For me we have to keep Busch. When he was injured we were rubbish, he comes back and we pick up again. I also thought we were moving away from enforcers in this league, but that is not the case, most sides, apart from us, had that type of player, which meant we probably had the most fights of any team. (no deterrent)
It would be a shame if Arniel does retire, I've enjoyed watching him
I would also give Ully another season.
If as some suggest we let two or more Brits go, who do we replace them with? Harewood maybe, who else?
Too early for me to consider the other players.
I agree about Ully, there were several games before he got injured where I felt he was our best player and seemed to be hitting his stride. He’s been a point a game player for years and I would give him another season.
Arniel’s compete level has been great and have enjoyed watching him it’s a shame he’s in mid 30s.
The Brits is where it gets really tricky. Most of our core Brits are wrong side of 30. We need to start succession planning as teams like Steelers and Belfast have decent Brit core with some guys with years left in the tank playing decently in top two lines. Even teams like Nottingham have some real good young British guys who can be a fixture in the league long term. I’m concerned with the nature of Waller’s injury that it may hurt his primary asset - his speed, and risk of further injuries will be significantly higher with the sort of op and rehab he has needed.
Fact that we haven’t used Harewood even when slot available midweek when he’s been at the rink maybe suggests PR doesn’t feel he’s quite at that level or needs a bit longer.
Most obvious Brits to consider picking up would be Brine (if would be happy to come in as GK2). He’s not currently at a level where he’s going to run a 90% save percentage but would be investment in future and free up another import slot.
Hopkins from Cov would be a canny pickup. His numbers not amazing from last season but wasn’t on the best line. I think he has a decent ceiling and already has good EIHL experience despite being really young, his compete level is high and I’ve seen a lot of really good things when I’ve seen him play this season (I’ve seen a lot of Blaze), decision making has been really smart. Slot him in a line with Brandt and Davies and he’ll do well. Also more realistic that we can pick him up compared to established high line Brits like Hook, Neilson or Tetlow. Kieron Brown from Leeds may be worth rolling dice on but I think he’d rather be top dog in an NIHL side than minimal minutes on an EIHL lower line.