the league. Curtis Huppe had a fantastic season for Manchester last term, and he is a very welcome arrival to Guildford. Although Martin Masa, Rob Lamey and Lukas Smital have departed, the Flames still have the likes of David Savage and David Longstaff. The Flames will be tough to beat this season, and after narrowly missing out on the EPL title last season, several players may have a point to prove this time out. Key players: David Longstaff, Nathan Rempel, Paul Dixon, Curtis Huppe Prediction: 1st Manchester Phoenix The reigning champions are likely to put up a strong defence of their title this season. However, they have lost some key players over the summer. Curtis Huppe has joined rivals Guildford Flames, while Swedish winger Marcus Kristoffersson has moved to HC Banska Bystrica of the Slovakian league. Player-Coach Tony Hand is still taking to the ice at the age of 44, and he has built a solid roster. Manchester are always consistent performers – and this season is likely to be no different. Youngster Ciaran Long is a great prospect after being snapped up from Basingstoke, and he will benefit greatly from being around a solid team. Manchester will expect to retain their title, and also take the playoffs as well. We are likely to see a closely-run battle between Manchester and Guildford for the EPL title. Manchester are the most feared team in the league, but with so many other teams improving – we could see a few upsets during the season. Key players: Tony Hand, Slava Koulikov, James Archer, Stephen Fone Prediction: 2nd Milton Keynes Lightning Not much has changed at Milton Keynes over the summer. Nick Poole starts his tenth season for the Lightning, and the MK Head Coach has much to build on from last term. MK finished the EPL in 5th place last season, their lowest finish since 2008. Poole will be looking to break into the top four, but it won’t be an easy task. With so many players moving around the league, some consistency and stability may help out the Lightning. Competing with Manchester and Guildford will be MK’s toughest challenge, but they will again face still competition from local rivals – the Peterborough Phantoms. Key players: Nick Poole, Adam Brittle, Lukas Zatopek, Barry Hollyhead Prediction: 3rd Peterborough Phantoms Having finished sixth last season, Peterborough will be aiming to make it back into the top half. Several players have moved on over the summer, but the likes of Jeff Glowa and Maris Ziedins remain at Peterborough. The Phantoms may surprise a few people, but with competition heating up at both ends of the table, they face a challenging season. Peterborough’s roster is fairly thin as the season begins, and they were dealt a further blow as Warren Tait signed a permanent deal with the Sheffield Steelers. Key players: Jeff Glowa, Maris Ziedins, Greg Randall, Chris Allen Prediction: 6th Sheffield Steeldogs The Steeldogs are one of the most improved teams over the summer. Ben Morgan, Greg Wood and Pavel Gomeniuk all joined from the Manchester Phoenix, while exciting Latvian winger Janis Ozolins is expected to start his first full season for the Steeldogs. The Steeldogs made the playoffs last season, but will find it tough this year with Bracknell strengthening their roster. Defensively, Sheffield may struggle – but with two strong goaltenders, they should reach the playoffs once again. Key players: Janis Ozolins, Greg Wood, Pavel Gomeniuk, Ben Bowns Prediction: 7th Slough Jets Slough should once again make the top four in the EPL. The Jets have a good core of talent, and are always a difficult opponent. Lithuanian forward Darius Pliskauskas is likely to have another strong season Terry Miles returns to Slough after a spell at local rivals Bracknell, while Adam and Joe Greener are likely to continue their influence for the Jets. Slough will expect to make the top four, but may find it hard to compete with the top teams in the league. Key players: Adam Greener, Darius Pliskauskas, Adam Calder, Gregg Rockman Prediction: 4th Swindon Wildcats The Wildcats will be aiming for a forth consecutive finish in the playoff places, but may be set for a difficult season. Head Coach Ryan Aldridge has brought in Jaroslav Cesky, Michal Pinc and Nicky Watt from the Bracknell Bees, but the pressure is on them after a difficult season last term. Influential forward Matt Foord will be a big loss, and defensively the Wildcats may be set for a tough year. Young goaltender Thomas Murdy joins on loan from Elite League side the Coventry Blaze, following James Hadfield’s departure for Guildford. The race for the final playoff spot has been hotly contested in recent years, and this season will be no different. Making the playoffs will be tougher this season for the Wildcats, and they will have to be at their best. Key players: Jaroslav Cesky, Michal Pinc, Jonas Hoog, Jan Melichar Prediction: 9th Telford Tigers During their time playing in the EPL, Telford have never made the playoffs. This season may see a similar struggle for the Tigers. With Daniel Scott and Jack Watkins leaving for the Hull Stingrays and Ashley Calvert joining EPL rivals, the Sheffield Steeldogs – Telford’s roster may struggle in a more competitive league. If teams such as Bracknell, Sheffield and Swindon don’t reach their full potential – Telford could take advantage, but they will need to be at their best to get anything out of this season. Key players: Tomas Janak, Scott McKenzie, Marek Hornak , Luke Brittle Prediction: 10th Contact the author david.bol@prohockeynews.com
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