Pack Match Preview - Oxford City Stars Vs Pitbulls

So, it’s been a quite eventful couple of weeks in Pitbulls land. Two weeks ago we were on the wrong end of a 10-5 loss to Peterboro (and a much publicised ‘Handshake Line Brawl’), Then last week we end up giving up three goals in 70 seconds – Turning a nailed on 6-3 win against the Romford Fury into a 6-6 tie. Ah well, that’s hockey – onwards and upwards. ‘Upwards’ this Sunday night means a trip to Oxpens Ice rink, and an encounter with our old ‘friends’ – the Oxford City Stars.

Oxford City Stars – What to Expect

 

I think we all know what to expect when we head to Oxford. A highly competitive game with a few ‘niggles’ (between both players and fans!) between two teams that love noting more than to beat each other. Both the Pitbulls and the Stars were perceived as pre-season challengers to the league title, and I think it’s fair to say that the Stars have started better – albeit with some of the luck that has simply evaded the Pitbulls so far.  The stars come into this game unbeaten in NIHL2 – Winning 3 and drawing 1. Any indications in the similarities between the two teams could be best shown by the result away at Invicta – both teams gaining a 3-3 Tie. The Stars then beat Invicta on home ice 4-3, and picked up close wins against Swindon and Peterboro.  This sets up the Stars as a strong contender this season, and a tough challenge on home ice

Pitbulls – State of Play

So, where are the Pitbulls at the moment? The continuing rink uncertainty and the disappointing run of luck doesn’t help, however we all know there is enough potential in this team to beat anyone at this level. There have been some very positive signs over the last couple of games. Richie Hargreaves is showing that the Big Dog still has some new tricks, and every fan is glad to see the ‘return’ of the ‘AWOL’ line (Adi With Ollie & Liam – Geddit?? HaHa). This line certainly combined well at Romford, and could be a massive source offence if they all keep clicking together. There are also rumours that the lesser spotted Clark Jackson, err sorry – Sonny Jackclark, oh; Jack Clarkson could return for the Oxford game. Jack showed enough in the opening game at Invicta that he could be a massive force at NIHL2 level. I think everyone in the Pack is hoping to see him on the Ice at Oxford.  

Ultimately, we can all see that there is so much to come from this team – and all we need is a ‘W’ in the column to really take off – it would be soooo nice if this could happen at Oxford. It’s a game we are all more than looking forward to, and I’m sure the Pack will be out in force to cheer the team on!

Remember – follow all the latest scores on

The Pack Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/bpsc.the.pack

 live on Twitter @PitbullsPack

Also, look out for game highlights and videos on our YouTube channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/pitbullspack

LETS GO PITBULLS!

Pitbulls Pack - Tales from the Road!

There’s a long-standing phrase in sport that “It’s a funny old game.” Funny is one of many words
I’d use to describe this season so far; funny, sad, crazy, exciting, terrifying, voice-crackingly brilliant,
tense, excruciating, petrifying, nerve-jangling, and so far – very, very enjoyable. That isn’t a bad
range of emotions for two games into the season, however we all know that as fans this season
means more than just hockey – it is the continuation of something really special; Pitbulls Hockey.
So, as I write this we haven’t won a game. We all also know that will come. For those who haven’t
been with the Pack army on the first two games of the season I think that I speak from the entire
supporters club that I couldn’t be prouder of having a team on the ice. The Invicta game had to be
the most nervous I have ever been at a sporting event (including the playoffs last year), not because
of the fact the two points were incredibly important; but because you could see how much everyone
on the ice wanted to win. This was for themselves, for the fans, for the sponsors that believed in
us, and most importantly for all those who worked so hard over the summer to make sure this
wonderful hockey club continues. It wasn’t to be, however we all know there will be many more
wins this season, and very shortly shots like Shonie’s that hit the bar in the last minute will be finding
the top corner, and this team will be challenging right at the top of the league.

Probably the less said about the Slough game the better. Not because we weren’t proud from the
effort of every single Pitbull on the ice that night, but for those who weren’t there; the fact that
Slough decided it would be good to make a mockery of the league by playing 5 EPL players. Fair
enough – so-be-it, we’ll take it as a compliment, and look forward to seeing the ENL Jets again and
putting 10 past them. One thing that was incredible that night however was the support - Pitbulls
fans outnumbered Slough 3 to 1 (at least). This shows the passion for this club, and the pride we
have in supporting it – and one thing’s for sure, every rink will know the Pitbulls and our fans have
arrived each night...

So – there is going to be a few more long away trips ahead, for the team and the fans. We will
continue to travel in numbers no doubt. I know not easy for everyone, but please travel if you can
and get behind the team, I know the players appreciate the support, and there is always something
brilliant about a road trip. Whether that is seeing Adi Smith’s terrible bus flip flops, watching Anne-
Marie fleece multiple players at cards, or ending up behind 22 players in the queue for a service
station McDonalds at midnight; there is always something fun you take out of it - never mind seeing
some great hockey and singing until your voice is no more...

So, hope to see you at an away game soon, however if not, please remember to keep up to date
on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/bpsc.the.pack) , on twitter (@PitbullsPack) and our new
Youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/pitbullspack)

See you all very soon, and lets go Pitbulls!

Allan