Off the ice the club are clearly doing something right, we have sell out games most weeks, the bar is selling plenty of plonk, merchandise seems to be selling well, big queue tonight to get players autographs etc etc.
The on ice product is less than thrilling to a lot of fans most particularly amongst long term supporters who have seen Devil's teams through the ages, indeed some since Devil's inception in 86 (like myself).
I have to be honest tonight's game was not particularly inspiring and the complete lack of any physicality from our players seems to be 'the norm' atm indeed going back a season or two, even a Brandt hit is now a rare occurrence.
We understand the needless battles between enforcers are now pretty much unnecessary but having a team that seems to be adverse to any kind of hitting or watching their teammates backs is disappointing. I hate seeing one of our players recieving a bad or dangerous hit/crosscheck etc and the culprit skating off and not being challenged by one of our players.
I remember Layne Ulmer stepping up to the mark against Rissling at Nottingham, Ulmer is not a fighter but stood up for his teammate who received a bad hit, Ulmer had a bit of a beating but showed the balls to make a point that a bad hit will not be tolerated by our team.
This team whether playing to instructions from coaches or making there own choice to play a passive game detracts from the on ice spectacle.
Guildford were in a different league tonight and bossed all aspects of the game.