CHELMSFORD, UK – The season is only 2 weeks old and already criticism is being fired at the Chelmsford Chieftains despite having 5 points from a possible 6. The critics on the various forums have singled out import defenseman Rudi Dzurko for the main brunt of their attacks stating that “He isn’t performing like an import should” and “He struggles on the puck, doesn’t hit, can’t pass and takes too long when under pressure in his own zone”. The team were shocked by this admission from their own fans and the anger was evident at a recent training session where these comments were the main topic of conversation. One source, who did not wish to be named, from the club said, “Most of the team read the forums just to see if their name’s been mentioned or see the fans feelings towards the weekend’s game. We often talk about the comments in the changing rooms. This past week, even though we have not lost, a number of fans have been commenting on certain players in a negative way.” As the source said, Rome was not built in a day. “A lot of teams only started training a week or two before the season started after a very long summer break, so rust is still being removed and systems and plays still being worked on. At the moment no team is firing on all cylinders and each player is still finding their feet in their new team/line/league. Give the team a chance to gel after a month or so then you can make judgments on how your team will fair for the rest of the season.” The source went on, “A team does not win/lose because of an individual, but because of every member involved from coach to player. So there is no justified reason to be pointing out a D man, for instance, as his team mate may have put that guy in an awkward lose – lose position but it will look bad on that D man. Also the age of some of the guys in the league being as young as 16 may not respond to the criticism in a good way often putting them down with lack of confidence. And confidence can be a big boost for anyone in the sport to achieve better things. I would say to fans that positive criticism is a better pill for players that read the forums to swallow. Pointing fingers is not doing anyone any good. It’s easier to point out the one mistake a player makes then it is to point out the 10 good plays/passes/hits a player makes but a positive note is always good to take and can build confidence.” Naturally it was only fair to ask whether they felt that the season had gone smoothly so far and whether or not the criticism was justified. “I feel we have had a decent start, not perfect by all means but we have still bagged important early points. As a team we have not conceded a 5 on 5 goal which is good on the team’s ability to defend against some good attacking teams like Bracknell. We are finding the back of the net with 23 goals in 3 games so another positive knowing that we can score important goals, and we have also bagged a point in the last minute goal of a game against Bracknell to tie things up, which shows fight and determination that the team has to want to succeed when many teams could have accepted defeat. Our new guys are making a big impact for the team taking pressure off Jerry (Pavlus) and Danny (Hammond) to score the goals and the local junior talent we have is showing the league that age is not a issue.”
A good junior program can feed the upper level with talent and build a long-term system for development.
“We have a good atmosphere in the changing rooms with everyone getting involved and having a laugh, apart from when we hear and read about fans criticising us when we’ve given our all and it still isn’t good enough in some people’s eyes,” said the source. “Fans do get the wrong end of the stick most of the time as they can’t hear the instructions given to us or understand the reason some decisions are made. No-one should accept someone’s view of them self without a full understanding. When a player’s name is mentioned in a negative way it’s hard to ignore that comment and is always running through your mind.” The person continued, “Being so early on in the season systems and plays are still being worked on, so its important until we have them mastered that players play a simple game of hockey which is defence first. Limiting teams to bad angle shots on goal, clearing the zone with a dump if there is no pass on, getting as many bodies goal side of the puck if we lose possession is the aim right now. Everything is straight forward in a simple game with the aim of getting the puck to the opposition net as quick as possible taking the shots and hunting down the rebounds. Which so far is working early on, but with more training under our belts now we can work on lines. We can start building from the simple game plan to more advance plays and methods of defending and attacking.” The Chieftains return to action on the 26th of September with a trip to Bracknell. They will be looking to take both points this time rather than tying the game like the home game this past Sunday in what was a bad tempered affair. Reece Covington and Brad Watchorn dropped the gloves at centre ice in a culmination of simmering tempers throughout the game. There were also some unsavoury scenes at the end of the game when the Bracknell Hornets’s James Galazzi went after 16-year old Blaho Novak after Novak had thrown a big hit on Galazzi. This sparked off a melee of players but as the buzzer had gone most were just pulling people away and the handshakes passed off without incident. The Chelmsford second side, Pro Hockey News sponsored Warriors, travelled to Gosport to play the Devils this past Sunday. They came away with a respectable 7-4 defeat despite only having 12 players. 2 goals from Ricky Mills and one each from Ashley Cave and player-coach Craig Metcalf ensured it was a good trip to the South Coast. Contact Pete.lewis@prohockeynews.com
