WE'RE BACK - and so are you!
Photo: John Uwins
A sentence that we've been waiting to write for 560 days is now finally happening, as tonight the first Elite League fixture with fans in attendance since 8 March 2020 takes place!
It's Premier Sports Challenge Cup action that starts us off this evening in Guildford with the Flames hosting Coventry in Group B.
The new-look Flames have not played any preseason games, meaning that tonight will be the first look their fans get of Paul Dixon's squad for 2021/22. Only Ian Watters, John Dunbar, Brett Ferguson and Owen Griffiths return from the 2019/20 squad, however the additions of Robert Lachowicz and Jordan Cownie have added experience to the Brit core.
"It's great to be back again and have fans in the buildings, and even more special to start in front of our own supporters. We know that Coventry have a very strong, competitive team and that we always have good games against them. It's a nervous weekend as well to see where we are as a team but there's a very exciting atmosphere around!" - Paul Dixon (Head Coach, Guildford Flames)
Coventry played Manchester midweek and had been up by two before surrendering that lead and only tying the game inside the final three minutes. Danny Stewart will be short a couple of bodies as visa issues hold up the final additions to his squad which has been training at the Skydome all this week. Luke Ferrara tied the game midweek for them and as the 2019/20 season's leading goal scorer will be looked to for goals, while in net CJ Motte stopped all 19 shots he faced in 40 minutes on Wednesday.
"It was great to hear the energy of the crowd midweek and so good to see. These are two important games against Guildford this weekend and while, in a perfect world, we'd have every in, that's the situation and we have to adjust to it as best we can. Everyone is very excited to get going!" - Danny Stewart (Head Coach, Coventry Blaze)
Faceoff is at 18:00.
