Of course it would. I was really pissed off when a CC final was played at the Devils home rink, on a Sunday afternoon at 4pm. I had no way of getting to that. BUT, crap happens. Everyone is jumping up and down, being all rightous and moralistic about how the Giants are making things happen a certain way. Surley at the pre season meetings, the format for the CC was discussed and agreed. EVERY club would have had an input and an agreement made. Knowing Steve and Todd read this forum,maybe ask a direct question. Did they know and agree to this fromat prior to the season starting.
Not sure if you're talking about the '18 or '19 final, both on a Sunday at 4pm. A weekend, mind, the latter being on neutral ice because it was against Guildford. For the 2018 final I can't recall how we split the home/away fans, but I was present for the 2017 against Sheffield where it was 50-50, we played their intros and anthem, and the arena was made as neutral as possible. Still, same thing, right?
Why would I bother management with this? They have way more important things to deal with. Obviously the format has been agreed upon, it doesn't exactly change anything I've said.
Belfast are one of the best teams in the league who can and do win trophies off their own merit. They don't need an advantage to get into or win the Challenge Cup final; which is why it's so grating that they get one. Teams like Fife can do incredible things like reach the challenge Cup final and beat Sheffield twice to do so - but they did so AGAINST the odds. For the final, it's frustrating from a 3rd party to see BELFAST be granted a home advantage, while the inarguable underdogs are given another disadvantage.
If people pointing that out annoys you, I recommend watching your team (most likely) destroy the competition and win themselves a trophy in a couple of weeks time. Should cheer you up.
