Dublin Rams 2008-2009 Season

KevinMc

The New Irish Ice Hockey League (IIHL) is just around the corner and the Dublin Rams have updated their website and the on-line shop is now open. This is the ideal time to get the your hands on the 2008-2009 season authentic jeresy.

The league is due to begin in the next month so keep an eye on www.dublinrams.com for fixtures. I will put a few match reports on this thread so you can still follow the team even if you can't get to the games.

All matches will played in the Dundalk IceDome (as there is no rink in Dublin at the min) regular bus and rail services run to dundalk so there is no excuse . The Dundalk Bay Estate town service bus will drop you off at the JJB retail unit beside the IceDome. Alternatively a taxi from town centre to the IceDome costs around €7.

If your an Ice Hockey newbie or a season pro try to catch a game! County Dublin flags would also be most welcome on match days

KevinMc

Any boards.ie forumites managed to make it to the Ice Dome for any of the games....?

So far the Dublin Rams are sitting mid table with 1 win and 1 loss from 2 games. But it's early days yet and the Rams has a team of vast experience including players from North America and players that have been involved in the game in Ireland for many years.

This sunday sees the clash of the capitials with the Dublin Rams playing the Junior Giants in Belfast. Hopefully anyone that can make the game will be treated to a good display!

KevinMc

I never made the game at the weekend as I was over in London for the NFL International game but here is an interesting match report TAKEN FROM IIHA.ORG

Belfast Giants v Dublin Rams
IIHL
Belfast Giants v Dublin Rams
Dundonald Ice Bowl

The Dublin Rams headed up north this weekend, to take on the new look Belfast Giants in the IIHL at Dundonald Ice Bowl. Referees for this game were William Fay & Jana Gerkena, and Linesmen were Dean Kelly & Mario Nawrocki.

The game started with the Dublin Rams taking the advantage over the home team, with some nice passing from Brandon Chalazan and Aaron Cuskeran. However, the tables turned when Brent Trull got a 2 minute penalty for holding at the 2:51 mark. The Giants took control on the powerplay when they came close to the net, but failed to score, with a great save coming from the Rams goaltender, Sean Gibson. However, the Rams hit back with a bang with a nice clean hit coming from Ross O'Driscoll.

The period was being played in both ends of the ice, making each team work for the puck. However, the Rams were called for another penalty with Cliff Saunders serving a 2 minute penalty for tripping. The Rams were playing shorthanded, but it didn't stop them from playing some hockey, with Aaron Cuskeran coming close to the net twice in a matter of 20 seconds. The Dublin Rams were in the box again when Matt Hearn was called for Elbowing but the Giants got to work on the power play once more, with some sweet passing skills and puck possession. However, they failed to score with some great defensive skills and amazing saves from the Rams goaltender. With only 6:36 left in the 1st Period both teams were playing 4 on 4 and the play was a bit more open. In Particular Arnaud Dos Santos was showing some great determination and great sportsmanship as he consistently skated hard and put the Rams under pressure. The Rams were searching for a goal with all their hard work paying off when Bred Heragthy scored a powerplay goal with 4:41 left in the period. The score at the end of the 1st period was 1-0 to Dublin Rams.

The Giants were putting severe pressure on the Rams early on in the 2nd period, having possession of the puck for almost 3 minutes in the Rams zone. It looked like the Rams were going to score when Brad Heraghty gave a clean pass to Brandon Chalazan but he failed to score. However, the Giants hit back with a couple of big hits resulting in the Rams turning the puck over in their defensive zone and the Giants claiming their first goal, with 15:09 gone in the 2nd Period. Mark Reynolds got the goal with the 2nd period ending 1-1.

The 3rd period began with hard hits and excitement buzzing around the Ice Bowl. The Rams were fired up and claimed the first goal of the 3rd period after only 0:57 into the period with Brad Heraghty getting the goal. However, the tables were turned when Ross O' Driscoll, of the Rams, was called for a Match Penalty. This didn't stop the Rams from looking for a goal, with some nice passing skills, speed, and heads-up play, they had the perfect opportunity for a goal, but failed to get past the Giants goaltender. Credit has to be given to both goaltenders on the night, who gave it their all. With 10:32 left in the game, the Rams defence broke down, when the Giants scored, making it 3-3. Then with less than 6 minutes to go, tensions got high in both ends of the ice with some scuffles. The Rams got really frustrated when the Giants scored with only 1:25 left in the game with Peter McCarter getting what turned out to be the winning goal. The Rams were then searching for a last minute goal, but failed to score.

The Final Score was 4 - 3 to the Belfast Giants
Written by Martin Grant, October 29th, 2008

KevinMc

Well done to the Dublin Rams!! Still out in front in the IIHL this year. No reason why the Ram can't go on to end the Dundalk Domination.

Also congratulations to those involved in RDS Christmas on Ice show hopefully they helped make the event more fun for all involved.:D

Borderfox

I was up at the Bulls vs Rams match tonight and took a few shots. Enjoy

http://www.flickr.com/photos/keithjack/sets/72157613249736438/show/

KevinMc

Not been to many games lately. Been busy with work and uni but still trying to get to as many as possible.

So what were you thoughts on the game? Most importantly I hope you'll go back!

Borderfox

I thought they played very well and the facitities were very good, I must go up for a skate before this thursdays game!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWgc7LMvgnw

KevinMc

The celtic cup is definately a good competition to watch and the Hawks should provide a good test for the Bulls.

The one problem I had with the formation of the Celtic cup was it sort of took the focus of Irish Ice Hockey off our own IIHL. While it's great for the Bulls and Hawks to play against the more experienced scottish teams I think the organiation of IIHL and IIHL DD games has took a back seat to the Celtic Cup.

Anyway there is no reason why the Celtic cup can't be a stepping stone for greater relations between Irish and scottish ice hockey but the game here needs more time.

Just looked at the Ice Dome time table for Thursday and it's pretty busy with practices for hockey and figure skating.

KevinMc

Maybe this should have a new thread but the new season has started and Dublin is better represented than ever thanks to the new rink at charlestown. More teams need your support including last years Rams Team! New teams and old rivals should make this season even more interesting.

Full A League fixtures can be found here

B League Conference A can be found here

B League Conference B can be found here

Everyone welcome