1: Cardiff
Kept a large foundation of key players, and also getting slightly younger (and arguably better) a some key positions. Only having 3 guys new the EIHL is crucial too.
2: Sheffield
Brought back a few key players from last season (Latal, Mosey etc) and have added some guys who could be stellar in our league. The loss of Vallerand cannot be ignored however and bringing back an ageing and injury prone Connelly could be a huge risk. Netiminding could see them drop a spot
3: Belfast
Keeping Conway, Goodwin and Cooper Is massive, but losing the likes of Reinhart (Defenseman of the year) Piccinich (Forward of the year) and Besko (Goalie of the year) and not upgrading on these 3 could be risky. Brought in some new guys who could tear the league apart however. Depending on Sheffield goaltending, Belfast move up to second.
4. Nottingham
A much improved Nottingham side, bringing in the likes of Ferrara, Brady, Johnston and Dubeau are very clear upgrades comparing to the team last season. Defence does seem quite shaky however, boasting 5 “3rd pair D-Men” and 1 standout in Caruso. Could rack up a lot of penalty minutes with Gagnon and Hunt but vast improvement on last season.
5: Glasgow
Glasgow are on the way up, and could most certainly fight for top 4. Bringing back key players from last season is a real coup for Glasgow, adding onto that the likes of Dixon, Dunbar and McParland, but the loss of Starret and bringing in a first full season pro is a real risk. Backup netminder also looks poor, but hockey isn’t player on paper so who knows!
6: Guildford
Another team who have vastly improved on last seasons team, and another who I feel could fight for Top 4 this season. Losing Dunbar must be a kick in the teeth for some Guildford fans but replacing him with names like Tedesco and Crinella is a tidy piece of business. They have also seemed to improve on their Defence and Goaltending. Definitely between Guildford and Glasgow for that 5th place spot
7: Fife
Fife are a team who were in dire need of a rebuild. I think they have done just that this season, bringing in vast EIHL experience and bringing in 2 of Coventrys best players, in Kivilahti and Laakonen. You know what you’re getting with Shane Owen in net, though there Brit core could prove costly.
8: Coventry
A very mixed bag for me with Coventry so far, bringing in Yellow Horn and Brock Trotter, but losing 4 of their 5 top scorers last season really shouldn’t be sniffed at. Losing CJ Motte is also a kick in the teeth and also losing their captain back to NA. Still some signings to go so this prediction could change, but Coventry are 8th for me
9; Dundee
The leagues underdogs last season, but I just don’t feel they will replicate this next season. Jeff Mason seemed to be a really good step forward, despite losing Pacha to Nottingham. Their recruitment, however, hasn’t impressed me. Some signings could be gems, but I don’t personally see any 1 for 1 upgrade in the squad.
10: Manchester
Another season of missing out on the playoffs for Manchester I feel. Banking on a team of youngsters won’t end well in my opinion. With an inexperienced coach, and no real EIHL experience in the squad, the rest of their signings will really have to have the wow factor for me to consider moving them up.