CS: What are your first memories of hockey in the UK?
RM: It all started when my dad got some tickets to watch the Storm, as he worked for Adidas, and they were the shirt supplier. After watching the first game, I was hooked. I loved the physicality of the game and the skill on show. The atmosphere was also something special – so different from watching football, which had been the only live sport I’d seen before. The music and crowd interactions just made it more fun for everyone.

CS: How do you think the standard of the EIHL today compares to previous years?
RM: Honestly, I don’t think there’s much difference. In the past, the league attracted more high-profile players from the NHL, particularly those towards the end of their careers. But I believe we have some fantastic talent in the EIHL today. Of course, the “bigger” teams can attract a higher calibre of player, thanks to their finances. However, I feel that on any given day, any team can beat the others, which makes the league very competitive.

CS: What are your thoughts on how the Storm have started the campaign?
RM: During pre-season, I thought we played some really smooth and intelligent hockey. Away from home, we’ve had some great results so far. However, our home form hasn’t been the best. We seem a little slow out of the blocks, but I suppose that’s to be expected when we have new members in the squad and are still working out the best combinations. The performance and result against Sheffield Steelers showed that we have some real talent in the squad. Durflinger and Hughes have been amazing acquisitions for us so far. Adding them to the core of the team, which we’ve managed to keep together with the likes of Weninger, Harrisson, Garcia, Morrow, Hinam, Ulett, Critchlow, and Johnson, I think reaching the playoffs is a reasonable goal.

CS: How do you feel Mike Flanagan’s style of play compares to our previous coaches?
RM: I really like what I’ve seen so far. Our penalty kill has been pretty solid, which is key, especially given how many penalty minutes we’ve been taking. Attacking-wise, I see more willingness to carry the puck and drive at defenders, rather than just dumping it in and chasing it around the boards. That said, sometimes we can overpass when a shot on goal should have been taken. As the team continues to gel, I’m sure we’ll improve.

CS: Having watched hockey for many years, have you had a chance to see the game overseas?
RM: My wife and I have been lucky enough to watch a few NHL games during trips to America. We’ve seen the New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and Tampa Bay Lightning. We’d love to see the Toronto Maple Leafs and visit the Hockey Hall of Fame one day. Hopefully, we can make that trip in the future.

CS: How does the atmosphere in the Shelter compare to other arenas you’ve visited?
RM: The arenas I’ve seen in the NHL are world-class, to be honest. The Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay blew me away! The number of food and drink options, multiple escalators to move fans up and down the tiers – all to cope with the sheer volume of people – was incredible. There were several merchandise stores, fancy restaurants, and bars overlooking the rink. When the crowd gets going and a goal is scored, it can get incredibly loud. However, you can’t beat the Storm Shelter. Sure, the seating isn’t ideal, and it’s a bit rundown, but this is our home. I imagine it must be a little intimidating for visiting teams used to more modern arena facilities, which could work to our advantage.

CS: If you could bring in any player from within the league, who would it be and why?
RM: This is a really tough one to answer. I can’t bring myself to pick a player from the Sheffield Steelers, so I’ll go with Jarrod Gourley from the Cardiff Devils. He seems composed, quick, and gets involved in scoring and assists. He’d be a great addition to any team.

I would like to thank Rob for his time to do this Q & A. If you would like to be a part of future chapters of ‘A View From The Glass’ please contact: schoracallum@yahoo.com