Mixed Tour 3 Preview

Want to get back into the blog. Been busy with catching up at work (working late and through lunch) and been updating the Ka-Pow! website and creating and releasing the Ka-Pow! roster photos on the facebook group (and yes that's the reason I've re-tweeted and shared them all). So that's been happening in the evenings. Anyway, I've always enjoyed the blog so I'm not about to stop any time soon.

Mixed Tour 3: Herd 1

Herd 1 start in a group with Royal Goaltimate society, Magic Toast and Black Eagles. Our aim is too make the final against the GB World games squad. I think it will be a tough road through the group and playoffs to get there.

Saturday:

Game 1: vs Magic Toast

Magic Toast's squad at MT2 was much better than their squad at MT1. I didn't see who was on either squad in any real depth, but to go from finishing 13th at MT1 to 4th at MT2 is no small step. I don't really want to predict this game, however depending on their squad at this tour, the game should be tough and winnable. We would need to put together a complete game of two halves to stand a chance though, something which we've struggled with this season.

Game 2: vs Black Eagles

Our second game is against the lowest seeded team in our group. Contrarily, Black Eagles were the best non-GB team at MT1. This season has seen plenty of games not going to seed and two very different top 8's. Nonetheless, Black Eagles are a team always looking for a battle and will be eager to climb the rankings again.

Game 3: vs RGS

In our game against RGS at MT2 we came out flat and allowed them to take their foot off the gas towards the end. We will need to keep the score close early to have a shot in this game. They showed at MT2 that they were capable of playing dominating offense in a relaxed style, and stifling defense. They played the GB squad close at the MT2 final.

Looking at this group, I see three games that could go either way, depending on how we play. Essentially these games are all in our control, but could all go either way. Winning 2 or 3 out of 3 would be fantastic, but in reality I can see us only winning 1 or even 0 and having a crossover, so I won't be providing any further predictions around Herd 1.

Finals Contenders

I don't see any reason why the GB world games squad won't take the MT3 crown.
Let's break down the contenders:

RGS - If they continue to play as they did at MT2 and stay at the 2 seed after the pool stages I see them with a great chance to be in the final again.
Bear Cavalry - Bears will be keen to build some momentum to finish the Mixed Tours which they can take going into Mixed Nationals and Europeans. A couple more players at this Tour could make all the difference. Regardless of their Tour finish, as one of the only Mixed Only clubs in the UK I see them winning Mixed Nationals again and going to Euros.
Cambridge - Quietly having a strong season, Cambridge have fielded strong players who play together a lot.
Magic Toast - If Magic Toast take a strong squad again, they can continue to cause some upsets and make the final.
Herd 1 - This is the team's aim. I think it's not impossible, but will be a struggle if we don't finish top 2 in our pool.
DED - Have been unable to take the final steps this season, falling after strong starts to finish outside the top 4 at MT1 and MT2. Apparently short on guys...
Black Eagles - "Won" MT1 behind the two GB teams. Could go either way.
Brighton Breezy - The second highest finishing non-GB team at MT1 and did enough at MT2 to stay top 8. Will be without Sion and Elias.

Bristol - I still see these guys as an outside shot for the final. They have taken scalps all season but have managed to lose the games that count the most at both tours; 1v8 at MT1 to Black Eagles and top 8 crossover at MT2 to a Magic Toast team on a mission. If it all comes together for them, they could definitely be in the final.

See you there!

Smatt