BASINGSTOKE, UK – As England has been basking in glorious sun shine and record temperatures, many have been wondering to their local ice rinks for a place to cool down at. However, last weekend’s fixtures saw many of the scheduled games cancelled due to problems with the ice surfaces and plant failures.
Matches between Swindon Panthers and Cardiff Bay Lightning and Bristol and Peterborough were cancelled due to ice related issues. With the deadline looming for many teams to complete their fixtures, a lot of work has to be undertaken to accommodate the fixtures, though usually the organisers give a weeks grace to complete all fixtures. As the fixtures affected are crucial for the mid table and the playoff spots are still all to play for.
The interesting change in the mid table has been Solent and Gosport Scorpions really putting the pressure on to Peterborough Eagles. Scorpions won their match against Solihull Wolves recently and with the Eagles getting mauled by Basingstoke Cougars, the Scorpions are now level in points with Peterborough Eagles. Though it has to be pointed out that the Eagles put on a valiant effort, despite bringing down only eight players, specially the Eagles Net minder Jaroslav Mikysa who faced 86 shots from Basingstoke.
Behind the Scorpions and the Eagles, Bristol, Basingstoke and Solihull are still eyeing a playoff spot and stage a minor upset as one of the real surprises of the season (Scorpions and Eagles) would ultimately lose out.
Bristol were due to play against the Eagles, but a rink failure at Peterborough meant that the match was called off. The author was on his way to Peterborough with the Basingstoke Bears ladies team when the call came through. Thankfully, the convoy had not yet left Basingstoke.
So for Bristol, Basingstoke and Solihull the remaining fixtures are as follow: Bristol will be playing a home and away series against Swindon through 17th and 18th of July, and will foresee ably finish the regular season on the 24th of July agains Solent and Gosport Scorpions. The only match to be rescheduled is the Eagles vs Mad Dogs. The date for the fixture is TBC.
Basingstoke’s last fixtures are: Cardiff Bay Lightning at home, Solihull Wolves home and away
Solihull will be playing against: Chelmsford at home, Basingstoke home and away, and the Eagles
Perhaps the spot for third in the Cup competition will be decided on the 25th of July when the Eagles make the trip south to meet the Scorpions.
However, the fate of the cup will be decided on the 25th of July when the Nighthawks will face off against Swindon Wildcats. Chelmsford have been unstoppable this season and the Wildcats are also in good form. Paul O’Donovan from the Panthers has a good roster together and has showed that he does not like losing in his own building.
As the cup moves to the playoff stages, we will next be looking at the two top teams and picking the surprise team of the year. Stay tuned for more coverage from the coolest game on the earth.
Contact Janne.Virtanen@prohockeynews.com
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