Posted on 9 May 2010 in Design Stuff, Exams, General

It’s been quite a while since my last post. I’ve been real busy with school work and I’ve had a lot of design work on. With my first exam in just under a week, revision and study has absorbed most of my free time, with hockey and the odd bit of work added in.

Before I forget, I have to comment on the Black Eyed Peas gig in Dublin. Last Saturday marked the first date of the European leg of the Black Eyed Peas’ E.N.D. World Tour. With support from Cheryl Cole, the show was AMAZING! Cheryl Cole didn’t sing all of her songs, but she had a good set. It was easily the best show I’ve ever seen. The lighting effects and general setup were unreal.

On that note, I’m taking my mum to London at the end of this month as a birthday present. At the same time as we’re there, the Peas are playing the O2 Arena. So I got some tickets. And yes, I’m going to see them again. And yes, I will also see them at Oxegen. Hmm… that makes it four times in one year!

So from now until June 17 I will have 9 exams. They’re pretty spread out, but there’s still 9 of them! Starting off with a Chemistry practical on Friday, Computing the following week and a bit of a break after that, I’ll have my work cut out.

I’d also like to mention two bands that are definitely worth a listen – Kami Kids and Elphaba. Kami Kids are currently sitting in the number one spot of the NI Chart (http://www.nichart.com/) and Elphaba are an up and coming electronica/indie band. Give them a listen, you’d be surprised what Northern Ireland has to offer.

Anyhow, on to a more pressing subject… THE STANLEY CUP! Montreal are currently tied 2-2 in the series with Pittsburgh, but as I’m writing this, they’re down 2-0 in the third period in the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. Hopefully the Habs can get their act together for Game 6 at the Bell Centre on Monday night!

I’m gonna go watch the rest of the game now. Over and out…

Posted on 20 April 2010 in General, School

Ok, so it’s now 2:50am and I’m wide awake! I fell asleep after dinner and didn’t wake up until 23:30, so it looks like I’m in for a long night!

Splinter Cell: Conviction
Just got this game yesterday. It has to be the best game I’ve played in a long while! The graphics are great, storyline is great and overall it’s an amazing game. I think it may even take NHL 10′s place as a permanent resident in my XBOX’s disc drive!

I’ve had a lot of school work since I got back from Mexico, and with the exams fast approaching, I’m snowed under with revision as well as trying to finish the work for the exams. This week, Computing and Chemistry are on the reading list… Could it get any better?!

I’ve also been trying to squeeze in some time to work on the Superstar Disco website. It’s nearly there and just needs a few minor things changed. You can check them out on Facebook and Twitter too!

I should probably go and try to sleep! Goodnight (hopefully)!

Posted on 17 April 2010 in Exams, General, Web Design

Well, it’s been a while, about a month to be exact. Between the trip to Mexico, school work and design work, I’ve had very little free time. We were very unfortunate in Mexico…with no wins! But the senior national team have raised the Irish name again, winning a Gold medal today in Luxembourg!
Over the past few weeks I’ve been up to my eyes with work – school and design. I’ve managed to create the East Coast Aces website, partially create the Superstar Disco website and keep up with all my maths work! With 8 AS modules over May and June, it’s coming to the revision time. Wonderful!
Tonight’s the 3rd place final of the IIHA B-League playoffs in Dundalk, with a fierce rivalry clash between the Dundalk Lady Bulls and Belfast Ice Vixens. The Vixens have come out on top in all their games with the Bulls this season and are hoping to finish the season off on a high tonight.
Now for the latest dilemma! MacBook Pro or not? I’ve been thinking about it since the Summer and after Apple released the new range I’ve been drawn to it even more! Plus, I can run Windows 7 for my VB.NET coding! What more could I need?!
Anyhow, I’m just at the border, so I should post this before I get hit with roaming charges. Focker outtttt!

Posted on 7 March 2010 in General, Junior Giants, Team Ireland

Well, it’s been a long weekend! I left for Scotland on Friday evening (around 17:00) and arrived at Ayr train station around 21:00 to meet my dad. We went back to Old Loans Inn – the best place I have EVER stayed! It was complete luxury!
It was an early start on Saturday morning as we travelled up to Dumfries to meet the Team Ireland squad ahead of our game. We arrived early, so had a rest at the Aston hotel and then had a look around the shops.
The game went alright in the first period, with us leading 3-1. From the second period we found ourselves in a lot of penalty trouble which caused more goals, with a final score of 6-5 in their favour.
After the game we went to the local Italian restaurant and had some food. Then laughed as Jason got ‘fraped’.
After a good sleep at the Aston hotel, we hit the road this morning around 11:00 and I’m now in Stranraer about to catch the earlier boat.
Got a game this evening at the Ice Bowl with the Junior Giants, against the Dundalk Bulls. Should be a fun game

Posted on 4 March 2010 in General, Team Ireland

Well, it’s been a while. Two weeks to be exact! And I’ve been very busy!
With Team Ireland training, school work and design work, I’ve had no free time at all.
The Team Ireland preparation is going well. We’ve been training at least twice a week with ice and off-ice training. We travel to Scotland this weekend for a game against the Scottish Under 18 team, making the final stages of the preparation for the world championships.
I leave for Mexico next Friday, via USA. You can keep up to date with our progress at www.teamirelandu18.info. We have a blog set up there, which will be updated by the team manager, Jim Pepper, as well as myself and the Captain and coaches. You can also follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TeamIrelandU18.
With the summer AS exams approaching, I’m feeling the pressure at the minute. I’ve got 6 modules plus any resits (at least 1). The maths is really picking up in intensity, with the rush to get it all covered.
Anyway, gotta sleep! School tomorow then Dundalk for a Team Ireland game against the Bulls. Over and out!

Posted on 17 February 2010 in Junior Giants, School, Team Ireland, Web Design

Well, this past week’s been pretty busy. We got off on Friday for half term (all of 2 days!) and from then it’s been non-stop. Saturday morning we had training at the Odyssey, with Team Ireland. Then the Giants game on Saturday night. Right after the game, we headed to Rockies for the Giants Auction – in aid of the Team Ireland Under 18 Squad. Sean McMorrow helped us out a lot as the auctioneer, helping us raise a whopping £847.05! This helps the team a lot towards the trip and we would like to thank everyone that donated.

Sunday was a day in Dundalk. We had a Junior Giants game in the morning, followed by some Team Ireland off-ice and then a Team Ireland ice session, then the Vixens game! We played the Junior Giants and Bulls game, losing 4-2, then went on to hang around with Petr, the fitness coach. Unfortunately the Ice Dome double booked our session, so it was cancelled, but the Vixens game went on! The Vixens grabbed three goals over the last of the two periods, to claim a win over the Dundalk Lady Bulls – their third in three games!

Monday was the first of my two days off. I spent the majority of the day doing homework – couldn’t think of a better way to spend my time! Then went to the gym on Monday night.

The bad part came on Tuesday! I started to feel a little bit ill – sore throat, chest and headache. I ended up in bed by 19:00, and slept right through until this morning.

I got up this morning, still feeling like crap, went to school and wished I hadn’t! My head felt like it was about to blow off! I could barely breathe and my throat was raw! The plan for tonight was off-ice training in Dundalk with Team Ireland. That didn’t happen. By the time I got home, my throat and chest were so sore that I just gave up. So, voila, I’m now writing this!

On a more positive note, I’ve nearly finished the Youth Solutions website! Just a few finishing touches and I’m done! I’ll be starting the Superstar Disco website this week and hope to have it finished by the end of the month, or very early next month. Fingers crossed!

Anyway, I’m off to play some NHL 10! Adios!

Posted on 9 February 2010 in Team Ireland

On Friday 12th March, the Team Ireland Under 18 Ice Hockey Squad will travel to Monterrey, Mexico, to compete in the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships. They will compete against national teams from New Zealand, South Africa, Israel, and the host nation, Mexico.
The team is totally self-funded due to a lack of support from the Irish and Northern Irish sports councils, leaving it upon the team to raise the money themselves.

The Auction will take place in Rockies Sports Bar in the Odyssey Pavilion right after the Giants game. It will be hosted by Giants favourite, Sean “The Sheriff” McMorrow, and will feature:
- 2x signed sticks
- A signed Colin Shields jersey
- A signed Sean McMorrow jersey
- A signed and framed team photo
As well as a host of other items.

You can click here to view the poster!

You can also pledge a donation here.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Posted on 6 February 2010 in Junior Giants, Team Ireland

Just got a call last night to let us know we have a game tonight against the Bulls in Dundalk. Faceoff 19:45.
Been a pretty crap week. Work experience went quite badly after my Swine Flu injection. I took an allergic reaction because apparently I have a slight egg allergy. So from Tuesday afternoon until Thursday morning I itched constantly. Then a visit to the doctor and magic tablets solved it!
Giants on Thursday was alright. Got the Team Ireland fundraiser organised for Rockies on Saturday 13th. Details to follow…
Lunch now, adios!

Posted on 31 January 2010 in Belfast Giants

Last Saturday night saw the LBM Belfast Giants take on the Nottingham Panthers in the second game of the double header. The Giants again played without Steve Thornton and Brandon Benedict.

The Giants were quick off the mark, with a goal just 1:03 into the game. A takeaway by Pat Bateman at the blue line left space for him to skate down to the half boards. Bateman found George Awada with a pass behind the net, leaving opportunity for a wraparound through St. Pierre’s 5-hole.

The Panthers were quick to answer, as the Giants went on the penalty kill, with Sean McMorrow sitting for high sticking. A shot from the blue line by Dominic D’Amour left Stephen Murphy down and gave Bruce Richardson an opportunity for a rebound, with Corey Neilson also picking up an assist, at 2:46.

After another few penalties, the Giants managed to pick up their second of the night before the end of the period, at 15:05. As Jeff Szwez crossed the blue line, a pass to Colin Shields on the left wing left opportunity for a slapshot from the hash mark, finding its way in low past the post, with Pierre-Luc Faubert also picking up an assist on the play.

Just before the end of the period, Faubert picked up a penalty for holding, leaving the Giants on the penalty kill, and with a 2-1 lead going into the period break.

The Giants started the second period on the penalty kill, but were greeted with a lot of end to end play, with both teams equalling on shots. As Shields picked up a hooking penalty, the Panthers scored a pretty impressive goal, but in the end were disallowed. As the puck was flicked over the net, the Panthers forward tapped it down into the net past Murphy, but it was decided that it was a high stick.

From mid way though the period, the play got very rough, with a lot of scrapping after the whistle. This seemed to go in the Giants’ favour, as they put in their third of the night at 36:16. A takeaway at the Giants’ blue line by Evan Cheverie left a pass to Bateman, giving him a breakaway. Bateman cut across the net, firing the puck in the top shelf past St. Pierre, giving the Giants a 2 goal lead, with the period finishing 3-1 in the Giants’ favour.

At the end of the period, both team met at the benches as players sorted out their differences. This resulted in a lot of penalties. George Award picked up a 2+10 for cross checking and abuse of official. Bruce Richardson picked up a 2+2 for roughing and Sean McMorrow picked up a 2 minute roughing penalty.

The third period got off to a slow start, but featured a lot of penalties, most of which were coinciding. Just after the 5 minute mark, Faubert picked up a diving penalty, as Kevin Bergin picked up a hooking penalty. This was shortly followed by Shane Johnson and Danny Meyers both picking up cross checking penalties.

The tensions flared even more, resulting in a fight in front of the Giants’ net. Kevin Phillips went toe to toe with Jade Galbraith. The Giants fans had been chanting all night, “Jade is a girl’s name!” and he certainly lived up to expectation, as Phillips finished with him. Galbraith also picked up a 2 minute illegal equipment penalty.

The Giants had another couple of penalties before the Panthers pulled their netminder. This left them with an open net for just over a minute. The Giants shot a few times from their own end, but were unable to hit the target, with the game finishing at 3-1 in the Giants’ favour.

Bruce Richardson picked up the Panthers’ man of the match, while Stephen Murphy picked up his second of the weekend.

Posted on 31 January 2010 in Belfast Giants

Last Friday night saw the LBM Belfast Giants take on the Nottingham Panthers in the first of the weekend’s two games at the Odyssey Arena. The Giants played short of Brandon Benedict and Steve Thornton. The Nottingham Panthers brought a lot of fans for the double header weekend, creating a lot of noise for both teams.

The game got off to a slow start, with end to end play for the first few minutes. The Giants were first to go on the powerplay, as the Panthers watched Jade Galbraith go to the box for cross checking. The Giants’ powerplay hasn’t been the best for the past few weeks, with a lot of passing, but a severe lack of shooting. They repeated this display again, with most shots hit being off target.

The Giants were quick to have a man sent to the bin, with Shane Johnson sitting for tripping. This was quickly cancelled out as Panthers’ player/coach Corey Neilson sat for interference. This left the play at 4-on-4 and moved on to a Giants powerplay. The Panthers played with their usual 3 man defence and a high forward. The high forward got a pass in the neutral zone, giving him a breakaway. The initial shot was saved, as well as the rebound.

As Jeff Szwez and David Clarke exchanged fists at the blue line, the play went 4-on-4 again. The Giants had a few chances, but just after the 4-on-4, the Panthers managed to add the first of the night, just 6 seconds before the end of the period. A giveaway by Pierre-Luc Faubert at the Giants blue line left the puck with Galbraith for a pass to Richardson in the corner. A pass across the slot to McAslan left Stephen Murphy on the ice in the Giants net, giving McAslan an easy, high shot into the net, at 19:54. This left the period at 1-0 in favour of the Panthers.

The Giants were quick to go on the powerplay in the second period, as Nick Toneys sat for interference. The Giants managed to add an equalising, powerplay goal at 22:28. Play in the Panthers’ zone left the puck with one of the Panthers’ forwards. A takeaway by Szwez in the zone left a pass to Faubert at the point. A pass across the blue line to Michael Jacobsen left a shooting lane for a slapshot on St. Pierre in the Panthers’ net, with the puck sliding in past his left pad.

The Panthers were quick to answer, just 53 seconds later, at 23:21. The play came into the Giants’ zone. A pass from Galbraith to Clarke left a shot from the circle past Murphy’s shoulder, with Neilson also picking up an assist.

The Giants went on to pick up another penalty, as well as a powerplay opportunity, with nothing solid coming of it. The Giants equalised again just before the end of the period, at 38:06. A pass from Colin Shields behind the net to Szwez in front left a shot. The shot rebounded off St. Pierre’s pad, leaving him out of position for a shot from Faubert, finding its way past him.

Just before the end of the period, the Giants went shorthanded, as Evan Cheverie picked up a hooking penalty. The period finished 2-2.

The Giants started the third period off on the penalty kill. With a penalty filled period, the Giants managed to pick up another powerplay goal, at 53:33. A pass from the slot by Jacobsen to Shields in the circle left a shooting lane. The shot was deflected off St. Pierre’s pad onto Szwez’s stick for an easy goal.

With just 1:15 left in the period, the Panthers pulled their goalie for the extra player in search of an equalising goal. This gave Pat Bateman the chance to pick up an empty net goal, at 59:07. A takeaway in the neutral zone left a clear skate into the net, scoring with a tap over the goal line.

Just before the end of the period, at 59:33, Panther Bruce Richardson tried to throw his weight around, with Tim Cook also involved in the tussle. Richardson picked up a 2+2 for roughing and a slashing penalty, while Cook picked up a cross checking and roughing penalty.

The game finished 4-2 in favour of the Giants, with both netminders picking up man of the match – Kevin St. Pierre and Stephen Murphy.

Posted on 31 January 2010 in Belfast Giants, General, Team Ireland

Had a pretty fun weekend. All starting on Friday night with the Giants game at the Odyssey, against the Nottingham Panthers. Was a great, exciting game, with the Giants coming out on top, 4-2 (report to follow).

Saturday morning was an early start, with a trip to Dundalk, for Team Ireland stuff. We firstly went to the JJB Sports Dome to play some football, then on to the local Tesco store to do some fundraising – packing people’s bags. Fr0m Tesc0, we went back to the Ice Dome for some lunch, then quickly on to the local leisure centre. We did a body pump class, a spinning class, then an aqua running class. It was very tough and hurt quite a bit! From the leisure centre, we went on to the Sportsbowl and had a game of bowling there. It was very good, with me coming second, just one point off the lead!

From the Sportsbowl, it was a big rush to get back to Belfast in time for the second of the Giants v Panthers games. We managed to get in about 15 minutes before the faceoff, in perfect time!

Today (Sunday) I’ve just had one of the best lie-ins and am now sitting in bed typing this! Gotta go to the gym later, then on to hockey at 18:45.

I’m off to work experience this week. I’m going to Core Systems in Belfast. They specialise in bespoke security solutions, which involves a lot of programming, which I like! Should be a fun week – but 9 to 5!

Posted on 27 January 2010 in Exams, General, Team Ireland

I’ve got a pretty tough week ahead from now. Starting with my Statistics (S1) module tomorrow at lunchtime, which I think I’m prepared for! Then gym and hockey tomorrow night. Thursday is Team Ireland training, in Dundalk, and the gym. We’ve got a match against the Dundalk Bulls A team (which should be a pretty interesting game). Then Friday is gym and hockey again.

On the topic of hockey, if anyone would like to sponsor me for the Team Ireland trip to Mexico for the World Championships, you can do so here! It would be greatly appreciated!

Also, here’s the first team photo. It’s missing a few guys, but most are there!

Posted on 26 January 2010 in Belfast Giants

Last Sunday night, the LBM Belfast Giants took on the Newcastle Vipers at the Odyssey Arena. The Vipers travelled with only 9 men, two of which were goaltenders. The Giants played short of Brandon Benedict and Steve Thornton.

The first period got off to a good start for the Giants, with a quick jump into the lead at 4:39. The goal came as Sean McMorrow passed to George Awada behind the net. Awada found Evan Cheverie in front of the net for a one time shot past Michel Robinson’s glove.

The Giants continued to dominate, and added another just after the 10 minute mark. A pass from Craig Peacock to Graeme Walton left Tom Walsh open at the point. A pass from Walton to Walsh left a shooting lane, with Walton getting in front of the netminder. A slapshot fired from Walsh found the back of the net for a two goal lead at 10:43.

The Giants added their third before the end of the period, with Cheverie picking up his second of the night. A pass from Pat Bateman behind the net to Awada in the corner left Cheverie open again in the slot. Another shot on Robinson’s glove side gave the Giants a 3-0 lead at 15:20, and finished the period 3-0 in favour of the Giants.

The Giants started the second period where they left off in the first, and with Nathan Craze in the Giants’ net. A pass from Jeff Szwez to Pierre-Luc Faubert on the wing left Colin Shields open in the slot. A pass from Faubert to Shields gave the opportunity to skate in and shoot. A low shot found its way past Robinson for a 4-0 lead at 21:21.

The Vipers managed to get their first goal on the board at 22:34, with a sloppy goal from Ben Campbell, assisted by Jason Tejchma and Nathan Salem. This started the Vipers’ offense and they went on to pick up another at 26:41. With the Giants shorthanded after Mark Morrison picked up a penalty for hooking, Dean Holland managed to find the net, high past Craze, assisted by Ryan Mahrle and Mark Gouett.

The Giants went on the powerplay as Jason Tejchma picked up a penalty for holding. This gave the Giants the opportunity to add to their lead, with a powerplay goal at 29:42. A point shot from Shields deflected off Robinson’s pad on to Tim Cook’s stick. As Cook shot the puck, it took a deflection off Vipers’ defenseman, Ryan Mahrle’s, skate into the net. Faubert also picked up an assist on the play.

As the Giants went on the powerplay again, with Daniel Pye picking up a tripping penalty, the Vipers managed to pull back with a shorthanded goal. Mike Berry went 1-on-1 down the ice with Matic Karlj chasing. A pass from the wing to Kralj in the slot left an easy shot for the goal, at 34:47, leaving the period 5-3 in favour of the Giants.

The Giants started the third period on a penalty kill, with Bateman and Shields both sitting penalties, for high sticking and cross checking respectively. This again gave the Vipers an opportunity to pull the game back into reach. And they did – a point shot from Jason Tejchma, tipped in by Ryan Mahrle at 40:38 brought the game back to within one goal.

With the Giants still on the penalty kill, with Shields still in the box, they managed to add another powerplay goal. With Tejchma down the left wing and behind the net, a wraparound and through Craze’s 5-hole tied the game up at 42:09.

The Giants managed to pull themselves together, and didn’t concede any more goals in the period, but were denied again and again by Michel Robinson in the Vipers’ net. The Giants picked up two powerplays late in the period, but were still unable to get the much needed goal.

The Giants went into overtime, with the score at 5-5, and on the powerplay. On the powerplay, the Giants repeated their ‘no shooting’ technique, with a lot of passing, but very few shots. Any shots taken were good chances, but it was just impossible to find a way past Michel Robinson.

With the score tied after overtime, the game went to penalty shots. Colin Shields went first, with an unlucky miss as he hit the post. Mike Berry followed for the Vipers, and was unable to get past Craze’s pad. Tom Walsh was second up for the Giants and managed to miss the net completely. Jason Tejchma went second for the Vipers and deked his way past Craze and backhanded the puck into the net. With the pressure on Jeff Szwez for a goal to keep the Giants in the game, Michel Robinson went down and saved the puck. This gave the Vipers a 6-5 win after penalties.

Michel Robinson picked up man of the match for the Vipers, while Evan Cheverie picked up man of the match for the Giants.

You can click here to view the highlights of this game and Steve Thornton’s reaction from UTV.

Posted on 24 January 2010 in General, Team Ireland

Had a pretty good weekend. Hockey on Friday night at the Ice Bowl. Did absolutely nothing on Saturday until the gym at about 4. Then xbox night afterwards!
Today was a little more eventful – Team Ireland training this morning at the Odyssey for an hour and a half. Then ‘bunny hopping’ up and down the stairs afterwards. It was actually quite tough. One step at a time, two steps at a time, THREE steps at a time and then one leg at a time. The three at a time was nearly impossible to do without falling back down the stairs!
The Giants played the Vipers tonight (report to follow). The Vipers played with a very short bench of 9 players. The Giants had a 3-0 lead after the first period. By the end of the third, the score was 5-5 and we went to overtime and penalties. The Giants did their usual and cocked up the penalty shots with 0 for 3. This gave the Vipers the win.
Anyway, school tomorrow, so must sleep!

Posted on 23 January 2010 in Exams, Team Ireland, Web Design

At our Team Ireland training this week, we were given a booklet to record our fitness progress in. We are expected to run 2 miles per day (or cycle 10km) - improving on our time each time – and record our maximum number of press-ups and sit-ups. This is now after the second day, and I’m tired! I’ve played hockey 5 out of the last 7 days and haven’t had a lot of rest. Tomorrow is rest time, then Team Ireland training at the Odyssey on Sunday before the Giants game. And we’ve got another game this week, on Thursday, against the Dundalk Bulls A-team – should be eventful!

Can’t forget to prepare for my Statistics (S1) exam. It’s on Wednesday, but I feel pretty confident for it. Also gotta find the time to start work on the website for Youth Solutions. Got a lot on this week, and not enough time to do it all!

Time for sleep! I’m out!

Posted on 21 January 2010 in General, School, Team Ireland

Just back from Dundalk and it’s 01:20! Up for school at 07:00 – that should be fun! We played against a ladies team (composed of players from various teams) and won 12-1. I grabbed a goal and a couple of assists. Pretty good night!
Also got a few blank sheets with the words ‘press ups’, ‘sit ups’ and ’2 mile run’ repeated. That’s gonna be very tough! Starts tomorrow though – JJB in Dundalk! I have a feeling that Red Bull may be needed tomorrow!
Mexico in 50 days! Monterrey to be exact – 12th to 23rd March.
It’s gonna be gooooood!
Time for my 5 hours and 33 minutes of sleep…over and out!

Posted on 20 January 2010 in General

Got this hooked up with Twitter so that anything I post here is automatically sent to Twitter. Pretty cool!

Posted on 20 January 2010 in Belfast Giants, Exams, General, Team Ireland

I ordered shoes last week online, and they arrived last week. Turns out they didn’t fit. So I gave them to my mum to return. And here’s the address she put on the parcel…

Fair enough, the address on the receipt was wrong, BUT the address was on the other side! She then said, “Matthew, look. I think that address might be wrong!” Haaaa!

Anyway, I had my Mechanics M1 module today. Was easy enough, so should get a pretty high mark in it – hopefully. It was a lot easier than the Pure C1 module, so I’m hopeful!

Team Ireland tonight! Game against Lady Bulls in Dundalk. Probably a run beforehand…great!

Raging that I miss the Giants game tonight at the Ice Bowl. They take on the Cardiff Devils, and Sean McMorrow is sure to wipe the ice with Brad Voth! Hopefully there’ll be a DVD!

Late night tonight, late night tomorrow night, late night Friday night, sleep Saturday!

Posted on 18 January 2010 in Belfast Giants

Last Saturday night, the LBM Belfast Giants took on the Edinburgh Capitals in the first of their two weekend games. The Giants played short of Steve Thornton and George Awada, due to their excess imports. This brought Pierre-Luc Faubert back into the lineup after an ankle injury picked up before Christmas.

Off the first period faceoff, Sean McMorrow and Andrew Sharp went toe-to-toe at centre ice, just 3 seconds into the game. This spurred both teams on, with the Capitals first to pick up their offensive game, on the Giants’ net. The Giants quickly returned up the ice, with a few chances in the Capitals’ zone.

Pierre-Luc Faubert managed to pick up his game, with perfect passes to the front of the net, all of which were deflected by Cody Rudkowsky in the Capitals’ net. Shortly after the halfway mark, McMorrow and Sharp dropped the gloves again, with McMorrow coming out on top again.

Right after, the Giants pushed to the front of the Capitals net, with an excellent opportunity. Passing in Capitals zone, the Giants found Pat Bateman at the back post, with the netminder out of position. A missed shot from Bateman left the Odyssey Arena crowd more anxious, awaiting the first goal of the game.

The Giants managed to break the deadlock at the 15:47 mark, as Tim Cook registered his name on the score sheet. A few passes in the neutral zone, left Tim Cook at the red line as the Capitals changed lines. A slapshot rifled from the red line found the net past Rudkowsky after a few bounces on the ice, with assists from Shane Johnson and Brandon Benedict.

In the last few seconds of the period, the Giants picked up a powerplay, with Ben O’Connor picking up a slashing penalty. The period finished 1-0 in favour of the Giants.

The Giants got off to a good start in the second period, with a just under 2 minutes of a powerplay. The Giants picked up their powerplay from the previous weekend’s games, with point shots and the forwards in front of the net screening the puck.

Just 10 seconds after the powerplay finished, the Giants managed to pick up their second of the night, at 21:50. A slapshot from the middle of the blue line from Colin Shields found the bottom corner of the net past Cory Rudkowsky, with Faubert and Benedict picking up assists on the play.

The Giants then found themselves in penalty trouble, as Kevin Phillips and Sean McMorrow picked up penalties one after the other.

The Giants then managed to kill another penalty, as Pat Bateman visited the box after he reacted to a dirty hit from Kyle Horne. The Giants looked at an advantage, as Jeff Szwez found the puck for a breakaway. A shot which was deflected found Faubert’s stick. As Szwez found his footing again, he roofed the puck past Rudkowsky as he lay on the ice, at 33:52, for a shorthanded goal. The period finished 3-0 to the Giants.

The third period was a lot slower and less intense than the first two. There was a lot of end to end play in the first 9 minutes, until the Capitals found the net at 49:05, to put Stephen Murphy’s shutout hopes to bed. A pass from Jeff Hutchins in the Giants’ zone to Dan Welch, who carried the puck through the Giants’ defence to roof it past Murphy, to leave the score at 3-1.

The Capitals started to pick up their offense, as they tried to pull the game back. They pulled netminder Cody Rudkowsky just over 1 minute before the end of the period, but neither team were able to find the net again.

The game finished 3-1 with the Giants coming out on top. Pierre-Luc Faubert picked up man of the match for the Giants, while Cody Rudkowsky picked up man of the match for the Capitals.

Posted on 15 January 2010 in Team Ireland

It’s that time of year again, and the Team Ireland Under 18 Ice Hockey squad has been selected. I got a phone call last night from the coach, Sean Dooley, telling me that I had been selected! Woohoo!

We travel to Mexico in March for the World Championships – 14th to 20th March. We’ve got a pretty tough group:

• Mexico
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Israel

It will be tough! But the best motto from last year:

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.

That’s all!

Posted on 14 January 2010 in Exams

This month I have six AS modules. And they’re proving to be a nightmare! So far I’ve done:

• Maths C1 – very difficult compared to any of the past papers I’ve done – resit necessary!
• Physics Module 1 – was alright, but possibly a resit.
• Chemistry Module 1 – better than I expected.
• Computing Module 2 – easy enough. Some tricky questions.

Over the next two weeks, I have two more maths modules: Mechanics (M1) and Statistics (S1). Hopefully they’ll be easier than C1!

Posted on 10 January 2010 in Belfast Giants

Last Saturday evening saw the LBM Belfast Giants take on the Sheffield Steelers at the Odyssey Arena. With Pierre-Luc Faubert and Sean ‘The Sheriff’ McMorrow out of the lineup, Jeff Szwez made his return after a hand injury. Sheffield came into the game having lost their last 6 games, and started with their backup netminder, Dan Green, between the pipes.

The Steelers were quick off the mark in the first, making their way to the Giants net off the faceoff. The Giants then returned the offense, with Brandon Benedict narrowly missing the net. In the first 10 minutes, the Giants’ defence were repeatedly pulled out of trouble by netminder, Stephen Murphy, who saved everything that came his way.

The Giants were the first to find the net, with Craig Peacock, at 13:36. A takeaway in the Steelers’ zone left George Awada open on the wing for a pass from Kevin Phillips. Phillips found Peacock at the top of the circle, leaving a shooting lane for a wrist shot, finding the net just inside the post.

The Steelers were quick to pull the game back, less than 2 minutes later, as Jeff Legue skated onto a pass from Robert Farmer, roofing the puck past Stephen Murphy, at 15:33. This left the period at 1-1.

The second period brought misfortune for the Giants, as Jeff Szwez picked up a 2+2 high sticking penalty, leaving the team shorthanded. The Giants managed to blow a hole in the Steelers’ powerplay unit, as Pat Bateman picked up a shorthanded goal, at 22:14. A turnover on the Giants’ blue line gave Bateman a breakaway. Deking his way past Dan Green, to backhand the puck past his pad.

The Giants managed to pick up powerplays one after the other, starting with a 5-on-3 as Brad Cruickshank and Doug Sheppard picked up penalties for hooking and holding respectively. The Giants managed to cycle the puck in the Steelers’ zone, but had severe problems shooting the puck.

The Giants soon had another powerplay as the Steelers picked up a bench penalty for too many men. This was soon added to, as Jason Hewitt visited the box for hooking, leaving the play 5-on-3 for the Giants. This opened an opportunity for another goal. A point to point pass from Colin Shields to Michael Jacobsen left a shooting lane open. A low slapshot from Jacobsen left a rebound chance for Szwez who fired the puck home for a powerplay goal, at 30:54.

Moray Hanson then had a go at evening up the penalties, as Shane Johnson found himself in the box for interference, soon to be followed by Pat Bateman for tripping. The Steelers managed to find their way to the net, with a pass behind the net from Doug Sheppard to Jeff Legue left Joey Talbot open in front of the net for a pass from Legue. This left Stephen Murphy out of position, leaving an easy shot for Talbot, at 34:30. This left the period 3-2 in the Giants favour.

The Giants opened the third period on the powerplay, as Kevin Bolibruk went to the box for hooking. The Giants played the puck around the Steelers’ zone, with no shots on goal. Just after the powerplay, a nice drop pass from Szwez going into the Steelers’ zone left Benedict the puck for a shot, which was saved by Dan Green.

The Giants then went on the penalty kill, as Steve Thornton went to the box for hooking. The Steelers’ powerplay seemed non-existent, as the play continued end-to-end.

The Odyssey Arena crowd were on the edge of their seats, as Kevin Phillips and Joey Talbot dropped their gloves, but were quickly held back by the officials. They both picked up penalties, Phillips for slashing and Talbot for roughing. This left the play 4-on-4, with the Giants controlling the play in the Steelers’ zone, getting a few shots on goal.

George Awada then picked up a 2+2 penalty for roughing, after a tussle with Robert Farmer in front of the Steelers’ bench, with Farmer also picking up a 2 minute roughing penalty. The Steelers’ added to the penalties, as Matt Hubbauer picked up a hooking penalty, leaving the play 4-on-4.

The final 5 minutes of the game were very tense, with both teams eager for another goal. Unfortunately this didn’t happen, with the game finishing 3-2 in favour of the Giants. Pat Bateman picked up the Giants’ man of the match, while Dan Green picked up the Steelers’.

Posted on 5 January 2010 in General

Ok, well this is a new blog, which I vowed to create in the new year. So here it is!
I plan to write about general things on here, including Giants match reports, latest Team Ireland news and other random happenings.

Keep checking back!