House Fantasy Hockey

For a bit of banter with the housemates, who are or are former hockey players for the Manchester Metros, we set up a fantasy hockey league to keep us busy.

Personally, I had never done any sort of fantasy sport for a major American professional league, but I had done fantasy football for the Premier League and found it to be interesting, but in comparison to fantasy hockey, nowhere as engaging. Fantasy hockey allows the league participants to select the point scoring categories, such as goals, assists, points, penalty minutes, ect. for both players and goalies. For goalies we do games started, wins, loses, goals against average, save %, and shutouts.

Even from the start it was a laugh as League Commish Chris Brumby, and participant Matt Rohani spent hours on their team logos -- Rusholme Kebabhawks and Supper Sharkalo. And yes, no typo on "Supper", but he really meant to type "Super". I kept it easy and went for the Gunnstars, which in the last four weeks, I have been in star form. fathers 4 justice is one of our goalie friends, and Metros C team goalie. Two other housemates, Brumby2 (Jabheads), and Nic (The Dre Tones) round out the league.

Back in October, right on the day the NHL season started, we had our draft, which in all fairness kept getting postponed due to extenuating circumstances. We drew numbers from a hat to decide the order. And I, being all lucky, drew the 1st overall pick. And with that pick, I selected Alex Ovechkin. He will single-handedly win me Week 10 as he scored four goals last night against the Lightening. In fact, I had 3 of the top 5 league leaders in goals.

My goalies are also doing quite well league-wide as I have the goalie with the best GAA, who also happens to have the 2nd best save percentage.

Now it all seems like just a bunch of stats, but I know for many of my fellow Americans, as a nation, who knows how much of our time in school, or at the office is spent behind a computer screen checking our fantasy teams. Teams we apparently have, "no control over." Lies! Can smack talk our opponents, can forgot to put someone out on the ice, making the tough coaching decisions.

It hasn't always been a bed of roses for my team. I myself have made an embarrassing 16 changes to my team. The closest is Chris, owner of Supper Sharkalo -- a shark mixed with a buffalo for those who haven't picked up on it yet... He has made 10 changes.

Regardless of who wins the imaginary Stanley Cup at the end of the year, its all about bringing us hockey fans inches closer to the game whilst having some good fun.

I hope I bloody win for house supremacy!

Saints FC vs. Manchester City

Saturday proved to be a long day for fans traveling from Manchester down to Southampton – and by that I mean for 3 Saints supporters: Mack, his dad, and I. Not the ones causing a ruckus within close proximity for the first 40 minutes of the match following "Kun" Agüero's 10th minute goal. Apparently my travel companions "eat off the floor" being from the north? ;D

The match was a nice celebration for my birthday day-after as my parents treated me to my first Saints' Premier League fixture as I was home throughout their first top division campaign and missed out on their visits to Anfield and Old Trafford early in the 2013/14 season.

It was the first time I got to see new signings play in person such as Ramírez, Lovren, Rodriguez, and Dani, as well as youngsters from Academy -- the likes of Luke Shaw, Callum Chambers, and James Ward-Prowse. Definitely cool to have heard where Saints were from Mack and his dad, once in administration, to where they are now signing players in the realm of £15m and being able to hold onto talents like Adam Lallana.

Now in his first full season, the gaffer, Mauricio Pochettino, showcased the lads have the will to fight their way back into matches -- but one thing is certain, the team's performance against the top teams is always one of brilliance. Jack Cork was an absolute beast in the middle of the park filling in for regular starter, Victor Wanyama (who actually took his place arriving during the summer window).

Dani Osvaldo showed why he can be worth his £12m price tag when he turned Kompany inside-out twice before lofting a curling ball around City keeper, Costel Pantilimon, in the 42nd minute. It was such a beaut of a goal that I nearly toppled over into the row in front jumping up and down celebrating.

City sniffed the Saints' goal occasionally following Sergio's 10th minute goal, but Southampton used their position to its full potential in search of a winner in the second half. Jay Rodriguez nearly put Saints in front when he clipped through the City defence to go 1v1 with Pantilimon, but the City keeper did enough to keep him off the score sheet.

Dejan Lovren and Jose Fonte are a tremendous pair at the heart of the Southampton defence. Lovren is a bit more attack minded when he's on the ball and he has excellent skill to get around players. Fonte has remained the same stout defender that I remember when I last saw Southampton in-person.

Luke Shaw is also a talent that was special to see. He has so much in front of him at just 18 years old. The same with Ward-Prowse (19 years old) and Chambers (18 years old). The Academy at Southampton is something to be proud of!

That was one area I was a bit disappointed by... Joe Hart is an exceptional talent, but he's hit a rough patch being kept on the bench and it would've been neat to see him play. But I did get to see the likes of a World Cup Champion in Jesús Navas, among many soon-to-be 2014 World Cup participants.

The point against City leaves Southampton in sole position of 8th place in the BPL Table with 23 points from the team's 15 games.

Full time: Southampton FC 1: Manchester City 1

Attendance at St Mary's: 31,229

Southampton FC starting XI: Paulo Gazzaniga, Calum Chambers, Luke Shaw, James Ward-Prowse, Jose Fonte, Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana (→ Ramírez), Jack Cork, Dani Osvaldo (→ Lambert), Steven Davis (→ Reed), Jay Rodriguez.

Southampton FC substitues: Cody Cropper, Maya Yoshida, Rickie Lambert, Gaston Ramírez, Jos Hooiveld, Harrison Reed, Sam Gallagher.

Manchester City starting XI: Costel Pantilimon, Pablo Zabaleta, Aleksandar Kolarov, Fernandinho, Vincent Kompany, Martin Demichelis, James Milner (→ Javi Garcia), Yaya Touré (→ Džeko), Sergio Agüero, Álvaro Negredo (→ Navas), Samir Nasri.

Manchester City substitutes: Joe Hart, Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott, Edin Džeko, Javi Garcia, Jesús Navas, Gaël Clichy.

MUIHC Christmas Meal

The Manchester Metros Club Christmas dinner was held at Label on Deansgate. It included a three course meal for 14 quid -- starter, main, dessert. There were about 26 of us from the club who turned up for the festivities, all decked out in either smart attire or the classic bad Christmas jumper. And me? For some reason I have decided to go with the all out smart-casual look like I did for the Manchester Metros Varsity. Broke out the pinstriped waistcoat, my maroon trousers which matched the bow tie, and my pinstriped slippers. Had to be done.

I do believe I have spent too much time watching NBA press conferences...

On to the meal! For my starter I selected the Tomato & Jersey Cream Soup. My main, I couldn't pass up a roast turkey dinner. And for dessert I had the profiteroles. All were quite tasty, but as I am a growing boy, I REALLY wish there were bigger portions, and I know Callum Notman would echo that sentiment. Kid is a horse out there on the ice every shift.

Regardless, like any festive time, the company is what matters and none better than the folks you spend Monday nights at 2330 with for trainings. The pints were flowing, the free wine was being poured, and several laughs were shared.

Things I missed during last Christmas in America... The hats, jokes, and mini prizes from the crackers. Below Jamie Bower and Andrew Mackinnon struggle to put together a puzzle created for 5 year olds. And the "A Team Elite" pose for a photo.

Metros A @ Birmingham Lions

Manchester keeps winning taste in mouth, dominates Birmingham Lions 11-2 from start to finish led Topi Jylha's four goals.

Metros A headed to Solihull on Sunday to face the southernmost North Division opponents Birmingham Lions following their 10-2 victory over Hull a fortnight ago.

The team was without forwards Tom Wilson (ankle), and Shayne Langlois (knee), but regained Jylha who returned from a cheek injury sustained in the Hull away game. He would provide the vital offensive attack scoring four goals whilst tallying multiple assists on goals scored by his line mates Allen Gunn and Matt Lowry.

After their 10-2 performance, the goals kept coming. Metros A offense was supplied by a supporting cast of Kieren De'Ath, Gino Poulin, and Tyler Schock. The latter finding the net twice. Manchester controlled the tempo over the game spending multiple spells on the attack. Strong puck movement during full-strength play unlocked many opportunities to pepper the Birmingham goalie. Manchester totaled 70 shots in the game.

On the power play, the Metros went 4 of 5. The team continued to be strong when faced with man down situations killing off 4 of 5 in the game.

When the Metros weren't on the puck, they forced several neutral zone turnovers and kept the opposition to the perimeter. The entire team was physical, delivering many big hits that separated Lions players from the puck which opened up avenues for odd man situations.

Unfortunately, Poulin left the game early in the second period after sustaining an undisclosed lower-body injury. At the time, he had scored a goal and recorded an assist. His loss left the short on defence who continued to play as a 3-man unit. Alex Thomas, who had played in defence away to Edinburgh once again stepped in, playing all 60 minutes out of his normal position.

Critical stats include 21 goals for and only four goals against over the course of the last two games. A tremendous change from the first three games where Manchester was outscored 21-15. The defence has ramped up its coverage around the net and the forwards have tightened up their play.

Phil Pearson (1-2) was strong in net when he was called upon, making 13 saves on 15 shots. The players in front of him made sure he was able to see the puck. Birmingham's two goals were scored in the 3rd period, one off a tipped shot from the point, and the other a secondary rebound shot from just inside the circles.

Manchester are off until January 24 when Deeside hosts the home leg of the trans-Pennine rivalry. Until then, the Metros enter the Christmas break with 4 points in the table and a 2-3 record.

Allen Gunn leads all team scorers with 14 points (7g, 7a), including two game winning goals. He is followed by line mates Matt Lowry (7g, 6a), and Topi Jylha (4g, 6a).

Their remaining BUIHA schedule is as follows:
Jan 24 - Sheffield v. Manchester
Jan 31 - Nottingham v. Manchester
Feb 8 - Manchester @ Nottingham
Feb 15 - Manchester @ Sheffield
Feb 21 - Birmingham v. Manchester

You can find the full game sheet here.

English Thanksgiving

A week ago Monday was the house Thanksgiving meal as it fit everyone's schedule -- sorry Thursday... But we were prepared to make one heck of a meal, and by we, I mean Chris Brumby (housemate) got really involved in finding a marinade recipe for the turkey. He has to give some credit to Martha Stewart and her orange honey glazed turkey recipe. I must say it was fantastic to have someone else take care of the bird whilst I focused on other parts of the meal. How some folks have just one person get everything ready is beyond me. I know I would struggle. But designating jobs really helped move the prep and cooking along. Rohani and Tom Jones were on cutting duties, doing odds and in jobs, so a tremendous shout to them for their efforts.


Got cracking around 2PM that day. And after I ruined the roast potatoes at stage 2 by over boiling them, we were on our way to what would be a very delicious meal. Chris was adamant about getting a ham in the mix, so we included an almond-honey glazed marinade ham in the festivities. Our fixins included sweet potato casserole (a must), normal mash (because I ruined the first batch of potatoes, mac&cheese, roast veggies (because we're British), and cranberry sauce. For dessert: Monkey Bread and Fruit Salad.

Here's a challenge for all my compatriots: try explaining that there is no explanation for why Monkey Bread is called as such, when all the Brits want is an explanation. It all leads to several minutes of a heated Wikipedia debate where nobody wins.

And another thing whilst on the Monkey Bread topic. They don't have pre-made Pillsbury biscuits over here to easily slice and dice into wee bread balls. The dough making process added about an hour to the overall time but it was well worth it. That and when, Jon Brumby, our dessert connoisseur, had forgotten (or wasn't told) to add brown sugar it added another few minutes.

Then the marshmallows were singed. Or caramelised as Chris described them. Still edible, but they didn't have that beautiful white and pink look to them. Difficult finding marshmallows that don't cost a fortune and are of decent size. Can't deny Chris looks for perfection in presentation so he wasn't going to let a few charred mellows ruin it. And to be fair, that's what you want because in all my years of celebrating Thanksgiving the one thing I've learnt is its never going to be 100% perfect because that's just un-American! And what's Thanksgiving without a few mess-ups?!

Overall though, it was a great experience getting in the kitchen and really doing a holiday properly, and good company is what really matters. There were 11 of us total. All the housemates, and then 3 significant others. Really couldn't break tradition with this lot though as they pushed it, so after eating we went out to the grassy triangle up the road for a bit of American football -- which turned into half rugby by the end?

All this food, running about, right before hockey training. We will plan our Christmas dinner a bit better...

Metros A vs. Hull Ice Hogs

Manchester end opening skid, drop 10 spot on Hull and solve the revolving goalie problem via a strong game from Iain Foster. Win 10-2 at home.

Metros A jumped out to a quick 5-1 lead in the 1st period to capture the first win of the season after losing the first three games, allowing 21 goals in the process.

Though much was changed on Friday night, as the Metros fielded, arguably, their best team of the season, including newcomer goaltender, Iain Foster. Although his work load was light due to the impressive forecheck by the Manchester forwards, he made a slew of impressive saves, one on a penalty shot, and another big glove save late on in the third period to keep the game well out of reach. The consistency between the pipes gave the team a tremendous boost. He made 35 saves on the night.

Defensively, Manchester put their foot down as Hull only scored one even strength goal with the other coming on the a five minute power play. Manchester limited Hull's looks on goal by forcing them into long shots that Foster easily turned away.

The offensive attack was led by the Lowry-Wilson-Gunn line who combined for 4 goals, and 5 assists. The trio forced the Ice Hogs into many offensive and neutral zone mistakes which translated into chances. Max Drakeley came up big scoring two goals. B Teamer, Jack Walker, tallied his first A Team goal when he connected on a pass from Shayne Langlois. Victor Graf, Callum Notman, also added goals.

Manchester A travel to the newly rebranded Birmingham Lions on Sunday, December 1 with face-off at 21:15 from Solihull Ice Rink.

For a comprehensive game sheet click here.

Metros A @ Hull Ice Hogs

Matt Lowy's hat-trick not enough as Manchester's woes continue against Hull, lose 7-5.

Manchester Metros A hoped any sort of positive form would have found them in their travels across the M62 to Hull on Thursday night, but defensive mishaps again plagued the team's chances at a late rally against Hull.

Thursday night's game saw the introduction of two call-ups for their A team debut with the Metros as Oliver Wallace and Matt Crouch received early-season action. Crouch, a defensive player from Kent, was called up to help keep the puck out of Robyn Maby's net (who also made her return to the A team lineup). Wallace filled in a slot as a winger for the team.

Matt Lowry keep his form up by notching a hat-trick. His first goal came from a 2-on-1 shot from the slot that snuck under the Hull goalie (asst. Allen Gunn, Topi Jylha). Goal two he finished off of a rebound on the power play (asst. Tom Wilson, Allen Gunn). The hat-trick goal was a shorthanded, individual effort. From the defensive zone face-off, Lowry made a great play at the blue line to dink the puck around the Hull defender. He then went onto slot the puck home on a nifty move.

Manchester spent a good portion of the second and third period on the power play, but unable to capitalise consistently on the man advantage. Hull had one player sent of for boarding, and then ended up with another player in the box whilst the 1st penalty was still going giving the Metros a 5-on-3 for 2 minutes.

Jylha was a Finnish trooper continuing to work hard after sustaining an injury to his cheek after being checked into the high boards. Also, a Canadian trio of Shayne Langlois, Tyler Schock, and Mike De Paoli, spent time in the box together after some physical play in the offensive zone culminated in a scrap along the boards. Of course, led by "Shayne the Train".

Upcoming game: Manchester (0-3) welcome Hull Ice Hogs (1-0-1) to Deeside on Friday, September 22 with face-off at 2230.

Don't even bother with the gamesheet, it wasn't filled out properly...

Metros A vs. Edinburgh Eagles

Defensive woes for Metros A continue at home, drop contest 6-4 to Edinburgh Eagles after losing lead late -- start season 0-2.

In what appeared to be a necessary offensive surge to spark their season early on, the Metros opened the scoring 1:52 into the 1st period from a goal by Bradley Valentine (asst. Kieren De'Ath).

Manchester held off Edinburgh for an extended period of time before they equalised 10 minutes later at the 11:11 mark. The home side would edge in front four minutes before the end of the 1st on a great individual effort goal scored by Thomas Revesz (unassisted).

Edinburgh head a slight 3-2 advantage heading into the 3rd period after holding Manchester scoreless. But a quick goal from Allen Gunn (asst.  Revesz, Max Drakeley) to start the 3rd period positioned the Metros to retake the lead via a well-taken shot by Matt Lorwy (asst. Gunn).

Several chances for Manchester to extend the lead were put to bed by Edinburgh's, Berke Ricketti, who at one point blanked Revesz on a breakaway. He made a number of saves against an onslaught of shots late in the game. Ricketti saved 50 of the 54 shots he faced.

With the scoreline 4-3 in favour of Manchester, it was all about puck contentment whilst minimising mistakes. Edinburgh could not be counted out as they banged in two unanswered goals in quick succession. The first coming with seven minutes remaining in the 3rd and then jumping out in front 3 minutes later. The Eagles secured their away win with an empty net goal.

Manchester's goalie, Phil Pearson, finished with 41 saves in the loss.

Manchester Metros A returns to the ice away to Hull Ice Hogs on Thursday, November 14th with face-off at 21:15, where the will look to right the ship. Hull drew with Nottingham 4-4 in their first game.

To view the full game sheet click here.

Photo credit: Rob Hutchinson Photography

Metros A @ Edinburgh Eagles

The Manchester Metros A dropped their opening Cup Competition game on the road to Edinburgh Eagles 8-4 on Sunday night (3/11). 

The trip north was unkind to the team as they lost Victor Graf to a misconduct penalty midway through the 2nd period, which ultimately derailed any comeback.

Alex Thomas stepped back into defence following the penalty to Graf and played solid for the final 30 minutes of regulation. Kieren De'Ath, Gino Poulin, and Tom Wilson completed the Metro defence that made the trip.

The Metros were led offensively by the line of Gunn-Jylha-Lowry who combined for 8 points. As a line, the trio created several chances around the Eagles net by moving the puck quickly. Their transition from defence to offense put pressure on the Eagles D, and sustained pressure from the line showed what the line was capable of.

Poulin added a power play goal rounding out the Metros' scoring.

Metros A will be back in action on Friday, November 8, as they welcome Edinburgh Eagles to Deeside with face-off at 2230.

A full game sheet can be viewed here.

Uni of Manchester 5: Man Met 3

The second annual Manchester Metros varsity game took place this past Tuesday at Silver Blades Altrincham with University of Manchester reclaiming their title in a 5-3 victory over Manchester Metropolitan University using a 3-0 jump in the 1st period to win.

After UofM's three breakaway goals in the first frame, it was ultimately a battle of simply outlasting their opposition, MMU. MMU did storm back in the second period to bring the game within a goal at 4-3 with goals from Allen Gunn, Ben Brown, and Victor Graf, but that would be the closest the challenger would get.

MMU did threaten in the 3rd period, but UofM's defence held strong under the direction of Max Drakeley and Kieren De'Ath. The varsity game was a return to the Metros jersey for those away from the team last year such as Drakeley, Alex Thomas, Thomas Revesz, Joe Greaves, Rikk Renshaw, and a few others.

Each roster was graced with players from outside of Great Britain, including Switzerland, Finland, the United States, Canada, and South Africa. Players from other nations always add to the spectacle as it brings light on the different styles of hockey across the globe, reminding us that hockey is a strong international sport.

The game was a success from a crowd standpoint as well with an estimated 400 plus coming through the doors. The draw bodes well for future varsities as the sport continues to grow at the university level in the Greater Manchester area.

Manchester Metros A begins their BUIHA campaign on Sunday, 3 November, away to Edinburgh at Murrayfield and the varsity served as a great measure of the potential and strength of the team. Spectators got to see the likes of new players Victor Graf, and Topi Jylha in action, with first tallying a goal in the varsity game.

VARSITY ROSTERS
University of Manchester - 41 Jamie Bower, 89 Matt Crouch, 3 Kieren De'Ath, 4 Mike De Paoli, 40 Max Drakeley, 97 Joe Greaves, 78 Topi Jylha, 73 Matt Lowry, 14 Gino Poulin, 67 Thomas Revesz, 72 Matthew Rohani, 20 Tyler Schock, 39 Alex Thomas, 37 Patrick Thomson, 83 Oliver Wallace -- Goalies: 22 Nicole Jackson, 42 Liam Jacques, 25 Robyn Maby.

Manchester Metropolitan University - 5 Ben Brown, 18 Chris Brumby, 35 Jonathan Brumby, 78 Victor Graf, 21 Allen Gunn, 10 Sarah Hutchinson, 2 Cade King, 13 Shayne Langlois, 16 Callum Notman, 17 Adam Perona-Wright, 3 Lee Pollitt, 25 Rikk Renshaw, 8 Ashaan Waithe-Bousquet, 88 Jack Walker, 31 Tom Wilson -- Goalies: 42 Tom McDonald, 43 Phil Pearson.

Links to full photo galleries of the game can be accessed via the Manchester Metros Facebook page.

2013/14 University Modules

The following are the modules I will be taking this academic year at MMU. I will need to get used to a long Friday as two fall on that day whilst one takes place on Thursday afternoons. The university has switched from English students selecting 6 modules across the two terms to only three that span both. It is an interesting choice, but one I think benefits the overall learning of course materials. The overall degree grade is going to be decided in either of two ways, whichever gives the student the highest degree. The first is a combination of 2nd & 3rd year final grades. The second could only factor in grades from Year 3 (the three modules [75%] & dissertation [25%]).

...And to be fair, I can't argue only being in uni twice a week!

Critical & Cultural Theory II

Upon seeing the module list for this academic year, I instantly knew this would be my first of three selections. As a study abroad student in 2011/12 I took Critical & Cultural Theory I and found it to be the most challenging unit I had taken in my short university career. C&CT2 promises to be exactly the same with in depth looks at many influential scholars -- the understanding and analysis of these scholars will be a true treat because of the patience it will take to do so. My previous seminar instructor, Huw Jones, from C&CT1 is also on the course, but I was allocated into a different seminar group this time. He still remains as one of the best instructors I've had as his knowledge is limitless and the ideas he presents are fascinating.

Shakespeare

I haven't studied Shakespeare since my second year of high school and it was a requirement as an English major at UNCG. It was something I wanted to fulfill because of my interest in his sonnets and several of his playwrights. The module will definitely be exciting as the lecturer has a firm grasp on the material and gets really into it. As seen on Week 1 this past week when it seemed as if he was delivering a dramatic monologue as a lecture.

Reading & Writing Poetry

My fascination with poetry is something of a mystery. In high school I never enjoyed it. It was always a requirement I found annoying, but after entering university, I found myself compelled by it -- and driven to write it. My lecturer is once again Nikolai Duffy. His knowledge of the coursework is great and the way he is able to present it engages the student in the material.

Once my dissertation plan is approved, I will provide further details of it, but for now it is my wish to write my critical dissertation on the Classic American Novel and whether it reflects positively or negatively on contemporary America. (Still in the works)

From dollars to pounds, and pounds to kilos

It is exciting to be back in the land of many rains! I am pleased with my decision to finish my education here in Manchester. Though it has been a bit of a quick start as I have been to ice hockey training, the gym, and Trafford Centre (to get a duvet cover) all within what seemed like 10 minutes. I have been able to catch up with several of the Manchester Metros folks and hopefully more in the coming days.

That said, I'm looking forward to be blogging once again. Hope everyone has not gone too far!