These are my own Pre - Season thoughts, and I expect many Bee's supporters to disagree with them, but if it opens up a discussion that can't be bad.
Our defence is looking pretty sound, and if all we hear about Paul Holden and Greg Burke turns out to be true then ISL forwards had better look out - so had their Netminders if we look at Paul's stats for the Jets!!! Just hope the transition from Collegiate to ISL level is not too great for Todd Kelman, but if he was drafted by an NHL side he must have potential, and Jim wouldn't sign anyone he didn't think would fit in and give his all to the team.
Although I'm not sure about the strength in depth of our forward lines at the moment, its good to see our first line back and hopefully they will not get too much attention - half a yard is all they need and they'll give defenses the run around again. I don't know what style of player Dennis Burke is, but in my opinion we really do seem to need someone who can stick around the crease so maybe he fits this bill. Another thought is that perhaps its Jim's idea to have "Reggie" (Too many men!) Crawford using his knowledge and experience of defensive play to dig into the crease and dish out what defenses are trying to do to him.
I wonder who Jim will put on the second and third lines? I am a little worried about the possible lack of speed in some combinations, but "the proof of the pudding is in the eating", and we won't know for sure if they will or won't work until they have been tried in the heat of a game - so lets wait and see and give it a few weeks to sort itself out. Jim has obviously got a masterplan for the shape and style he wants for the overall team and individual lines, and I am more than happy to leave it in his very capable hands!!!!!
Well its less than a week to go and I'm getting the tonsils in shape as well as trying to think up some new suggestions for refs who give dodgy decisions. Unfortunately I can't make the opening game at the Bison's Barn, but I will be there in the Block 5 Bench Seats on the 24th to welcome the team home for the first of many Bison massacres!!!!
Good Luck to Jim and the Bees for the forthcoming season.
And naturally I'll add my hopes for a decent season, lads. Come On You Bees! - Alex.