Edinburgh Capitals BLOG

Ice Hockey’s Homecoming - The Gardiner Cup

2009-06-11T16:33:00.000+01:00

Help celebrate Ice Hockey’s Homecoming with the biggest Ice Hockey event ever to be staged in Scotland

The Edinburgh Capitals, Scotland’s only Elite league Ice Hockey team, are hosting a four team tournament to celebrate Scotland’s contribution to the game of Ice Hockey and “Ice Hockey’s Homecoming”. The teams will be fighting it out to win the Gardiner Cup.

The tournament will feature two American Hockey League (AHL) teams, the Toronto Marlies (AHL Affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs) and the Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens) and 2 UK Elite league teams, the Edinburgh Capitals and the Belfast Giants. It will take place at Murrayfield Ice Rink in Edinburgh. The timetable is below.

· Thursday 24th September - a “head to head” clash between the Hamilton Bulldogs and the Toronto Marlies.

· Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September - a Festival of Ice Hockey, a four team tournament where the best of UK Hockey face off against two of Canada’s top teams.

Scott Neil, the Managing Director of The Edinburgh Capitals, said, “This is an inspiring tournament made possible by the help and support of the City of Edinburgh Council. At a time when we did not think such an ambitious event could be staged in Edinburgh the Council stepped in with their support. We are delighted that such prestigious teams are coming over from Canada and, in addition, the Belfast Giants and we welcome them and their fans to Edinburgh.”

Scott added, “We have also worked with Homecoming Scotland and VisitScotland whose help and advice has made this dream become a reality.”

The Gardiner Cup celebrates the life of Charles ‘Chuck’ Gardiner. Known as the wandering Scotsman, he was one of the games pre-eminent goal tenders during the 1920’s and 30’s. Born in Edinburgh, on Henderson Row, he then moved to Canada with his family eventually settling in Winnipeg. He attained NHL stardom with the Chicago Blackhawks where he guarded the cage from 1927 – 1934. Prior to his untimely death in 1934 he led the Blackhawks to their first Stanley cup win and in 1945 was the first Scot to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Naming the tournament cup after this great player seemed a fitting accolade for Chuck and his family.

In Scotland’s year of Homecoming it is only fitting that a game that Scottish people played a key role in inventing comes home. This is the highest level of competitive ice hockey to be seen in Scotland and without the support of our sponsors this event would not have been possible.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals and Events Champion for the City of Edinburgh, said, "We're in for a fabulous and unprecedented spectacle here in September with the arrival of these two top ice hockey teams from Canada. This will be the first time an event like this has taken place in the UK so it really is hats off to Edinburgh Capitals for making it happen. "Ice Hockey's Homecoming" will showcase the sport being played at the very highest levels and will undoubtedly inspire many of our young people to get involved in the sport. Yet again we are proud to demonstrate to the watching world that Edinburgh truly excels at delivering premier events."

The Scottish people have given the world many great things. Imagine a world without the television, telephones, computer games, and golf. Scottish immigrants to Canada helped to invent the great game of Ice Hockey and this tournament celebrates this contribution to the fastest team sport on the planet.

Peter Lederer, Chairman of VisitScotland, said, “Canada is an important market for Scotland with around 120,000 visitors coming here every year. This tournament will not only bring direct benefit to Edinburgh through the teams and supporters staying in the city but will also allow Scotland to be showcased across the world during a time when Homecoming events are happening across the country.”

Holiday Inn Edinburgh is the official accommodation partner for the tournament. It is the largest hotel in Edinburgh with 303 bedrooms. General Manager Philip Counsell said, “We are extremely excited to be a part of this unique event. Not only do we look forward to hosting the Visiting Teams but also the fans and families that this type of tournament will attract.”
Help celebrate Ice Hockey’s Homecoming to Scotland

For full details of the event and to purchase tickets go to www.icehockeyshomecoming.com and be part of this unique sporting event.

New Interview

2009-06-10T17:46:00.002+01:00

I recently did an interview. I thought I would share it with our fans.
1. Now all the teams have already qualified for the playoffs, what are the aims of the season for the Caps? To improve as an organzation first and foremost. This is going to be the hardest year for us. Hull is better with the assistance of added revenue and a new coach. Newcastle seems to have some exciting new players and the rest are consistent winners and larger budgets. Its going to be a battle and if we can keep a nucleus of what we had last year we could surprise some people.

2. If you could sign one player from the EIHL who would it be and why? Jody Lehman. He was the best player in the league last year and completely separated Sheffield from everyone else. Of the returning players in the league, I would love to have Weaver, he is so good and he competes.

3. JF Perras was fantastic for you but then failed to impress most people at Coventry, any thoughts behind this? How do you fill those shoes? Coventry finished second and he was a failure, thats a lot of pressure. I am sure he would like to have a few goals back but it is a team game and he helped them finish second in the league.

4. Out of the last 2 seasons as coach, which brought the most pleasure in making the playoffs? Both were special. Year 1 was the first time in franchise history and that was great for our fans and for the team but last years team was a special group of men. People would never believe the adversity we went through even if we told them. The players in our room took a bad situation and took it upon themselves to change it.

5. How close did the team come to folding last season? Close enough that I was looking for a job.

6. Whats been the highlight of your career so far? My first call up to the AHL. I had a tough couple seasons and I did not quit. Getting to the AHL as an undrafted free agent was worth all the hard work.

7. Best player you've played with and against? With-Mike Green from the Washington Capitals. Against-Eric Staal from the Carolina Hurricanes.

8. What does a normal week in the life of Doug Christiansen entail (during the season!) Monday is using a day of rest. I try to catch up on email and blogs. I do our program article, watch the video of the previous weekends games, and get ready for the next week of practice. I encourage our players to meet somewhere and enjoy Edinburgh. Tuesday we usually have a workout during the day and then I will go home and prepare that nights practice. Tuesday is either very hard or fun depending on the mood of the players and the results of the weekend. Wednesday we skate during the day and usually it is individual skill work or powerplay. Wednesday night, I usually try to build a scouting report for the weekend by watching video and doing research on our opponents. Thursday, we have a team practice focusing on Saturdays opponent and our own game plan. Usually, there is lots of PP and PK. Friday is usually a light skate getting ready for the weekend. We might make a couple adjustments based upon the previous night and get ready for the trip. Saturday is usually a road game for us. Our trips are long. I try to sleep much of the way. I wake up about an hour before we arrive and put together my game card. I have learned not to do it the night before because a lot can change in a day(sickness, etc). I try to have our players as prepared as possible. I think they need to be because I am a player-coach and it is harder to run a game plan if they are not already prepared. After the game, food and a long way back to Scotland. We often arrive in the wee hours. I will watch film or just relax on the way home. I then wake up and get ready to do it all over again at home.

You don't have to answer this one!
Thommo gave Ben O'Connor some stick over his departure from the Blaze, what are your thoughts on his departure and subsequent arrival back at Edinburgh? Was Ben just un-happy in Coventry?

I cannot answer whether or not Ben was unhappy in Coventry because I do not know. I do know that Ben really enjoyed Edinburgh and enjoyed being close to his mother who travelled up for games often with his sister. Ben was a popular player in Edinburgh and he made some great friendships with his teammates.

I have a great amount of respect for Paul Thompson and the job he does in Coventry. I was very close to wearing the Blaze jersey 3 years ago and if I did, I am sure I would have loved it. Coventry has great fans and they high level of success. Paul Thompson is the key to that. I was upset when Ben left us last year, so I know exactly how he feels. Ben contacted us about coming back and having20lost a great young defender in Craig Mitchell to Hull we needed a good British d-man. It made sense for us to try to bring him in.

I will add that I think that is a real sign of progress for our club that a player of Ben's stature would return to Edinburgh. For a long time the top clubs have waited for the best British talent to develop in smaller clubs and then sign them. Ben and Mark Garside in Edinburgh really show that the players who come to Edinburgh like it and think they can develop there and have a chance to win. When I took the job, Edinburgh needed a culture change. The two of them in a Capitals jersey show how far we have come. I hope it is a harbinger of things to come.

Real Fantasy Team?

2009-05-13T23:44:00.008+01:00

Want your own real life fantasy team? You pick the players, you decide how much they make, you play for the team, and for better of worse...you live with the results. You do this all while thousands of people cheer, judge, scorn, swear, and sing. Well that is my job. It is beyond rewarding while being hair-pullingly stressful. It makes you a villian or a hero on a nightly basis. But you know what...it is a dream come true.

I can vividly remember playing a Nintendo game called Baseball Stars where you made your own team, drafting players, and playing them in a league. I loved it. I ate it up. I would fire guys for strike outs. I was ruthless. Then time tempered me and I got to playing NHL for Play Station where you can develop yourself. I took my dictator ruthlessness and turned it into a full fledge hockey fantasy. I made myself and NHL player. Man was I unrealistic. I gave myself 99 speed. For those of you who know me, I am in reality, a 34. Or a 3.4. Also, I was skinny. Skinny like Lindsay Lohan(I am probably skinny like Will Farrell.) That was just me kidding myself. But here I am, not playing a video game. Not playing fantasy....rather, I am building a team of men. That is just where the intrigue will begin......

As a way to promote the Edinburgh Capitals and the Elite Ice Hockey League I am going to be blogging on a more regular basis this summer. I hope to educate you on the day-to-day movements of a professional player coach. I will cover everything from how I find players, how I train, what I do encourage players to come overseas. You will learn everyday for me in the summer is manic.

You will understand why I put over 3000 minutes on my phone each month last summer and countless hours on the computer. I actually budget for a driving ticket using a cell phone. Days are spent on the move and always have to be ready to take the call that might land the league's leading scorer, like Edinburgh did last season.

If you follow the Caps or are just a fan of ice hockey you will find what the real life of a pro hockey coach is like in the summer. There is no off-season.

Stay tuned...next time we will discuss how I spent the first day after I re-signed for my 3rd season with the Edinburgh Capitals.

Loss of a dear friend Maggie Sheach

2009-04-20T19:09:00.001+01:00

It is with extreme sadness that I am writing this blog. I just found out the news of Maggie's passing. I know there is nothing that I can say or do that will ease the pain for the Sheach family. With that understanding, I would like to pass on a story that portrays the quality of Maggie and her family.

As most people know the addition of fans to the team bus was something that I opposed strongly, as I believe it is a spot for the team only like the dressing room. Following the loss of our main sponsor, we needed to trim costs and adding fans to the bus was necessary. Andi and Maggie Sheach knew my views on this topic and were willing to organize the buses and the fans on the bus for the remainder of the season. They did so knowing my concerns and took it upon themselves to make sure everything went according to plan.

For much of the season the players and I did not know that she was sick because of how happy she was and how she was able to deal with 20 hockey players watching movies until the early morning hours. It was not until the final road trip of the regular season to Hull that we found out the sad news.

Andi asked me earlier in the week before the Hull trip if it was ok for them to buy the players celebratory beer for all we had done for them this season. I told him that we did not need that but that it was a wonderful gesture and if he really wanted to we would not turn down such an offer.

After defeating Hull, Andi gave us the beer and handed me a note from his mother to the team. The note spoke of how much we gave her this season by winning down the stretch and being apart of it while being on the bus. She felt like she was on the team. Her emotional letter left our team silent and shocked because of how supportive she was to the players and myself. The note spoke of how proud she was of us and how great the men on our team were. It was a powerful and moving note, one that I still have today.

The following weekend, Andi and Maggie were unable to attend the playoff series because of her illness. Her last day with the team was that Hull trip. She became a part of the team this season. Win or lose she was smiling, even though she was battling so much. Maggie was a special woman and raised a great family, especially Andi, who I got to know very well.

Maggie Sheach will be missed on the Capitals bus, not just because she was a supporter, but rather because she made us better men by being around her. Melissa and I would like to express our condolences to the Sheach family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rollar Coaster Ends Dramatically

2009-03-16T20:39:00.001Z

Last night was a great win for the team. We played our hearts out all weekend and probably deserved more than just two points. I am very proud of each and every player. It was great to see so many Capitals fans supporting the team on our goal of the play-offs. We have a long way to go but we are determined to achieve our season long goal.

For those who were unable to attend the Awards dinner I have included my speech from it to help you know more about how special this team is and why we have been successful down the stretch.

"I understand that the coaches’ award is supposed to be a simple individual selection, however, it is not. It is in fact very difficult this season. No body knows how difficult this season has been other than Scott Neil, the players, and those closest to those people.

Tonight we sit with 36 points in the league in 8th place. We are ahead of where we were last year with this many games remaining. We are determined to make the playoffs for the second straight season.

I would like to tell you more about this season and why this years coaches award is different that most others.

This season we did not have a training camp because of the collapse of Zoom Airlines and the change in the UK immigration laws. Only a week into the season, a player I signed to be one of our best, left the team and shortly there after we lost another solid player in John Dolan. The season was falling apart before we even started.

As the summer sun faded, so did our arrangement with our title sponsor. The money they pledged never showed up. As a result, in this very room, before practice, I told all the players they were given their two weeks notice. We needed to cut budget and I needed to know who wanted to leave. The end result of that meeting were that Nimmo and Robinson would be gone. Eventually, Hutchins and Rajcack would leave as well because of that meeting. The lack of funding resulted in players taking less money and our teams’ payroll being cut by over 30%. The UK border changed its laws again and made it harder for any non-EU’s to enter the country. It required an application that cost money. We did not have the funds to replace the players we lost.

By early January, we had lost one starting goalie, one top 4 defender, and 7 forwards. We were a team on the verge of collapse almost on a weekly basis.

The problem was not caused by the management rather it was because we operated on a budget that was based upon sponsorship money coming in that no longer came.

After that meeting, where in essence every player was released or fired, I asked the players if they wanted to practice. To a man, they wanted to. That meeting whether we realized it or not was the turning point in the season.

The next month was not easy. We conceded double digits to Coventry at home. We then lost twice in a row to Basingstoke. The following weekend we lost 9-0 in Cardiff. It was the first time since I got the job that I was scared to come to the office for fear of being fired. Finally, the came the lowest point. Buoyed by a sponsor paying for Jeff Hutchins salary we had a new player coming in for a game against Coventry. Few people know this but we drove our own cars to the game. It was the road game from hell. My car broke down on the way, a big part of me wishes I had not made it because we lost 10-2 and conceded a shocking 4 short-handed goals. We were as low as we could have been and our reward was another car trip to Newcastle the next day. As warm ups approached our sticks we stuck in traffic. The game was delay 40 minutes for us to get our sticks and shockingly we won 4-1. From that game, two of our team sayings originated. “’Get in the car and drive to Coventry’ and ‘Just play.’”

Over the next couple months, players waited patiently for their turn for new skates, or a new washing machine. The players spent more time with one another away from the rink. They welcomed in Perkins, Pasi…and eventually Bonello and Cass.

I am convinced that the team for over half the season was a house of cards. Had one more player left, the entire group would have followed. Not often do you work with a group of special, selfless men. I have had the fortune of that this season. It is because of these men, that you have a team. It is because of these men, we will make the play-offs, and it is because of these men you should be proud to be a Capital Fan.

These 12 men have been with the club uninterrupted for the whole season. They are the winners of this years coaches’ award. The Dirty Dozen.

Mark Hurtubise, Martin Cingel, Taylor Christie, Joe Dustin, Mark Garside, Mark McGill, Adam Stefishen, Neil Hay, Kyle Horne, Mark Paterson, Craig Mitchell, and Jordan Steele."

Thank you for your support. See you Saturday.

Stretch Run

2009-02-02T18:21:00.000Z

Last night was the definition of an ugly win. We did not play well at all but we were able to get the two points. After the game, I said that I felt better after last Sunday's defeat against Sheffield at home. It was a much better team performance than last night. We were sloppy for 60 minutes. But at this time of year you cannot be picky. Points are important to get and you take them however they come.

It was nice to see Brad Bonello get on the board. He has had a lot of great chances the last couple games and has not been able to put the puck in the net. Hopefully, he will get hot and help lead us offensively. Jason Cassells was bothered all weekend with an injury. He will be getting treatment at the Space Clinic. We are hoping to have him at full strength next weekend.

I would like to commend the fans who were so positive last night. Many of the fans noticed we were having a tough night and tried to pick us up and urge us to victory. I know sports fans love to support their teams in their own way but I thought our fans last night were very helpful when we did not have our best effort. It can be easy to put a team down when they are "off" but many of our supporters knew how important the result was and they were paramount in our team getting the two points.

Roman Nesrsta will be leaving the team to have surgery in his home country. He has been bothered by an injury lately and needed to get treatment. He preferred to do it at home. I wish him the best of luck.

I am hoping to have Ross Dalgliesh back soon. He has been skating with the team and will hopefully be able to take contact in the near future.

Thanks for your support. Should be another great stretch run!

Rajcak

2009-01-09T18:41:00.000Z

The departure of Andrej Rajcak is disappointing I do not blame Andrej. He had a good opportunity and he took it. I am not happy with his club announcing it before us. We have not done that to other teams. I was going to hold Andrej back if he did not play against Basingstoke. He wanted to play to help the team. His new club wanted him yesterday. His professionalism will hopefully help us win in Basingstoke.

We will be very short bodies this weekend. We will not have Roman Nesrsta because of an injury he sustained against Newcastle. Mark Garside and Craig Mitchell are representing their country in the World Championships. Many players are going to get the chance for additional ice time.

Tomorrow is a huge game. I expect both team to play their best and it should be another great game between the clubs. The players need your support now more than ever as we head into the stretch drive.

Finally, we are actively looking to bring in a replacement as soon as possible. Andrej told me late Wednesday night. Since then, I have been actively working to find a good replacement.

It is unlikely we will have a new player for the weekend. I want to make sure that we bring in a player who will help us win not just a player who takes a spot in the line-up.

As a team we have been playing much better. We are 4-3 in our last seven games and have taken points off both Sheffield and Belfast in the last month. I am hopeful that we will continue or winning ways in a very tough stretch of games, highlighted by tomorrow nights contest.

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T17:51:00.000Z

I want to thank all of the volunteers who made the Great Capital Skate the largest crowd we have had in the Elite League. The crowd was loud and into the game.

I have said it before but it deserves mention again; the people who help our organization giving their time and effort are what keep this team going. Everyone involved with the club appreciates the work they do.

Of course it is great to go into the New Year in a play-off position. However, this group is more aware than any other that it is a long year and nothing should be taken for granted. Last season, we were 7 points out of a play-off spot on January 1 and we made it. We will not let up. In fact, the guys will be pushing hard to not just make the play-offs but to move up in the table and make it to Nottingham.

Happy New Year! See you in '09 it should be a great ride!

Nimmo

2008-11-18T20:16:00.000Z

The departure of David Nimmo was not a surprise. He was an expensive player who we could not afford. He had a slow start in Edinburgh but really came on the last couple weekends. He was a big part of our recent success. He was a true professional and I wish him nothing but the best in Florida.

The economics of the country are affecting us. Sponsorship is harder than ever. The last 3 weekends we have played with almost a full line up. It makes a world of difference, hence, our 4-2-1 record in our last seven. The team is starting to come together but we will have to be at our best this weekend against Belfast and Manchester. They are two of the top teams in the league and we have yet to beat either of them.

Stefishen will most likely be out this weekend with an injury. He is seeing a doctor tomorrow and we should know more later in the week.

I am also considering having a coaches club twice a month that would include a short talk on different topics and a short Q&A session. The first topic I thought would be interesting would be player recruitment and explain to the fans how I do it and how others around the league do it. Following the discussion, we would have a meal at a sponsor restaurant. If you are interested and would like to be involved please email me at doug.christiansen@edinburgh-capitals.com. There will be a fee to attend.

The players have a good feeling about themselves after a string of recent success. We will need you now more than ever as we are down a few bodies.

Thank you to all the fans who are apart of the "street team" and the others who help make us go. We could not do it without you.

November 2008

2008-11-06T18:52:00.000Z

Tonight is our fan forum. I am very happy that we won both games against Newcastle over the weekend. I was worried that I was going to have to wear Kevlar to the meeting. All kidding aside, this has been a very up and down year. We have had some humiliating defeats that made me very concerned about the team that I assembled. However, the last 3 games have really turned around the feeling in the dressing room.

The addition of Jeff Hutchins (who knows for how long) has really helped us. We are going to do our best to keep him but he has a family to worry about and as I have said many times, family comes first. Jeff is not the only bright spot recently. Michel Robinson after being given his two weeks notice played great over the weekend. He was a true professional and I was very impressed with him. He has been nursing an injury for sometime and it appears to be getting better.

On a different note Matt Dibble has left the team due to the fact that he found a full time job elsewhere. "Dibs" has been a great help to the team the last couple seasons and will be missed. He was full of humor and his efforts were appreciated. His appearance at last years Christmas party was a true highlight! We are currently looking for a new equipment manager. If anyone is interested please email me. doug.christiansen@edinburgh-capitals.com.

Finally, the credit crunch is hitting the Caps. There has been much talk about the economic climate and the club is suffering like everyone else. A combination of bad results, low sponsorships, Zoom Airlines collapse, and lower attendance has really put us in a tough spot. We will be discussing these problems tonight. All I ask is that you are a part of the solution. Many ideas will be put forth tonight. Some will be great, some not. Help us work through this. You are apart of the team. To carry on the theme of the week in the United States. "Yes we can!"

Opening weekend

2008-09-05T07:00:00.000+01:00

What an amazing week. A week ago today we found out that, Zoom Airlines, one of our most valuable sponsors was grounded. The week has been a roller coaster. I could write about all the highs and lows this week but I do not think people would believe it! We have spent full days in the office into the early hours of the morning trying to solve this problem(special thanks to Domino's Pizza.) In addition to the flights, we had to find away to get 19kg's of sticks per player to Edinburgh. When we heard that Newcastle had a player with a $1000 in extra baggage we knew we had to be smart about how we were getting the players over.

I am thrilled to report that all 9 imports will be here on Saturday.

On the topic of the 10th import. Prior to the collapse of Zoom we had made two offers to players for the 10th spot. Neither signed, one because he retired and the other stayed in his native country to play. The uncertainty of how we were getting the players here led us to not move on another player this week. Now that the problem has been solved we are back on the market for a forward. We will be playing with 10 imports.

The two players I offered contracts to were premier first line forwards. I am looking for a proven, skilled forward, however, since late July there have not been many players of the calibre that I am looking for on the market. We have not stopped looking but are determined not to just fill the role with someone who does not fit our needs. If anyone would like to be the sponsor of this player, please let me know, and I would be happy to work with you. I will be working on it as soon as I finish this blog.

Of course, the shock of 1000's of pounds being spent this week has not helped the club financially. I would like to thank the fans who stepped up and helped us. It really has been fantastic, Scott Neil was moved by your gestures of support. There have been so many people who helped make this week possible. Not just in Scotland, but in the USA and Canada as well. Your efforts are truly appriecated. It is complete strangers who helped us get out of a difficult situation. It really makes your day when you deal with such selfless people.

Finally, hockey season is here. It is a 10 days later than expected, but it is here. I cannot wait. The season should be another thriller! See you Sunday!

Summer Update

2008-06-02T18:23:00.000+01:00

The last few weeks have been very exciting. I have been actively trying to get players signed and re-signed. In addition, I have been working on sponsorships and making sure we push this organization forward.

I am very happy to have Mark Garside back. Mark is one of the best young British players and is going to play a key role for us. Of course, getting him back is just one step toward a successful season but it is a big one.

One topic that is very important to the club is fans and sponsors coming on board early in the summer. Whenever a fan commits to the team it is appreciated. I know that many fans want to wait to see what the team is going to look like in the fall before making a commitment. However, when we know as a club that we have guaranteed support it helps us expand our player budget. This money has the ability to go directly to players and their salaries, thus, improving our club and the quality of our team.

I am currently working with a budget that can be expanded easily. Every season ticket, every sponsor a portion goes to my budget. I have stated often that player sponsors are a way forward. Many other teams do it and it is a way of getting better players without risking the financial security of the club. It is also a great way for fans to become involved with the organization and its players.

I want to be clear; every little bit helps make Edinburgh an attractive place to play. My goal this year to not lose players to other clubs, I want to take from them. I want players to realize how great Edinburgh is and how well they are treated here. When I recruit players they often ask if we have deals in the city. Free haircuts at The Players Lounge, discounted food at the Castle Arms, are great recruiting tools. They make players want to come and more importantly stay! The little things add up!

The Edinburgh Capitals are moving forward. We are working to improve the club daily. We are working hard daily to improve your team. I am committed to doing this. I am hopeful that we can get as many season ticket renewals and sponsors as possible!

End of year blog

2008-05-04T19:52:00.000+01:00

Doug sent this to post on the blog:

"It is hard to believe that 11 months have passed since I accepted Scott Neil's offer of being the Director of Hockey Operations for the Edinburgh Capitals. I can vividly recall making calls to complete strangers named Colin, J.F., Adam, Mike (etc) trying to persuade them to play professional hockey in your city. A city I called home for the last year. Those names became faces, and those faces became teammates, and as a team we accomplished more than any other Edinburgh Capitals team has ever done. It was a season full of ups and downs and it was never boring. The Edinburgh Capitals are better off today than they were a year ago.

First of all I would like to thank all of you for your support and help throughout this season. We would not have accomplished so much without your faith and positive energy. The people of Edinburgh have been nothing but welcoming and sincere.

I am fully aware of the speculation regarding my negotiations with Scott. I would also like to inform you that Scott and I have had many discussions especially this last week in an effort to bring me back next season. It is a difficult situation for everyone. I love Edinburgh and enjoy the challenge that we have here. It is also an ocean away from my loved ones. That being said, it is a city that I could stay for a long time. These are all factors that have become a centerpiece in my discussions with Scott.

Scott needs to make sure that the most recent league regulations are going to help us succeed. He has a firm desire to use this season as a springboard for things to come. As an owner, he needs to make the organization move forward in a way that makes business sense.

Our talks were largely speculative until the league meeting last Wednesday. Scott wanted to know the financial structure of the league next season in order to understand what was going to be needed of him in order to field a strong team. I needed to know that if I were to come back would not "just be fielding a team," but rather, to have a team that can build off of last season. I need to know that we will do everything in our power to compete for silverware. I know that is what the fans pay their hard earned money for, and that is what I thrive off as a competitor.

Thank you all for making 2007-2008 the memorable year it was. I hope to see you all again in the fall! "

Final Regular Season weekend/ Congratulations

2008-03-21T16:22:00.000Z

It is hard to believe that the year is coming to a close. The regular season has just one weekend remaining. Of course, everyone knows the importance of the games. As a result of Belfast's victory against the Bison last night, if we win in regulation Sunday, we are in. We have a chance on Saturday as well if we win and Basingstoke loses. I am sure our fans are going to be louder than ever. Regardless of what anyone says, Sunday is a playoff game! In fact, it is Game 7.

Bring a friend, bring all your friends! It is going to be a great game. It is a great opportunity for everyone to see a game that does not happen often in sports: an elimination game. I am thrilled to be having the game in our rink in front of our fans!

A large congratulations are in order for the Murrayfield under 20 team which won their League Championship. It is great to see that the future of the Capitals is secure.

Iain Bowie will not be with us this weekend as he is gone with the National Under 18 team. The team is playing in Estonia. It is a great opportunity for him and I am sure he will have a great amount of success against players his own age. He has developed a lot as a player this year and has earned the right to represent Great Britain in international competition. We will miss him in the line up this weekend.

I would like to personally thank all of you for your support. It has been an up and down year, but I am as excited as anyone to get this weekend started!

Up and down week, Dino

2008-03-13T11:54:00.000Z

This week has been a roller coaster in terms of results. We lost a game against Hull, who was a team we had hoped to beat to solidify our playoff chances. Then we beat a team we have struggled against, Manchester, in a game that was a true nail biter. Last night, we lost to Cardiff in a game where nothing seemed to go the way we wanted it to.

Of course, we are not happy with just 2 points from those 3 games but we have done what was necessary to increase our lead for the 8th playoff position. Hopefully, Sunday we can beat Manchester again and really put the pressure on Basingstoke.

Dino Bauba may not return this season. I am hopeful that we can get him back but this is the same injury he suffered earlier in the year that kept him our for almost 3 months. Therefore, I am not expecting him back.

I am looking forward to seeing you all at our Awards Dinner on Friday night at the Murrayfield. It will be a great way to cap off an exciting year and encourage many of the players to come back next season.

It is hard to imagine that there are only 3 games left in the regular season. We have come along way. We could never have gotten to this position without all the support that we have received from the fans. I hope that we can give you the gift of a home play-off game, something that has been lacking in Scotland for too long!

Playoff Chase, Dino, Premier Executive Travel

2008-03-05T16:28:00.000Z

Last weekend was the first four point road weekend the Capitals have had in the Elite League. It was a huge weekend and really pushed us in the direction of the coveted playoff spot. We have a long way to go but I was extremely proud of the effort that the players gave. JF Perras was once again outstanding. Colin Hemingway was dominant and Martin Cingel continued to lead the way. However, it was the team defense that we played in Coventry that pleased me the most. We blocked shots, got pucks out whenever we had a chance, and cleared the front of the net. Adam Stefishen probably had the save of the game blocking a shot from Adam Calder that was definitely going in. Holding the Blaze to one goal in Coventry is a team accomplishment.

As great as last weekend was all it did was help us achieve our goal. We have 6 crucial games to go. This weekend we travel to Hull and are home against Manchester. We will be determined to get points out of this weekend and keep our momentum going.

We will most likely be without Dino Bauba who re-injured his groin on Sunday. Mark Garside has been fantastic in his absence and I am looking forward to him stepping up again.

Finally, I would like to personally thank Tom Malcolm the owner of Premier Executive Travel. Tom played a huge role in our successful weekend against Basingstoke and Coventry. He paid for us to leave on Friday so that we did not have a long travel day on Saturday. This included the bus, hotel, and breakfast. It took many hours out of his busy schedule and he really stepped up. Many of the players told me how vital this was to our success. Anyone who saw those games must know how important every ounce of energy was. If any of you are planning road trips in the future, I suggest you try Tom to show your support of his sponsorship.

March Madness

2008-02-28T14:48:00.000Z

It is officially the stretch drive this weekend. With 8 games to go, we are 3 points back of Basingstoke and pushing hard to claw our way back into the top 8. Last weekend, we split again. That brought us two points closer to the Bison. Saturday's game against the Bison is obviously huge for us. We need to play our best hockey.

Basingstoke are a tough team to beat because they have so many talented players. They are short numbers but they have proven that means nothing. They are skilled and dangerous, they play a different style than every other team in the league and that makes preparing for them difficult. Our D-men will be tested both mentally and physically because they often make you lose concentration and that is when they hurt you. I am excited for the game as it is a playoff game!

Saturday's game is getting all the attention, and rightfully so, but Sunday's game is equally important. Coventry will be trying to distance themselves atop the league and take one step closer to the league championship. We beat them the last time we played them in Coventry and I am sure Paul Thompson will have his men ready for us on Sunday.

Finally, I would like to wish all the mothers a Happy Mother's Day! I hope our play this weekend can give you a few smiles!

Regards,

Doug

Play-off Chase/ Crane

2008-02-19T14:44:00.000Z

Ten games remain in league play and we are very much alive in the hunt for the play-offs. We are currently 5 points behind Basingstoke and we play them twice more. This week we play Hull at home and Manchester on the road. Hull has struggled recently but they have played some very tight games. I am sure that Saturday's game is going to be a stern test. I know our fans will be loud as always!

Manchester is the team in my mind, other than Basingstoke, that is the key to our play-off aspirations. We play them three more times, twice on the road. I know that Tony Hand will have his team ready as they are trying to climb the standings and pass Cardiff. But we must find a way to beat them!

For me, this time of year is why we play hockey. Every goal is important, every game is crucial. We only have 3 more home games, we need all of your support in those games as we try to claw our way into the play-offs. Having Dino return to the line up was a huge boost with the loss of Mark Wires. Losing Mark was a tough blow to the team, but I was proud of how the team responded.

One player who deserves a lot of credit for our success is Ryan Crane. Ryan has 42 points and is currently 4th in the league for defenders. This past week he had two huge game winning goals. He has consistently been our best D-man. He is not flashy and does not get noticed like many of the other top players in the league. He has really stepped up his play the last two months, especially recently. He is going to be one of the keys to our success the rest of the way. I know he loves the city and is a player who is proud to wear the Capital uniform.

Trip to England, Dino, Knockout Cup

2008-02-11T13:07:00.000Z

Beating Nottingham in the National Ice Center was one of the best wins we had all year. J.F. Perras played fantastic. He really was the key. We played very hard, and I think that hurt us on Sunday against Manchester. We did not have the jump that we needed. Give Manchester credit, they played a great game. It was great to see all the Capital fans in Manchester! I wish we could have won the game for you!

Dino skated with the team for the first time last Friday. It is great to have him back around the guys. His personality is really uplifting to the guys. He will be skating all week. He will not play against Coventry and is doubtful for the weekend. However, I will keep my fingers crossed.

Finally, lets beat the Blaze! We are in a semi-final for the first time in Capitals Elite league history. I am very excited by the prospect of bringing a trophy to the fans! We all know you deserve it. I am sure that you will be loud tomorrow night. Of course Coventry in the league leader. But I love being the underdog. They are the ones with all the pressure. We have played much better the 9 weeks, it is just a matter of keeping it going.

I look forward to seeing and hearing all of you this week!

Newcastle

2008-02-04T13:42:00.000Z

I thought our game last night was our best team effort of the season. We played very hard for 60 minutes and unlike our previous couple games we had very few mistakes. I was very proud of the effort. I know the players were thrilled after the game. It was a big win for us and helped us climb within 5 points of Basingstoke. There is a lot of hockey to play, but I like the way our team is playing right now. It is the right time of year to be clicking on all cylinders.

Mike Stutzel had a huge game for us last night. Recently, it seems as though every night someone steps up. Of course, three goals were great, but he did a great job in the defensive zone against a very fast line, and he shut them down. I was very happy to see him get his first hat trick overseas.

This weekend we have two tough games on the road. It will be a stern test. I am sure Nottingham is ready to play us after being shutout in Scotland last time we played. After the game against the Panthers, we face the most dangerous line in the league headed by Edinburgh's own, Tony Hand. We play Manchester 4 more times. It is crucial that we play well against them down the stretch.

Basingstoke/Belfast

2008-01-28T18:11:00.000Z

Last night we won, but it did not feel like a win. I was very disappointed that we gave up a point. Especially, when we were up 4-2. However, Martin Cingel's goal, was extremely important to keep alive our playoff hopes. We do need help. We need other teams to beat the Bison. Now it is a matter of us focusing on our task at hand and not worry about what happens south of the border.

This weekend we have a huge rivalry game against Newcastle. Every game is crucial for us now. We must find a way to get 2 points. We have for the last 2 months, consistently picked up points every weekend. We need to start getting maximum points and what better time to start than against our bitter rival Newcastle.

Games against Newcastle are always very intense and I am sure this one will not be any different. I am looking forward to hearing you all on Sunday.

I am off to the Q&A with the Supporters Club. I am looking forward to seeing many of you there! I hope that this meeting helps shed some light on the questions that you may have as fans.

Doug

Belfast/Basingstoke

2008-01-22T16:31:00.000Z

Last weekend, we played two very tough games. Both nights were one goal games and the fans saw two fast paced games. In my opinion, Sheffield has the fastest team in the league and their worked our players very hard. I thought J.F. Perras was fantastic both nights and kept us in Sunday's game, almost by himself.

This weekend we play the hottest team in the league, the Belfast Giants. The Giants are surging and are definitely a team to be reckoned with. They are healthy and on a mission to knock off Coventry from atop the table. We will have to play our best hockey against them. Last time we played them, it was a 1 goal defeat in Belfast. I am looking forward to having Colin Hemingway back in the line-up to give us that extra push to defeat the Giants.

The Bison 10, as they are starting to be called, come to Edinburgh on Sunday. It should not take much to get the players excited for this game. The Basingstoke Bison have handed us our two most frustrating loses of the season. It is time to change that. Our playoff hopes are directly tied to how we play against them. We need inspired performances from everyone.

Dino Bauba saw a specialist on Monday and is expected to get an injection this week to determine when he will return to the ice. Needless to say, it has been frustrating for all of us who care about the Capitals to have a player out for as long as he has been out. Dino is my teammate. He wants to play. He is getting treatment. It is unethical to de-register a player when they are hurt. However, his recovery has taken longer than any of us hoped. It is my job to make sure that we are informed of any players that became available during the time of his absence.

Our organization is not like Coventry or Nottingham. We do not have the resources many of the other teams in our league have. When we spend money, we must always get value. In order to increase our budget, we need to build our fan base. We need to build our corporate sponsorship. There are many things that we can do as an organization to improve the match night experience and our relationship with the fans. Scott Neil and myself have worked hard this season to improve the team both on and off the ice. Since December 1st this team has played much better. We are playing this season to construct a foundation from which we can build in future years.

In order to build a better club, we must improve our product. Play-offs are still a very realistic goal, as is 9th place. We need to show you, our fans, that we are committed to improving the club. We are one win shy of tying last seasons total for the year. We have advanced in the Knock-out Cup. We came within one game of advancing in the Challenge Cup. The next two months are not just important for this season. It is important for us identifying how we want to develop as an organization.

Almost every team in the league, has most if not all of their players sponsored by either corporations or fans themselves. This added money allows them to field a better team and have a better match night experience. In order to be a contender in the league, we are going to have to make our fans and corporations in Edinburgh get behind us. A prime example, is Ben O'Connor. Had the Castle Arms not gotten involved with the club and aided us in our attempt to sign him, he would not be a Capital. Likewise is true with Fight Strap Hockey. Had they not helped us sign Mike Stutzel, he would not be with us. This is one of the ways our club can improve itself dramatically. This organization, just like all others, can always improve in the area of sponsorship. All our sponsors are vital to our success. Futurity Partnership and P.J. Green have been extremely supportive this season. One area that we lag behind much of the league is player sponsorship. It was in this area, that my conversation post game with Nigel Duncan was regarding.

Currently, I am looking to see if there are players available that can help us, if Dino cannot return. The reason I mentioned to Nigel Duncan that I would love if someone was able to come forward to help, was not because we are going bankrupt or needed to pass the hat. Rather, it was intended to start this conversation. The goal was to make people who enjoy hockey and the Capitals, think about how they can improve our club with us. I am glad we are starting to discuss this. I am hopeful that this conversation will unearth a couple new sponsors.

I have spoken with dozens of fans regarding how we can help make our club better. Some of the ideas have been implemented already this year. We as an organization are working to become more accessible and informative. We are trying to make the fans feel like they are apart of the team.

Sports teams are special. They are not just entertainment, they often are a way of life. A way of uniting people. I, too, am a massive sports fan. I watched my American football team lose in overtime on Sunday night. I was wearing my Green Bay Packer hat, sweatshirt, and golf shirt. I was glued to the tv. I felt like I was apart of the team. I rode the wave of emotion with the players. I shared in the disappointment after the loss. But thats what sports is. It is tying the fan to the team. Making them share in the experience, not just watch it. This is what we want to give our fans. This is what will fill the Murrayfield again.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the Supporters Club Q&A with Scott Neil and myself next Monday night at 7:30 in the Riversdale Suite.

What a difference a day makes

2008-01-14T15:22:00.000Z

As I am sure all of you can imagine, Saturday night was an absolute nightmare. We were completely outplayed. Basingstoke deserves a lot of credit, they came to play. After the game we as a team smashed the video tape as a symbolic gesture that we had to look forward not backward. It was a huge game, but there was nothing we could do. It was over. We had to move on.

I thought on Sunday afternoon before coming to the rink that we would find out what kind of team we are. I am happy to report that we have a lot of players with a great deal of heart. Sunday's game was pretty, however, it was effective. Without some key players, everyone had to step up.

I was extremely proud of J.F. Perras. After a tough night, he bounced back and was the wall we needed him to be. His play paved our way to victory. He clearly deserved man of the match.

Sheffield comes to the Murrayfield this weekend. They are a team desperate to right their ship. I know they are coming to Edinburgh expecting success. I am confident that if we play the way we can we will be with them every step of the way.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the Murrayfield this weekend! Bring a friend, it should be great hockey!

Back to league play

2008-01-07T13:54:00.000Z

I am very happy that we advanced in the Knockout Cup. I know that Newcastle were missing a few key players but so were we. All you can do is play against the opponent that is on the ice against you and we did that. Our goal entering the weekend was to advance, and we accomplished that goal.

The fans of the Edinburgh Capitals deserve a run at a championship and now that we are in the semi-finals,they have one. I am thrilled to be apart of giving them the opportunity to cheer on us towards some hardware.

I was not pleased with how the game ended as I am sure some of you witnessed. The last 3 minutes gave us some valuable motivation and lessons for practice this week.

I was thrilled for Adam Stefishen last night. He has the toughest job in hockey. Adam has been a great professional all year and he has given us an honest effort day and day out. He has fought the toughest the league has to offer. Last night he was able to give us a huge goal to tie the game. Nobody was happier for him than me.

Saturday night is probably circled on most of your calendars as it is mine. The game in Basingstoke is huge. We are 7 points back of them and need to have an inspired effort. I am expecting Mark Wires to be in the line-up this weekend, he should help out immensely.

We have been playing .500 hockey since December 1st and we need that to continue. I am looking forward to making this last 3 months very interesting.

Knock-out Cup

2008-01-03T18:33:00.000Z

I hope all of you who came last night enjoyed a great game. Unfortunately, we came up on the short end but I thought we gave 100%. Coventry is a very good team and they showed last night why they are in first place.

I have been very happy with the play of the British players recently. They have really stepped up and taken advantage of the added ice time they have received. Mark Garside has been great since he returned from the World Championships, I am expecting big things from him down the stretch. I was very happy to see Mark Paterson get his first Elite league goal last night. Mark is a young player who works very hard and he deserved that goal last night. I told him that maybe he should play all his games on TV.

Newcastle our opponent this weekend in the British Knockout Cup is very similar to us in the fact that they have a few players out. Last time we faced them, we had a great win at home. I am sure they are going to be ready for us. Newcastle has been a big rival of ours all season and it should be a very intense weekend.

Regarding our team, I am expecting Kyle Horne to be back in the line-up this weekend. Mark Wires is seeing a doctor tomorrow and will find out if he is cleared to play on the weekend. My expectation is that he will not be playing. Dino Bauba had some good news today. His muscle is not torn. It is now a matter of getting therapy and getting back into action. I do not think it will be in the next week or two, but he will be back this season.

The fans have been great recently. Keep it up. It really does matter! Our players respond to you.

I am very excited for the last 3 months. There should be some great hockey to come and watch! Feel free to bring a friend!

Doug