BUIHA Tier I Nationals

(Game 1) Manchester Metros vs. Southampton Spitfires
Southampton's 5-3-2 came via 4 forfeit wins, 3 forfeit loses, and 2 unconfirmed draws, but still boasted ENL talent-- mainly as a side that only came together for this time of year. And as last year's Tier I National Champion, the side could not be counted out by any measure. The game was a very "cat-and-mouse" kind of game. Both teams worked the puck well in the offensive zone, but were unable to create anything on net. Unfortunately for the Metros, the unnecessary 4-man zebra crew called the nitty-gritty casual hockey plays as penalties. Alas, the only goal that beat new Metros signee, Dec Ryan, was a Spitfires power play goal to the back post. The Metros continue to work extensively in the dying minutes to draw level. Taking the high road, the aggressive decision led to an empty net goal. The loss would be the Metros first taste of defeat in the 2011/2012 season. Final -- Manchester Metros 0 : Southampton Spitfires 2.


(Game 2) Warwick Panthers vs. Manchester Metros
Coming into the clash, the Metros had outscored the Panthers by a booming margin of 18-7 during the season (A: 3-7 ; H: 11-4). From this point on, every game was a must win and no better way to do so then against a foe whose number you've all season. The match-up versus the Panthers saw star-goalie, Robyn Maby, return between the pipes. The Metros found their form right from the get-go and peppered the Warwick keeper from start to finish. The team created many chances and were finally able to find the net. Unfortunately for Warwick, their was no third period to strike during as the trend in the previous games was the Metros gaining the lead only to relax before stepping on the neck and delivering a final blow. As consolation, the Panthers found twine on a PP goal late in the game. But behind Robyn's continuously performances, the team was back on track. Final -- Warwick Panthers 1 : Manchester Metros 4

(Game 3) Manchester Metros vs. Edinburgh Eagles
By far the most anticipated match on either side. The Metros and Eagles had tied both regular season meetings, a 1-1 draw at Murrayfield and a 2-2 draw at Deeside. Unfortunately a lot of the pre-game anticipation lost it's muster as Edinburgh dropped two games on day 1. To cope with the end of the season, the Eagles took to the bottle and drank the night away-- leaving behind a potentially sober team and a 10:30AM faceoff. The tempo was quick and the chances created by the Metros outnumbered the chances by Edinburgh. Normal Edinburgh standout, Neal Dolan, found himself gathering snow on his britches; he was unable to make any true impact on the game (the drinks possibly?). Dec Ryan made a few crafty saves on breakaways, but his 40 minute shutout was fairly simple. It would be the first clean sheet of the season for the Metros Div 1 side. Final -- Manchester Metros 2 : Edinburgh Eagles 0


(Game 4) Sheffield Bears vs. Manchester Metros
Survive and advance was the tag line for the meeting between the two. With Southampton completing a sweep of the group, only second place in the group remained open. The Metros once again looked to the heroics of the best, calling on Robyn Maby who performed shut down the Bears in the final game of the regular season. Unfortunately, on the first shift, top-line winger, Shayne Langlois, went down with a shoulder injury. He did not return. The top line of Holder-Gunn-Langois lost a lost of continuity right from the start and never really gelled after that with a replacement winger. The Bears then struck first halfway thru the first period on a screened shot from the point. A chance to regain a bit of composure on the Metros side was lost in transit as the Bears netted a second 1:07 after their first. A Metros offensive turnover at the blue-line led to a converted breakaway, extending the Bears lead to 3. With confidence a bit rattled, Dec Ryan came on to replace an upset, Robyn Maby. Max Drakeley pulled one back with under 5 to play, but that would be the closest the Metros would come to threatening. An empty net goal sealed Sheffield's fate to the semis. Final -- Sheffield Bears 4 : Manchester Metros 1

The loss to Sheffield concluded the Metros brilliant season, a 5-0-3 record. Manchester found themselves as cream of the crop in Division 1 North, finishing as regular season champions. Also adding to their accolades a BUIHA Div 1 Playoff Championship (8-5 win vs. Oxford). The squad just came up one result short of extending their season in search of a BUIHA Tier I National Title. All losses aside, the season should be considered a tremendous success.

As sports continually update their league formats, playoff systems, ect, the BUIHA should take into consideration drafting up a bracketed National Tournament format with seedings. The current random drawing format raises a few questions such as 1) are the best teams going thru to the semis? and 2) are teams being rewarded for their outstanding play during the regular season?

Tier 1 Nationals saw all the teams in Division 1 North in a group, minus Newcastle, while adding Southampton. Group 2, much the same. All the teams from Division 1 South, minus Oxford and Bristol, whilst adding Newcastle and newcomer to Tier I Nationals, Cardiff. Prior to the redraw the groups had a mix of both, really creating a national feel.

The groups seemed quite balanced as well. Though, a seeding system within the group format would reward the teams who proved themselves throughout the course of the year, while allowing others to have a chance to prove themselves. It would also reward those teams who had success to have the best opportunity to reach the semis and final-- which in any tournament is normally a routine process. It also allows for great hockey and potential for great upsets. In the likely event of seeding, it does help to have a far greater number of teams, but in the case of four-team groups, it is still plausible.

A second option could be to introduce a best of 3 series, with still, shortened games. Although this is highly unlikely as the time to do so is not as acquirable. But a minute concept could still be there: the introduction of a single-elimination tournament (with seeding). There are several examples of such all across the globe. Staying with hockey, the NCAA Men's & Women's National Championship is competed every year in this format. Though, ice may not be as readily available or predictable for teams.

Regardless of how smoothly run the games at all three levels of nationals have been-- and it has been like clockwork!-- moving forward, a look at the current format needs to be evaluated.