With no ECB this year we are guaranteed a new champion. Can you give us your thoughts on each of the 6 teams?
Midland Thunder - Winner of the Playoffs last season. This team is going into the league looking very strong. They have 90% of last years squad back and they have all grown bigger and stronger. The big test for this team is to see if they can continuously play like the cohesive unit they were in the Play-Offs, with coach Janis Kipars in charge, I'm sure that he will have them well drilled and we can expect them to hit a new level this season.
Kilkenny Storm - Another squad that we can expect to see a big step-up in quality this season. They have returning players which will add depth and skills. Having only gained players and not having lost any since last year, the Storm will be a major force to overcome. The Storm have always been well drilled and disciplined, with coach Paul Cummins at the helm, we expect no different this season.
Bangor Chiefs - Their Coach Michael Creane represented the Mens National Team at the World Championships over the summer, we are sure he will bring home this experience and apply some major changes in strategy and style this season. This change will force all the other teams to try and adapt. Looking to build on their 4th place finish last season, the chiefs are sure to battle hard throughout the season to keep their playoff spot.
Dublin Flying Ducks - A team that has been going from strength to strength each season, we have seen them mature and get faster and stronger. Always well disciplined and with a very strong work ethic, we can expect the Flying Ducks to cause a number of upsets. Barely missing out on a playoffs last season, their drive for a spot in the top 4 means that no other team can take them for granted.
Waterford Penguins - The new kids on the block, we dont really know what to expect here. But if they play any bit like their Coach Martin Gashpi, then we can expect them to work hard and fight for every single puck.
Cork Wolfpack - Coming off one of the worst seasons in recent past the Wolfpack have something to prove. The return of their head coach after a 3-year hiatus and the addition of a new assistant coach means that the Wolfpack will be far better structured and disciplined on the court. A club that has always developed strong individual players, it is their ability to play as a unit that will be tested when they go up against the top teams in the league.
Thanks for taking the time to preview the U18s league Victor. We hope that all player's give you selection headaches in finalsing the training squad!