GM review - 14/11

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Well as we now know, our unbeaten record at ice Sheffield has now gone and that is a shame. however, the loss on Sunday was no disgrace given the misfortune we've had in the team over the past couple of weeks in respect of the injuries we've taken... and some we have not even mentioned publicly.
 
And given those circumstances, nobody should be under any illusion that the win in Edinburgh was a astroll in the park. Granted the Caps were not quite as hungry as they were on the opening day of the season and the Phoenix were up for putting that score right, but there were a few little mountains to climb on Saturday and the team adjusted well to get the two points on offer.
 
And the really pleasing aspects of Saturday were of course, the double from Ales Parez on his debut and his first goal for the club from Matty Rich. Ales made a very good debut and always looked calm in possession and if first impressions are anything to go by, he'll be a good acquisition for the club. Going back to the summer, and I can reveal we actually tracked him pretty hard in the close season however, he had the training camp chances and understandably he wanted to try his luck for a spot in the AHL. There subsequent loss looks like being our gain and we're pleased to have finally gotten our man. As for Matty Rich, I think we've seen enough from him since he joined the club to know that this young man has a great future in front of him. He's making the transition to the Elite League level with simple hard work and no shortage of skill and as time progresses, he'll make more and more of an impact as he's not afraid to get his nose dirty against bigger, stronger opponents. And to score in Edinburgh with his Mum and Dad watching was just what the doctor ordered in terms of getting that first goal for the Phoenix.
 
The main concerns right now though are getting everyone fit and healthy as quickly as possible and that puts a bit of pressure of the physio staff and Alison Bugg has been kept pretty busy recently and will spend time this week working on all those carrying knocks before we take on the Panthers on Sunday.
 
Away from the ice, it's good to see the merchandise sales going well on match nights and there are still some more lines to come and no doubt some of you will have fresh ideas for items to emblazon with the club logo and name, feel free to send suggestions to the office for consideration.
 
As you'll know, sections of the roof for the new arena arrived last week and all being well, there should be another big change in the look of things at Oakfield Road overthe next few days - like you all, we cannot wait for the time when we can put the travelling to home games behind us.
 
And finally, one of those fixture changes has now been confirmed, the March 17th visit to Nottingham has now been brough forward to Tuesday, January 23rd so, that's one for your diaries and kitchen calendars. We'll update on the Sheffield game that is having to be moved from March 24th as soon as we can.

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