(Image permission: David Morrison)
LANCASHIRE, UK – We’re halfway through the season and there’s been plenty for fans to discuss over the past few months.
The collapse of the EPL last summer saw NIHL North revamped, with Sheffield Steeldogs, Hull Pirates and Telford Tigers parachuted into Moralee D1.
That trio look set to battle for the title during the second half of the campaign, although they haven’t totally had things their own way.
Pro Hockey News takes a look at four talking points from the season so far.
“The EPL teams will ruin the NIHL”
That was the narrative being floated during the summer, but it’s fair to say it hasn’t quite turned out that way just yet.
Sheffield, Hull and Telford will undoubtedly end the season as the top three, but some of the ‘original’ NIHL sides have acquitted themselves well against the league’s new boys.
However, there have been some big scorelines involving that trio in recent weeks and it will be interesting to see how D1 develops over the next few months.
Player awards a great initiative
The new NIHL Player of the Month awards have been an excellent introduction to the league.
Players make big sacrifices throughout the season to play the game and entertain the fans, so having something that regularly recognises their efforts is a major positive.
There have already been some deserving winners in the first half of the campaign and it will be interesting to see who picks up the awards as the season progresses.
Discipline remains an issue
The EIHA has been eager to clamp down on so-called ‘blindside’ hits to the head, but discipline still remains a problem for the league.
There have been a number of unsavoury incidents in both the North and South sections this season, and it’s fair to say the governing body haven’t yet got to the bottom of the problem.
Filming of all games should be a mandatory requirement across the league and could be facilitated without it needing to cost the earth.
While this wouldn’t fully eradicate stupid behaviour, it would certainly make policing the game a little easier.
Laidler D2 improving
Just nine points separate the top six in Laidler D2, setting up what should be an epic battle to claim top spot in the second half of the season.
Hull Jets have taken advantage of Altrincham Aces’ recent wobble to move to the top of the division, but Widnes Wild, Sutton Sting, Telford Tigers 2 and Sheffield Senators are all still in the mix.
With Coventry Blaze NIHL and Bradford Bulldogs also looking much-improved this season, D2 should produce plenty of fireworks in the New Year.
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