Not much sleep was achieved on this luxury yacht by any of this merry band of travellers – at least the dinner and breakfast was eatable.

After a long wait (for the snow plough and gritter lorry to be moved from the boat) the Spartans arrived in Birkenhead and onto the coach for the next step in the journey – a quick 60 minute stop off at the Devere’s St David’s Hotel (the Spartans base for the few days complete with spa; swimming pool and other leisure facilities).

Back on the coach again and its off to the Deeside Rink for the tourney which was already underway – after the niceties of hello etc with the tournament organisers it was into the changing room (quite large by recent standards and with working indoor plumbing) – here were a few nice added extras of powerade t-shirts; bottles of lucozade; powerade and water were sitting ready for the team.

Friday 30^th April – Tournament Day 1

At 11.57am on Friday 30^th April the 14-man squad of the Castlereagh Spartans took to the Deeside Ice for the first time ; after a quick 2-minute warm up ; team talk and huddle next to the net – the refs blew up for the start of game 1.

Game 1 – 12-noon Fri 30^th April

Flintshire versus Spartans
Score – 1: 0
Shots for Spartans – 38
Shots against – 5

In brief – The Spartans out shot; outplayed and out worked the local Flintshire side who got the lucky bounce once in their 5 shots to win the game.

A quick debrief by Coach McKinnon and his team to point out a few things and then it was time to grab a bit of lunch and a chance to rehydrate before game 2.

Game 2 – 14:20 Fri 30^th April

Manchester Phoenix versus Spartans
Score - 2 : 4
Goal Scorers for Spartans – Gareth Smyth ; Stephen Eccles (2) ; Cameron Murray
Shots for Spartans – 30
Shots against – 12 (Rory Sempey 10 shots faced – Glenn Murray 2 shots faced)

In Brief - Again the Spartans proved they wouldn’t be messed with by the physical Phoenix side who just couldn’t keep up with the Spartans (whose first goal of the tournament was scored by forward Gareth Smyth)

An upbeat changing room now and everyone is looking forward to Game 3 a little later. More changes to grab a few peaceful minutes of snoozing and relaxing.

Game 3 – 16:25 Fri 30^th April

Sheffield Sabre Hounds versus Spartans
Score - 0 : 5
Goal Scorers for the Spartans – Stephen Eccles (2) ; Nathan Dorrian (2) ; Cameron Murray.
Shutouts for both net-minders – Rory Sempey & Glenn Murray
Shots for Spartans – 32
Shots against – 10

In Brief – The Spartans started from the first puck drop and were the dominant team through-out the 30 minute game. Both net minders posted shut-outs and the Spartans D-men repelled all Sheffield attacks with tight play and some big hits.

So at the end of the Spartans first day of play (which considering that most of the players had been on their feet for the past 34 hours they hadn’t done bad) they had managed 2 wins and 1 loss ; scoring 9 goals and only allowing 3 goals. (In truth it should have been 3 wins but these things happen).

Back to the St David’s Hotel for some rest; relaxation; food and some badly need sleep in a comfy warm bed.

By 10pm nearly all the players were out for the count wondering what Saturday would hold.

Saturday 1^ST May – Tournament Day 2

A later start to the days play due to other things happening at the rink meant that the Spartans could take it a bit easy and enjoy their surroundings and breakfast. Coach pick up at 11am for the short trip to the rink and another 3 round robin group games. Could they improve on yesterday’s fine work – only time would tell.

Game 4 - 12:35 Sat 1^st May

Manchester Phoenix versus Spartans
Score - 0 : 1
Goal Scorer for Spartans – Stephen Eccles
Shut Out for Rory Sempey
Shots for Spartans – 29
Shots against – 15

In brief – Spartans took a little time to find their feet but once they did the Phoenix net-minder started seeing a serious amount of rubber. Great net-minding by Rory Semple ensured a well deserved Spartans win, their third of the tournament. As the game proceeded the Phoenix tried to step up the physical bullying but as always the Spartans met force with force plus 50%.

Next was the unbeaten Dutch team of Den Hagg (more than just a Club team – and a very skilful & quick bunch of boys and girls). How would the Spartans handle their biggest challenge to date – Coach McKinnon composed a serious game plan which he expected his young charges to put into action.

Game 5 – 15:10 Sat 1^st May

Den Hagg versus Spartans
Score - 3 : 0
Shots for Spartans – 10
Shots against – 45

In brief – The Spartans held a tight line in defence and only allowed 3 goals which were due mostly to tiredness. This was to be one of the best defensive efforts of the entire tournament. The Dutch coaching staff were heard to remark that they had never shouted at their team before until they played the Spartans. The Spartans had good scoring chances but just didn’t get the rub of the green.

Game 6 – 17:30 Sat 1^st May

Flintshire versus Spartans
Score – 1 : 0
Shots for Spartans – 41
Shots against – 6

In brief – Again the Flintshire jinx kicked in – the Spartans out played; out worked and out shot their opponents, but just couldn’t get the breakthrough. A sad end to a day that started so promising.

Back to the hotel for more relaxation and food – Sunday would mean an early start and a very long day.

Sunday 2^nd May – Tournament Day 3

A very early start say the Spartans party all sitting in the hotel foyer at 5.45am awaiting the promised bacon butties – these would be wolfed down on the bus trip to the rink.

Game 7 – 07:00 Sun 2^nd May

Sheffield Sabre Hounds versus Spartans
Score – 0 : 5
Goal scorers for Spartans – Cameron Murray ; Conan Houston ; Gareth Smyth ; Nathan Dorrian ; Marty McMillian.
Shutouts for Spartans Net-minders – Rory Sempey (34 shots) & Glenn Murray (6 shots)
Shots for Spartans – 40
Shots against – 8

In Brief – A strong Spartans performance in the early morning slot ; from the net minders to the D-men and to the forwards all played a part in getting the team back on a firm footing. This is were the hard work starts.

Game 8 – 10:50 Sun 2^nd May

Den Hagg versus Spartans
Score – 12 : 0
Shots for Spartans – 10
Shots against – 55

In Brief – A slow Spartans team that were out shot; out though and out played by the slick Dutch machine. This is not how the Spartans would have wanted to end the round robin games.

AT THE END OF THE ROUND ROBIN GAMES THE SPARTANS HAD FINISHED IN 3^RD PLACE.

To the amazement of all the teams concerned the Tournament committee came up with a strange format on deciding the participants of the Under 15’s Final. The format was that the teams that finished 1^st & 2^nd after the round robin games would progress straight to the FINAL??????

So the Spartans would be left fighting for 3^rd place in a 3 team playoff league.

As I said this was a very very strange setup and one that left a strange taste in the mouth.

So the Spartans would play Manchester Phoenix and Sheffield Sabre Hounds to see who would finish 3^rd in the tournament.

Play-off Game 1 – 14:20 Sun 2^nd May

Sheffield Sabre Hounds versus Spartans (20-minute game)
Score - 0 : 1
Spartans goal scorer – Marty McMillian
Spartans Shutout for Rory Sempey
Shots for Spartans – 32
Shots Against – 10

In Brief – This game started with the Spartans swarming forward to get an early score – but stubborn defence and the pipes ringing constantly meant that the Spartans made hard work of this fixture. Eventually Marty McMillian broke the deadlock with less that 2 minutes to go. So now for the Phoenix.

Play-off Game 2 – 15:10 Sun 2^nd May

Manchester Phoenix versus Spartans
Score - 0 : 2
Spartans goal scorers – Stephen Eccles ; Gareth Smyth
Spartans Shutout for Rory Sempey
Shots for Spartans – 35
Shots against – 18

In Brief – The Phoenix wanted to come out rough and tough; they tried to bully the Spartans into submission BUT did they feel the pain of Spartans on a roll. Spartans top scorer Stephen Eccles settled the nerves and with Rory Semple showing why he was the best net minder in the tournament, the Spartans grew in strength. Big Hits from all the team and a second goal from Gareth Smyth ensured that the Spartans would indeed clinch 3^rd place.

At the end of the tournament the Spartans stats were :-

Played - 10 games Won - 6 games Lost - 4 games
Goals For – 18
Goals Against – 19

Shutouts:
Rory Sempey (5)
Glenn Murray (2)

Goal Scorers:
Stephen Eccles – 6
Cameron Murray – 3
Nathan Dorrian – 3
Gareth Smyth – 3
Marty McMillian – 2
Conan Houston – 1

Every member of the Spartans squad managed at least 1 point (assists or goals) during the tournament.

Spartans Net-minder Rory Sempey was named the Tournaments Top Net-minder

The journey home was made all the sweeter by the fact that the team in the Under 15’s Final (Flintshire) were beaten by 22 goals to 0 goals (the match was abandoned with 3 minutes to play in the second period due the Flintshire team continuing to fight with their opponents. A total of 7 Flintshire players were ejected from the game).

The Den Hagg coaching staff commented that they could not believe how well the Spartans played all tournament because of the lack of Ice time they have to train on. The Den Hagg players get 3 hours a day Ice Time.

Net minders :- Rory Sempey & Glenn Murray

Defense :- Conan Houston (Capt) ; Daniel McCall ; Reece Floyd (Asst Capt) ; Bradley Graham

Forwards :- Cameron Murray (Asst Capt) ; Stephen Eccles ; Matthew Groves ; Nathan Dorrian ; Ryan Murray ; Gareth Smyth ; Marty McMillian ; Thomas McKinnon.

WELL DONE TO ALL THE CASTLEREAGH SPARTANS.

There will only be one tryout camp for the Senior Irish National Team this year. The aim is to pick the team as soon as possible to provide enough time to prepare with a series of training sessions and warm up games.

The tryouts will take place at the Dundalk Ice Dome and will consist of the following:

Saturday 23rd January 2010
10:45 am - 11:45 am: Player Registration
12:15 pm - 1:45 pm: On-Ice Session
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm: Feedback

Sunday 24th January 2010
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Player Registration
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm: On-Ice Session
9:30 pm - 10:00 pm: Feedback
The cost of the tryout is 10 euro per player and is open to all players that are 16 years of age and older.

All players are required to bring full ice hockey equipment including helmet with full face mask, visor, neck guard and gum shield where appropriate. All players are also required to bring their valid Irish passport.

Players are expected to attend at least one of the above sessions of the try-out. Any player that is unable to attend the try-out must contact the General Manager of the team, Tony Griffin, by email via tonygriffin@iiha.org.

If you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact tonygriffin@iiha.org.

Good luck to all the participants.

Dispite the early start and the odds being stacked against them the young Spartans (Thomas McKinnon, Gareth Smyth, Reece Floyd, Marty McMillan & Rory Sempey) went out and gave it their all. Sempey must have seen 60 shots in the game and turned away the majority of the Chiefs scoring opportunities, however the Chiefs were the much more comfortable team. Had the roles been reversed and the game played on ice the story may have been different, however the Chiefs experienced players managed to pick apart the Spartans best efforts and eventually win the game 12-1.

The one hilight from the game was Marty McMillans rocket slapshot that would spoil the Chiefs shutout. As he was falling to the floor (not for the first time) he managed to latch on to a pass from Gareth Smyth that he one timed making a sweet clang noise as it smashed into the roof of the net.

A short break, a cheesy chip and the addition of Scott Bickerstaff made all the difference as the Spartans took on the ECB Ladies team later in the afternoon. In a complete contrast to the first game, it took the Spartans just 10 seconds to get on the board when Marty McMillan sired in a shot that the ECB netminder couldnt handle leaving Thomas McKinnon to tap in the loose puck sitting in the crease.

ECB got back on level teams just over a minute later when Trish McKay shot through a crowd of players and found the back of the net hight over Sempeys blocker side. From this point on it was all Spartans pressure and somehow the boys couldnt manage to put the puck in the net. Reece Floyd gave the Spartans the lead that they well deserved going into the period break when he dangled his way through the centre of the rink finishing off a 2on1 with Scott Bickerstaff.

ECB again leveled the score at 2-2 when Jennifer Gowdy beat Semepy short side and it looked as if there might be some work to do if the Spartans were to take points from this game. 4 un-answered goals from Scott Bickerstaff and another from Reece Floyd were enough to give the Spartans their first points of the season as they defeated ECB by a score of 7-2.

Boston Bruins Alumni v All Star Team
Saturday 17th October - Face Off 6.30pm
Cost - €10 adult; €7 junior / student; Family ticket €30
OR : £8 adult; £5 junior/student; Family ticket £25

Both teams took to the ice for the 8:00pm face off after watching the junior game that proceeded. The new rink and chippy ice surface took a bit of getting used to for both teams and the opening period seen some hard hitting end to end action with the Chiefs taking an early lead when Vytautas Lukosevicius managed to trickle the puck through the 5 hole of Hugh Smyth. The Spartans soon got back on level terms when Jordan Scott-Brown netted his first of the evening converting a 2on1, but again moments later the Chiefs regained the lead when Hugh Smyth turned over the puck and again Lukosevicius pounced to double his tally. Willy Morrison snapped a shot past the Chiefs netminder as the period was coming to a close and both teams walked to the locker room tied 2-2.

The second period seen the Chiefs increase their lead as they grabbed a couple of quick goals. A bit of rough stuff infront of the Chiefs goal seen Gareth Roberts sitting out for 10 minutes for roughing, and moments later Trevor Kennedy followed a similar fait as he sat a 10 minute misconduct penalty. The Chiefs capitalised on the resulting powerplays and put some daylight between the respective scores.

The puck was dumped in deep to the Chiefs end and as Gareth Roberts penalty expired he latched onto a loose puck and slapped over the blocker side of netminder Deniss Kurelass. The Spartans lost captain Peter McCarter to a suspected broken leg after a knee on knee hit in the neutral zone. Mark Reynolds was also sidelined when his visor smashed into his nose again after a neutral zone hit.

At this point the Chiefs started to turn the screw and players like Aleksandrs Fjodorovs, Raimonds Karpinskis & Aigars Brencis showed their experience, each notching goals and capitalising on the Spartans short bench. As some what of a conciliation, Arnaud dos Santos and Jordan Scott-Brown added two more for the Spartans before the teams skated off with the Chiefs taking the spoils with a 12-5 win.

Both teams meet again this coming Saturday night in Charlestown as the 2009/10 IIHA senior league gets underway.

Photos From The Game

The Chiefs no doubt will have a corps of noisy fans, so why not come down and wear the Spartans colours, give them some good old ‘Norn Iron Banter’ and get behind the boys as they start off the 2009/10 season.

For any supporters who wish to travel with the team there is a bus leaving Dundonald International Ice Bowl at 3:30pm on Saturday at a cost of £12.00 per person, returning to the Ice Bowl at approximately 1:00am. There are only limited places remaining on the bus so if you are interested please contact Tracy Galbraith as soon as possible to book your seat.