Ice Hockey: Why 'shock' wins aren't that shocking any more

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It’s time we stopped labelling wins over the EIHL’s big four as “shocks.”

Pic: Steve Gunn
They’re not.

Sure, Sheffield Steelers, Belfast Giants, Nottingham Panthers and Cardiff Devils punch above the rest in terms of budget and big signings, and there’s a certain expectation they will be dominant. 

But, the early evidence in this 2019-20 EIHL campaign suggests they may not get things all their own way.

Instead of labelling their  defeats as shocks, perhaps it’s time to give due credit to the victors.

So far this season, Panthers have lost to Flyers, while Belfast have coughed points to Manchester and Dundee.

Cardiff, meanwhile have one OT win over Guildford to show for their last three games.

A 5-1 defeat at the hands of Coventry certainly stung Andrew Lord’s side and their die-hard fans.
Glasgow Clan swept all four points from visits to Wales and then Sheffield - they were 4-0 up and cruising in Steel-land before their hosts rallied to within one goal.

And, despite defeat in Guildford, Fife Flyers stay top of the league.

And we’re just heading into week three of the season …

The natural order may well be restored come next March when the silverware is being engraved - but we need to stop talking about shock wins/losses and accept that, in 2019-20 the old cliche that any team can win on any given night is pretty much how things are going to be. I certainly hope so.

You won’t hear any coach making big claims just yet - they are all too seasoned for such outlandish claims -  but they will be watching their teams keenly right now to see how their characters feed off big wins and react to  “shock” losses.

Those tell-tale signs will allow them to assess, further down the road, what, if any changes are needed,  and where the weak spots lie.

Some will shake up the rosters, others will tweak lines. A few will hold firm, confident their time will come.

But, let’s hope the “shock” results continue to crop up.


An open, competitive league, where wins cannot be taken for granted is just what we need.

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