NZEL & Novaya Zemlya Hockey Newswire

by **Alphatheta** » Fri Dec 04, 2015 6:21 am

Strong End to First NZEL Season

Wytropolis MSK+7 9:15am - The season ended with a beautiful triumph in the Slava Partii Arena in Ulyanovsk, where Antipha United clinched a finishing spot in 4th against the very team they had to unseat for the post, Shakhter Ulyanovsk. Lots of credit has been given to Ožbej Althaus, the newly recruited 21-year-old forward currently leading the team's season for score, who continued to excel by scoring both of the game points in the final match. Team captain Žarko Császár has also been quick to give credit to 32-year-old Leighton O'Hare, the team's regular goaltender.

"Leighton works his-- you know. He works harder than most people like to notice," Császár insisted after the game. "It's always a team effort out there, and everyone--all of us--really worked for this victory, but Leighton is the one fans forget about. We're really proud of him tonight."

Császár went on to praise Althaus and Draško Browne in particular, both new to the team but showing very strong for this entire first international season.

Playoffs Begin At Home

Quarterfinals

Partizan Belushya Guba v. Stolitsa Arktiki
Torpedo Belushya Guba v. Akademik Sakhaninsk
Metallurg Matochkingrad v. Unitia City Wanderers
Antipha United v. Shakhter Ulyanovsk
QF4 Series

Antipha United 2–2 Shakhter Ulyanovsk (3–2 OT)

Wytropolis MSK+7 9:34am - The capital is more crowded than ever as Shakhter Ulyanovsk comes to the People's Arena in Wytropolis for the quarterfinal series. Fans are excited; with Antipha United in the 4th slot, they have the home ice advantage, but will be playing against the team they spent much of the season jockeying for a leg up on.

The first game was played before a sold-out stadium, all 22,000 seats filled with fans. Although all wore patriotic colours, more than a few came ready to cheer both teams.

"It just seems fair," a fan carrying a Shakhter pennant told us. "They've been such amazing competitors all season. Sure, we want the Tors to win more than we want Shakhter to, but they deserve some kudos as well."

Reports are that Emperor Adam has applauded the people's even-handed approach to praise, noting that he was particularly pleased to see all supporters of foreign teams were still conspicuously wearing the colours and flag of our great patria.

by **Alphatheta** » Sun Dec 06, 2015 7:22 pm

Playoffs Perilous

QF4 Series

Antipha United 2–2 Shakhter Ulyanovsk (3–2 OT)
Antipha United 4–5 Shakhter Ulyanovsk
Shakhter Ulyanovsk 1–1 Antipha United (2–1 OT)

Shakhter leads series 2-1

Wytropolis MSK+7 9:34pm - Troubled times for the Tors as the quarterfinal series moves to Ulyanovsk. Despite Antipha United's winning record at home during the season, the second game saw the team stumbling and losing by a point on their home ice. Now abroad again, the Tors managed a respectable tie against Shakhter Ulyanovsk but lost by a point in overtime.

Coach Wilson Wilson maintained general optimism in an interview over the phone. Although he was visibly frustrated during the game, barking orders in violently accented stolitalekt, he sounded calm and composed when he spoke with us after the match.

"This has been a long, difficult season," Coach Wilson reminded. "The boys have been working hard, and this league has some just-- beautiful talent in it. And Shakhter? Coach Mencík knows how to push them. They've got that Khabalov kid who keeps astounding us. And this is the quarterfinals. This is what bounced them last season. Of course they're gunning this year. It's our mistake if we let our guard down. This was never going to be an easy round, and it's even harder when the middle plays itself."

Antipha United is now looking to protect their spot in an away game; daunting, but not impossible.

Fall Frightens Fans

Hügel MSK+7 10:15pm - First season forward Ožbej Althaus took a rough spill on the ice today, finishing the match but seeming slightly uncertain on his feet. Although only 21 years old and freshly recruited from the naval academy, Althaus led the Tors in regular season scoring, outperforming all-time scoring stat-holder Bhàtair Robert by four points before the quarterfinals began. Medical reports have not yet been received from Ulyanovsk at time of print, but fans back home are already beginning to worry.

"It looked bad," one fan watching in Hügel told us bluntly. Another added, "He didn't seem like himself after. Honestly, it looked a lot like when Rodolf Dreher got slammed and wound up dropping out for a season."

Keep your eyes on the wire for updates.

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Mon Dec 07, 2015 11:59 am

SEASON 25
Regular Season - Part 2/2
Part 1/2

At the end of the regular season, Traktor and Karskoe More are in a class of their own, with 42 and 40 wins respectively. Zvezda looks like the only team with a realistic chance to challenge the top two for the title, while former NZEL clubs Krylya and Dizel have had respectable seasons and hope to do some damage in the playoffs. At the other end of the spectrum we find Spartak, which went from NZEL team to missing the Div II playoffs by 13 points in less than a year. Impressive!

Division II                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Traktor Sukhoi Nos       60   42   8  10   249  159  +90    92
 2 Karskoe More             60   40  10  10   212  123  +89    90
 3 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk      60   33  11  16   195  129  +66    77
 4 Krylya GZ                60   32   9  19   166  148  +18    73
 5 Dizel Mashigingrad       60   29  11  20   175  149  +26    69
 6 Gigant Pakhtusovo        60   27  12  21   189  168  +21    66
 7 Sokol Khramtsovgrad      60   28   9  23   191  170  +21    65
 8 Gornyak Karelka          60   27   8  25   204  190  +14    62
 9 Rapid Chornaya Guba      60   25   8  27   145  169  −24    58
10 Pyat Arkhitektorov       60   22  11  27   155  180  −25    55
11 JVSU Belushya Guba       60   22   6  32   172  203  −31    50
12 Bolshevik Yunau          60   19  11  30   104  136  −32    49
13 Spartak Krestovaya       60   21   7  32   133  172  −39    49
14 Amiral Yugovostok        60   16  11  33   122  165  −43    43
15 Dinamit Krupchatka       60   12  11  37   111  178  −67    35
16 Khimik Savvina           60    8  11  41   131  215  −84    27

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Mon Dec 07, 2015 1:03 pm

PARTIZAN COMPLETES THE SWEEP
Tikhonenko hat-trick lifts Partizan past Stolitsa

Quarterfinal game #4
Stolitsa 2-6 Partizan
Scorers
Partizan: L Tikhonenko 3, K Belomestov,
K Yerokhin, S Chemeris
Stolitsa: D Bezrukov, V Sukharnikov
Spectators: 18,220

BELUSHYA GUBA The series between Partizan and Stolitsa Arktiki never quite lived up to the hype. After a close fought game one, Stolitsa folded like a cheap tent in game two, losing 8-2. When they fell short again in game three on home ice, the series was practically over. After a 6-2 drubbing in game four, it was literally over. One of the more lopsided playoff series in recent years, for sure.

Leonid Tikhonenko - known to most casual observers as the Novozemlyan skater who's been healthy scratched the most on our national team - had a spectacular night, recording his career first playoff hat trick. The 23 year old centre has long been regarded as "the next Yerokhin", but has not been able to put it all together and take that next step to superstar status. Maybe we are witnessing his big breakthrough?

Much of the talk after the game has focused on the disgraceful scenes following the final buzzer. It was during the traditional handshake line that Stolitsa centre Sardorbek Asylbekov jumped Partizan defenseman Fyodor Ryzhkov and a brawl ensued. Frustrated Stolitsa players joined in, while the Partizan players showed restraint and did their best not to get suspended. A few hours later the hockey federation announced a 10 game suspension for Asylbekov, to be served at the start of next season. Additionally, one-game suspensions were handed out to Donovan Lushin and Bogomil Mednikov, while head coach Edgar Rozovsky was fined an undisclosed amount.

Stolitsa Arktiki has released a statement in which the league, its referees and the hockey federation are accused of favoring Partizan and Torpedo. The statement is so littered with expletives that BG Journal has decided not to put it in print.

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 2:41 am

SEASON 25
Regular Season - Part 2/2
Part 1/2

Elite Division                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Akademik Sakhaninsk U20           52   40   3   9   227  125 +102    83
 2 Shakhter Ulyanovsk U20            52   33   6  13   212  138  +74    72
 3 Metallurg Matochkingrad U20       52   29  10  13   177  142  +35    68
 4 Severnaya Oblast U20              52   29   6  17   201  161  +40    64
 5 Lokomotiv Neznaemy U20            52   23  12  17   155  151   +4    58
 6 Belushye Hockey Academy Blue      52   24   8  20   186  168  +18    56
 7 Partizan BG U20                   52   20  10  22   165  155  +10    50
 8 Traktor Sukhoi Nos U20            52   20   6  26   170  194  −24    46
 9 Torpedo BG U20                    52   18   9  25   168  191  −23    45
10 Stolitsa Arktiki U20              52   17   9  26   153  162   −9    43
11 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk U20           52   16   9  27   154  198  −44    41
12 Iskra Kostinsk U20                52   14  10  28   156  207  −51    38
13 Avangard Oktyabrgrad U20          52   11  11  30   153  213  −60    33
14 Krasnaya Zarya U20                52   11   9  32   145  217  −72    31

Second Division South               Pld    W   D   L   GD   Pts 
 1 Karskoe More U20                  44   29   7   8  +73    65
 2 Belushye Hockey Academy Red*      44   31   2  11  +79    64
 3 Rotor Rogachevo U20               44   26   7  11  +51    59
 4 Dynamo Podrezovsk U20             44   21   9  14   −7    51
 5 Pyat Arkhitektorov U20            44   19   6  19   +4    44
 6 Krylya GZ U20	             44   20   2  22   −9    42
 7 Rapid CG U20                      44   16   8  20  −10    40
 8 Bolshevik Yunau U20               44   15  10  19  −14    40
 9 Amiral Yugovostok U20             44   15   7  22  −19    37
10 Dinamit Krupchatka U20            44   14   8  22  −30    36
11 Khimik Savvina U20                44   13   4  27  −44    30
12 JVSU BG U20                       44    7   6  31  −74    20

* Not eligible for promotion due to already having a team in Elite Division

Second Division North               Pld    W   D   L   GD   Pts 
 1 Dizel Mashigingrad U20            44   25   8  11  +48    58
 2 Vostok Hockey Academy             44   26   5  13  +25    57
 3 Zapolyarny Athletic (NYG)         44   23   8  13  +19    54
 4 Sokol Khramtsovgrad U20           44   22   7  15  +52    51
 5 Brigada Oktyabrgrad               44   21   6  17  −10    48
 6 Gigant Pakhtusovo U20             44   20   4  20  +18    44
 7 Medvedi Matochkingrad             44   18   8  18   −1    44
 8 Gornyak Karelka U20               44   15   9  20   −3    39
 9 Spartak Krestovaya U20            44   16   3  25  −28    35
10 Shakhter Ulyanovsk U18            44   12  10  22  −32    34
11 Pobeda Neznaemy U20               44   15   4  25  −40    34
12 Internatsionalny U20              44   12   6  26  −48    30

POINTS LEADERS - ELITE DIVISION

  Player	     Team	    GP  G  A   P
1 Valeri Kalagin     Belushye HA    52 43 66 109
2 Akim Kurtanidze    Akademik U20   48 41 43  84
3 Oleg Kazarezov     Metallurg U20  50 26 57  83
4 Lazar Korovin      Metallurg U20  52 32 44  76
5 Mikhail Dostovalov Partizan U20   45 19 48  67

by **Witty Penguins** » Wed Dec 09, 2015 12:52 pm

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NZEL PLAYOFFS: Wanderers holding out against Metallurg for now

27 November 2015

UNITIA CITY - The 6th place Unitia City Wanderers are managing to hold their ground against 3rd place Metallurg Matochkingrad in the NZEL Playoffs. Today the teams fought for the 6th time in the quarterfinal series, with the Wanderers managed to snatch a 1-0 victory to bring the series to 3-3.

It was a poor start to the finals for the Wanderers - the first two matches saw them fall 5-3 and 2-0. However the Wanderers, with a home advantage, burst back into the series and grabbed a 3-2 and 3-1 wins at Peace Street Arena to even the series. Both teams have now followed up with a win each, meaning tomorrow's match will be the tiebreaker and will see the winner move on to the next round.

Meanwhile in the other quarterfinals, 1st place Partizan Belushya Guba made easy prey of Stolitsa Artktiki, the lowest placed team in the playoff round, with 4 consecutive wins. Torpedo Belushya Guba, 2nd place, also beat out their opponents, Akademik Sakhaninsk. Antipha United, one of the other foreign teams, also progress to the semi-finals, and will face the winner of tomorrow's Metallurg-Unitia match.

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 3:22 am

SEASON 25
Playoffs
Regular Season Part 1/2 | Part 2/2

QUARTERFINALS

TRAKTOR SUKHOI NOS (1) - GORNYAK KARELKA (8)
Traktor Sukhoi Nos 3–0 Gornyak Karelka
Traktor Sukhoi Nos 4–0 Gornyak Karelka
Gornyak Karelka 2–4 Traktor Sukhoi Nos
Gornyak Karelka 5–3 Traktor Sukhoi Nos
Traktor Sukhoi Nos 4–4 Gornyak Karelka (4–5 OT)
Gornyak Karelka 1–3 Traktor Sukhoi Nos

Traktor wins series 4-2

KARSKOE MORE (2) - SOKOL KHRAMTSOVGRAD (7)
Karskoe More 3–1 Sokol Khramtsovgrad
Karskoe More 5–2 Sokol Khramtsovgrad
Sokol Khramtsovgrad 6–6 Karskoe More (6–7 OT)
Sokol Khramtsovgrad 4–6 Karskoe More

Karskoe More wins series 4-0

ZVEZDA ROZHNOVGORSK (3) - GIGANT PAKHTUSOVO (6)
Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk 2–0 Gigant Pakhtusovo
Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk 1–1 Gigant Pakhtusovo (2–1 OT)
Gigant Pakhtusovo 3–4 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk
Gigant Pakhtusovo 2–5 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk

Zvezda wins series 4-0

KRYLYA GZ (4) - DIZEL MASHIGINGRAD (5)
Krylya GZ 0–2 Dizel Mashigingrad
Krylya GZ 2–3 Dizel Mashigingrad
Dizel Mashigingrad 4–4 Krylya GZ (4–5 OT)
Dizel Mashigingrad 1–1 Krylya GZ (2–1 OT)
Krylya GZ 3–1 Dizel Mashigingrad
Dizel Mashigingrad 1–4 Krylya GZ
Krylya GZ 3–1 Dizel Mashigingrad

Krylya wins series 4-3

SEMIFINALS

TRAKTOR SUKHOI NOS - KRYLYA GZ
Traktor Sukhoi Nos 2–0 Krylya GZ
Traktor Sukhoi Nos 3–3 Krylya GZ (4–3 OT)
Krylya GZ 0–2 Traktor Sukhoi Nos
Krylya GZ 3–3 Traktor Sukhoi Nos (3–4 OT)

Traktor wins series 4-0

KARSKOE MORE - ZVEZDA ROZHNOVGORSK
Karskoe More 1–2 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk
Karskoe More 2–2 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk (3–2 OT)
Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk 1–0 Karskoe More
Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk 4–2 Karskoe More
Karskoe More 3–3 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk (4–3 OT)
Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk 5–1 Karskoe More

Zvezda wins series 4-2

FINALS

TRAKTOR SUKHOI NOS - ZVEZDA ROZHNOVGORSK
Traktor Sukhoi Nos 1–2 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk
Traktor Sukhoi Nos 4–2 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk
Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk 1–1 Traktor Sukhoi Nos (1–2 OT)
Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk 2–1 Traktor Sukhoi Nos
Traktor Sukhoi Nos 3–1 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk
Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk 6–2 Traktor Sukhoi Nos
Traktor Sukhoi Nos 2–3 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk

Zvezda wins series 4-3

Division II Champions
SEASON 25

ZVEZDA ROZHNOVGORSK

DIVISION II AWARDS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - Porfiriy Kolontayev, Traktor
PLAYOFF MVP - Maksimilian Skryabin, Zvezda
DEFENSEMAN OF THE YEAR - Lev Kasyanov, Traktor
GOALIE OF THE YEAR - Hugo Žák, Karskoe More
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - Maksimilian Skryabin, Zvezda
ALL STAR TEAM
LW - Anton Kriutchkov, Karskoe More
CE - Porfiriy Kolontayev, Traktor
RW - Ioakim Golodyayev, Traktor
D - Miron Grushanin, Zvezda
D - Lev Kasyanov, Traktor
G - Hugo Žák, Karskoe More

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 4:10 am

TARRIJAQPUQ MUSKOXEN FOLDS
NZEL Expansion Strategy Suffers Setback

BELUSHYA GUBA Sources within the Novozemlyan hockey federation claim that the Tarrijaqpuq Muskoxen will not compete in the Elite League next season. Rumours about financial problems surfaced only weeks after the club's induction into the league at the start of season 25.

"It was worth a shot, and its impressive that such a small village can ice a competitive hockey team, but in the end it didn't work out," one federation official said. "It is just too small a market for professional sports."

The Muskoxen finished in 15th place in their only NZEL season, recording 16 wins, 10 ties and 34 losses.

Despite this setback, the Elite League is looking to continue its expansion in the Arctic. Unconfirmed rumours indicate that New Oksfjord in The Kingdom of The Ice Bears will be home to an NZEL team next season.

by **Alphatheta** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 6:47 am

Success And Sorrow In Quarterfinals

QF4 Series

Antipha United 2–2 Shakhter Ulyanovsk (3–2 OT)
Antipha United 4–5 Shakhter Ulyanovsk
Shakhter Ulyanovsk 1–1 Antipha United (2–1 OT)
Shakhter Ulyanovsk 1–2 Antipha United
Antipha United 1–0 Shakhter Ulyanovsk
Shakhter Ulyanovsk 2–3 Antipha United
Antipha United wins series 4-2
NZEL QF1-3 Results

Partizan wins series 4-0
Torpedo wins series 4-2
Metallurg wins series 4-3

Wytropolis MSK+7 9:34pm - Antipha United fans were over the moon this week as the team managed to claw their way back from a tied series in a rough home game and then a violently-won victory in the final away game of the series. "It was a nail-biter," a fan reported amidst the celebrations in the capital. "The Tors have had a great record at home this season, but away is where they fall apart. We were on the edge of our seats until the very end."

Also in the semifinals, unsurprisingly, are Partizan Belushya Guba and Torpedo Belushya Guba. The hardest earned spot in the semifinals seems to have been Metallurg Matochkingrad, finally now defeating the Unitia City Wanderers in a 4-3 series.

"You've really got to hand it to Coach Richmond," Antipha United Head Coach Wilson Wilson told us in an interview, referring to Unita City head coach Ian Richmond. "Coach [Valentina] Dyatlova really keeps Metallurg whipped into tight shape, but Richmond had Unita City holding strong right to the very end. There's amazing playing in the NZEL, absolutely, but I have to say I've been most blown away watching the other coaches do their thing. Makes us all step up our game, I think, when the teams are all so incredible and it comes down to such tough points. I'm just grateful to have had Žarko [Császár, Antipha United captain] beside me all season, keeping the team rallied and in line."

With Unita City's loss in the quarterfinals, and with the Tarrijaqpuq Muskoxen finishing in 15th place place, the Alphathetan team is left as the only foreign team in the semifinals.

"It's a little sad, you know?" Csaba Koenig told us after watching the final game in the QF3 series that ousted Unita City. "Obviously, it's been amazing traveling around, and everyone's been incredibly welcoming, but-- it was always a little nice to see the Wanderers or the Tarrijaqpuq team. It made you feel a little less adrift, maybe. We're all hoping that, once the season is over, maybe we can stick around and get to know Novaya Zemlya a little better--and we're definitely going to want to go out and explore the other nations participating in the league."

Also of minor concern entering the semifinals is the continued questionable condition of Ožbej Althaus, the regular season's high scorer. Doctors have officially released that Althaus will easily recover in time from his head-slam, but have not yet indicated whether he'll be able to play in the semifinals. The team has been generally optimistic, and certainly showed its mettle in the last two games of the QF 4 series without Althaus to rely on. Keep your eyes on the wire for updates.

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Fri Dec 11, 2015 7:57 am

SEASON 25
Playoffs - Semifinals
Quarterfinals

SF 1

PARTIZAN BELUSHYA GUBA (1) vs ANTIPHA UNITED (4)

Partizan Belushya Guba 3–4 Antipha United
Partizan Belushya Guba 4–1 Antipha United
Antipha United 2–2 Partizan Belushya Guba (3–2 OT)
Antipha United 3–3 Partizan Belushya Guba (4–3 OT)
Partizan Belushya Guba 5–3 Antipha United
Antipha United 3–2 Partizan Belushya Guba

Antipha United wins series 4-2

SF 2

TORPEDO BELUSHYA GUBA (2) vs METALLURG MATOCHKINGRAD (3)

Torpedo Belushya Guba 4–3 Metallurg Matochkingrad
Torpedo Belushya Guba 6–1 Metallurg Matochkingrad
Metallurg Matochkingrad 2–4 Torpedo Belushya Guba
Metallurg Matochkingrad 3–3 Torpedo Belushya Guba (4–3 OT)
Torpedo Belushya Guba 7–2 Metallurg Matochkingrad

Torpedo wins series 4-1

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Wed Dec 16, 2015 6:55 am

SEASON 25
Playoffs
Regular Season Part 1/2 | Part 2/2

QUARTERFINALS

AKADEMIK SAKHANINSK U20 - TRAKTOR SUKHOI NOS U20
Akademik Sakhaninsk U20 5–2 Traktor Sukhoi Nos U20
Akademik Sakhaninsk U20 3–2 Traktor Sukhoi Nos U20
Traktor Sukhoi Nos U20 6–5 Akademik Sakhaninsk U20
Traktor Sukhoi Nos U20 3–4 Akademik Sakhaninsk U20

Akademik U20 wins series 3-1

SHAKHTER ULYANOVSK U20 - PARTIZAN BG U20
Shakhter Ulyanovsk U20 4–1 Partizan BG U20
Shakhter Ulyanovsk U20 5–0 Partizan BG U20
Partizan BG U20 4–4 Shakhter Ulyanovsk U20 (5–4 OT)
Partizan BG U20 1–4 Shakhter Ulyanovsk U20

Shakhter U20 wins series 3-1

METALLURG MATOCHKINGRAD U20 - BELUSHYE HOCKEY ACADEMY
Metallurg Matochkingrad U20 4–0 Belushye Hockey Academy Blue
Metallurg Matochkingrad U20 3–2 Belushye Hockey Academy Blue
Belushye Hockey Academy Blue 4–1 Metallurg Matochkingrad U20
Belushye Hockey Academy Blue 7–4 Metallurg Matochkingrad U20
Metallurg Matochkingrad U20 2–4 Belushye Hockey Academy Blue

Belushye Hockey Academy wins series 3-2

SEVERNAYA OBLAST U20 - LOKOMOTIV NEZNAEMY U20
Severnaya Oblast U20 10–2 Lokomotiv Neznaemy U20
Severnaya Oblast U20 4–5 Lokomotiv Neznaemy U20
Lokomotiv Neznaemy U20 3–4 Severnaya Oblast U20
Lokomotiv Neznaemy U20 1–0 Severnaya Oblast U20
Severnaya Oblast U20 4–8 Lokomotiv Neznaemy U20

Lokomotiv U20 wins series 3-2

SEMIFINALS

AKADEMIK SAKHANINSK U20 - BELUSHYE HOCKEY ACADEMY
Akademik Sakhaninsk U20 3–4 Belushye Hockey Academy Blue
Akademik Sakhaninsk U20 2–3 Belushye Hockey Academy Blue
Belushye Hockey Academy Blue 5–4 Akademik Sakhaninsk U20

Belushye Hockey Academy wins series 3-0

SHAKHTER ULYANOVSK U20 - LOKOMOTIV NEZNAEMY U20
Shakhter Ulyanovsk U20 1–3 Lokomotiv Neznaemy U20
Shakhter Ulyanovsk U20 3–1 Lokomotiv Neznaemy U20
Lokomotiv Neznaemy U20 4–5 Shakhter Ulyanovsk U20
Lokomotiv Neznaemy U20 1–2 Shakhter Ulyanovsk U20

Shakhter U20 wins series 3-1

FINALS

SHAKHTER ULYANOVSK U20 - BELUSHYE HOCKEY ACADEMY
Shakhter Ulyanovsk U20 3–3 Belushye Hockey Academy Blue (4–3 OT)
Shakhter Ulyanovsk U20 6–3 Belushye Hockey Academy Blue
Belushye Hockey Academy Blue 2–2 Shakhter Ulyanovsk U20 (2–3 OT)

Shakhter U20 wins series 3-0

NZ Junior Hockey League Champions
SEASON 25

SHAKHTER ULYANOVSK U20

ELITE DIVISION QUALIFICATION

QUALIFIERS                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Avangard Oktyabrgrad U20      10    5   2   3    49   39  +10    12
2 Karskoe More U20              10    5   2   3    34   30   +4    12
3 Dizel Mashigingrad U20        10    4   2   4    33   30   +3    10
4 Krasnaya Zarya U20            10    3   3   4    35   33   +2     9
5 Vostok Hockey Academy         10    4   1   5    33   39   −6     9
6 Rotor Rogachevo U20           10    3   2   5    36   49  −13     8

NZJHL AWARDS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - Valeri Kalagin, Belushye Hockey Academy
PLAYOFF MVP - Timur Untilov, Shakhter U20
DEFENSEMAN OF THE YEAR - Vyacheslav Kubyshkin , Severnaya U20
GOALIE OF THE YEAR - Boris Permyakov, Belushye Hockey Academy
ALL STAR TEAM
LW - Akim Kurtanidze, Akademik U20
CE - Valeri Kalagin, Belushye Hockey Academy
RW - Shuhab Zdravkov, Lokomotiv U20
D - Miloš Jankovic, Stolitsa U20
D - Vyacheslav Kubyshkin, Severnaya U20
G - Boris Permyakov, Belushye Hockey Academy

by **Alphatheta** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 6:10 am

Capital Overrun With Joyful Rioting

SF1 Series

Partizan Belushya Guba 3–4 Antipha United
Partizan Belushya Guba 4–1 Antipha United
Antipha United 2–2 Partizan Belushya Guba (3–2 OT)
Antipha United 3–3 Partizan Belushya Guba (4–3 OT)
Partizan Belushya Guba 5–3 Antipha United
Antipha United 3–2 Partizan Belushya Guba
Antipha United wins series 4-2
NZEL SF2 Results

Torpedo Belushya Guba wins series 4-1

Wytropolis MSK+7 5:34pm - The celebrations here in the capital, particularly outside the People's Arena, have not stopped since the end of Semifinal Game 6. Alphatheta hosted the final game in a series against the top-seeded team in the 25th season of the NZEL, Partizan Belushya Guba. Partizan was on top in Season 24, and has a total of 5 championship titles under their belt.

After an incredibly difficult series, including two games barely won in overtime, Antipha United managed to seal the deal in what became the last game of the series, winning by a heart-stopping 3-2 in a packed arena. The celebration erupted into the streets and refuses to die down.

Team captain and star defenceman Žarko Császár spoke with us briefly, mind and attention clearly on getting back to his team and to the practice Coach Wilson Wilson is insistent the Tors continue with. "We're floored. We all are. We've been working-- so hard all season, but to finally be here, in this moment, you know-- to finally get on the ice facing Krasimir Yerokhin and Dominik Shelagin and know-- this is it. This is for keeps. There aren't second chances after this like there were in the regular season. To face them and to know Draško [Browne] and Adelberoya [Adelbert O. Van Alphen] are standing beside you, to watch-- Risto Dixon and Ottiska [Otto Kempf] standing beside Comrade Bhàtair [Robert] and just-- knowing that this is it. This is real. There's nothing like it in the world."

Asked about the finals, Császár remained reserved in his expectations.

"It's why we're getting right back to practice, you know?" Császár told us with a laugh. "Beating Partizan was a rough enough thing. Now we've got to go back to Belushya Guba and face Torpedo. We're excited, we're getting ready, and we're just-- so amazed and proud to be here. We can't wait. The whole team can't wait."

Torpedo Belushya Guba won their semifinal series against Metallurg Matochkingrad in a definitive 4-1 sweep. Torpedo most recently won the 22nd season of the NZEL with a total of 7 championships to their name, the highest record in the league. This season, Antipha United lost three times to Torpedo and tied once.

Unperturbed and overwhelmingly proud, the fans party on.

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 1:26 pm

SEASON 25
Relegation Playoff

ISKRA KOSTINSK vs ZVEZDA ROZHNOVGORSK

Iskra Kostinsk 3–0 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk
Iskra Kostinsk 1–4 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk
Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk 6–2 Iskra Kostinsk
Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk 2–2 Iskra Kostinsk (3–2 OT)
Iskra Kostinsk 5–1 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk
Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk 3–2 Iskra Kostinsk

Zvezda wins series 4-2.
Iskra Kostinsk relegated to Division II

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 1:27 pm

SEASON 25
Playoffs - Finals
Quarterfinals | Semifinals

TORPEDO BELUSHYA GUBA (2) vs ANTIPHA UNITED (4)

Torpedo Belushya Guba 4–1 Antipha United
Torpedo Belushya Guba 4–2 Antipha United
Antipha United 3–1 Torpedo Belushya Guba
Antipha United 4–1 Torpedo Belushya Guba
Torpedo Belushya Guba 0–2 Antipha United
Antipha United 0–2 Torpedo Belushya Guba
Torpedo Belushya Guba 3–5 Antipha United

Antipha United wins series 4-3

Novaya Zemlya Elite League Champions
SEASON 25

ANTIPHA UNITED

by **Alphatheta** » Mon Dec 21, 2015 8:17 am

Nerves Riding High In On International Ice

NZEL Finals
Torpedo Belushya Guba 4–1 Antipha United
Torpedo Belushya Guba 4–2 Antipha United
Antipha United 3–1 Torpedo Belushya Guba
Antipha United 4–1 Torpedo Belushya Guba
Series tied 2-2

Wytropolis MSK+7 6:14pm - The excited rioting which followed the final semifinals game against Partizan Belushya Guba has finally subsided here in the capital. All energy and attention is now focused on the drama of the finals being played out between the People's Arena here in Wytropolis and the Gavan Arena in Belushya Guba.

After a dismal start against seven-time champions Torpedo Belushya Guba, Antipha United has seen some of its old success while back home in Wytropolis for games 3 and 4. Fans have pointed to hopes at a comeback in the fact that the Tors have consistently been grabbing an extra point per game since the series began.

"They really are up against the wall, we know," Rodya Böhmer, freshly returned from the Olympiad Games in Electrum and New Gelderland told us, after noting how much of the Alphathetan delegation's time at the Games had been dedicated to keeping track of the NZEL season and playoffs. "Torpedo has really been crushing it all season, and I'm sure Iosif Bezukladnikov isn't going to stop giving the Tors hell now that it's the finals. To me, it seems like you have to be proud of literally everything they manage to get past that guy."

Also eager to talk to us about the NZEL finals rather than his experience at the Olympics was Yvo Ruzzier, who told us he was completely torn at this point in the season. "Honestly, I was rooting for Torpedo all season long--when they weren't playing Antipha United, you know. Watching Denis Yemelyanov do his thing just-- always blows my mind. He's on another level. Even when they played the Tors, just-- the way he kept Friedemann and Császár on their toes was stunning. And now, here we are. And it'll be great no matter who wins, but-- it's killing me. It's really killing me! I guess the hope is that the Tors keep stepping up their game to meet what Torpedo is throwing at them, and at least get to learning from playing against such a fantastic team."

Neither Coach Wilson Wilson nor team captain Žarko Császár could be reached for comment, but the general buzz from the team itself seems to be overwhelmingly grateful to be competing on this truly elite level. Excitement and tension remains high in the capital in anticipation of the 5th match of the finals.

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Wed Dec 23, 2015 1:16 pm

TORPEDO FALLS SHORT IN GAME 7
Antipha United celebrate their first NZEL title

BELUSHYA GUBA After winning the first two games comfortably in what looked to be a one-sided championship series, Torpedo fans are in complete disbelief after game 7, in which they saw their heroes lose 3-5 to Antipha United on home ice.

The game, as well as the series, was tied 3-3 going in to the third period, with the two teams looking quite nervous at times. At the 10 minute mark, Bhàtair Robert banged home a rebound off a Császár point shot, beating a sprawling Iosif Bezukladnikov to take a 4-3 lead. Torpedo furiously chased the equalizer for the remainder of the third but never got closer than a shot off the crossbar from Nik Gavrilov. With a minute to go, coach Belyakov pulled his goalie but to no avail - The Alphathetans could score their fifth in the empty net and bring the title home to Wytropolis.

Most Torpedo players declined to talk to the media after the game, but Dmitriy Chupalov, although visibly devastated, complimented his opponents. "They really stepped it up in the playoffs when it mattered the most, you gotta respect that," the captain said.

A large contigent of Antipha supporters had made the trip to Belushya Guba for the game, and they celebrated loudly in the streets around Gavan Arena afterwards. Although this was not very appreciated by a fair share of locals, there were no reported incidents of violence.

Torpedo players can now look forward to a long, grueling period of hard off-season training before they hit the ice for a new season with new opportunities.

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Thu Dec 24, 2015 2:49 pm

SEASON 25
Award Ceremony

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - Krasimir Yerokhin, Partizan Belushya Guba
Other nominees: Zakhar Golumbovsky, Denis Yemelyanov

PLAYOFF MVP - Žarko Császár, Antipha United
Other nominees: Leighton O'Hare, Bhàtair Robert

DEFENSEMAN OF THE YEAR - Dmitriy Chupalov, Torpedo Belushya Guba
Other nominees: Fyodor Ryzhkov, Žarko Császár

GOALIE OF THE YEAR - Anton Lopatin, Avangard Oktyabrgrad
Other nominees: Iosif Bezukladnikov, Leighton O'Hare

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - Ožbej Althaus, Antipha United
Other nominees: Danis Mironov, Anatoly Goncharov

COACH OF THE YEAR - Wilson Wilson, Antipha United
Other nominees: Valera Yurkova, Ian Richmond

NZEL ALL STAR TEAM
Voted by players

F - Ožbej Althaus, Antipha United
F - Krasimir Yerokhin, Partizan Belushya Guba
F - Zakhar Golumbovsky, Metallurg Matochkingrad
D - Dmitriy Chupalov, Torpedo Belushya Guba
D - Žarko Császár, Antipha United
G - Anton Lopatin, Avangard Oktyabrgrad

NZEL ALL ROOKIE TEAM
Voted by head coaches

F - Ožbej Althaus, Antipha United
F - Danis Mironov, Shakhter Ulyanovsk
F - Lee Carson, Unitia City Wanderers
D - Maxim Saprykin, Torpedo Belushya Guba
D - Anatoly Goncharov, Partizan Belushya Guba
G - Tatiyana Portnyagin, Metallurg Matochkingrad

OOC: That concludes this NZEL season. A big thank you to everyone involved!

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Sun Jan 10, 2016 5:55 pm

ALEIXOS JOINS PARTIZAN

It has been a quiet off-season in the NZEL so far. Until today, when Partizan announced the signing of Ficiscian forward Manuel Aleixos. The 20 year old right winger was one of the standouts of World Junior Hockey Championships 10 a couple of weeks ago, and captained the Ficiscian team which had a great tournament and finished in third place. This week he is with the Ficiscian men's team in Quebec, getting ready for his first World Cup of Hockey.

"He is a tremendous young player and I look forward to work with him," Partizan coach Gennadiy Ponikarov commented at a press conference this evening. "I watched him at the World Juniors, he has some serious skill. But he's a warrior as well, you could see he was playing through pain after that viscious slash he took from the Gregoryisgodistanis."

This is undoubtedly good news for Partizan fans, whose team has been lacking a bonafide #1 right wing ever since Stanislav Yozhikov defected during the 27th World Cup of Hockey in Ko-oren.

"Very nice pick up by Partizan," our hockey expert Anatoly Timofeyev comments. "They have two great centers in Yerokhin and Tikhonenko, but outside of Dominik Shelagin and maybe Belomestov they have been less impressive at wing. With Aleixos they'll be able to run two deadly scoring lines. You have to wonder how Torpedo will respond to this."

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 9:46 am

Welcome to the Transfer Central™. This is where you can track all NZEL & Novozemlyan player transactions during off-season.
(Please note that this service is based on information provided by the Novozemlyan Hockey Federation and we take no responsibility for its correctness.)

PLAYER		       POS     AGE	FROM				TO
 Potap Karandashov	LW	20	Iskra Kostinsk			 Free agency
 Yermola Mukhortov	D	27	Iskra Kostinsk			 Free agency
 Dionisiy Bobkov	RW	27	Iskra Kostinsk			 Free agency
 Ioakim Golodyayev	RW	31	Traktor Sukhoi Nos		 Krasnaya Zarya	
 Flakor Yugov		C	19	Zapolyarny Athletic (NYG)	 Lokomotiv Neznaemy	
 Dusan Bakalski	RW	17	Spartak Krestovaya		 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk	
 Savely Siyankovsky	D	32	Iskra Kostinsk			 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk	
 Foka Susoyev		C	26	Bolshevik Yunau			 Severnaya Oblast	
 Lev Kasyanov		D	30	Traktor Sukhoi Nos		 Akademik Sakhaninsk	
 Miroslav Doležal	LW	28	Karskoe More			 Metallurg Matochkingrad
 Manuel Aleixos	RW	20	Orientalis (FIC)		 Partizan Belushya Guba
 Andreios Rusus	LW	18	SSP Carinha (FIC)		 Avangard Oktyabrgrad
 Yevdokim Timurovich	C	31	Akademik Sakhaninsk		 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk	
 Šimon Pecora		G	25	Spartak Vorotagrad (APT)	 Antipha United
 Csaba Koenig		C	26	Antipha United			 Torpedo Belushya Guba
 Vitaliy Bezrodny	C	20	Traktor Sukhoi Nos		 Dinamo Arryx (APT)
 Aleksei Kirov	D	20	Traktor Sukhoi Nos		 Dinamo Arryx (APT)
 Kirill Yeleshev	D	29	Rotor Rogachevo			 Central'nyi Steinstadt (APT)
 Radoslav Klephkhov	C	20	Iskra Kostinsk			 Spartak Vorotagrad (APT)
 Rodion Bolshov	D	19	Iskra Kostinsk			 Górnik Kholmstad (APT)
 Timur Untilov	LW	19	Shakhter Ulyanovsk		 Górnik Kholmstad (APT)
 Vladimir Zhelezkin	LW	20	Metallurg Matochkingrad		 Metalist Rynok (APT)
 Dirk Hrabe		C	23	Spartak Vorotagrad (APT)	 Akademik Sakhaninsk
 A. O. Van Alphen	D	29	Antipha United			 Severnaya Oblast
 Ettore Mašek		LW	21	Metalist Rynok (APT)		 Stolitsa Arktiki
 Vaska Schmidt	D	22	Górnik Kholmstad (APT)		 Metallurg Matochkingrad
 Vyacheslav Ugolev	LW	20	Iskra Kostinsk			 Free agency
 Tom Westmore		D	33	Unitia City Wanderers		 Retired
 Jeremy Finley	D	23	Unknown				 Unitia City Wanderers
 Raphael Mount	F	25	Unitia City Wanderers		 Unitia Firestorm (WPG)
 Igor Strelnikov	RW	21	Akademik Sakhaninsk		 Astra Orientalis (FIC)

by **Witty Penguins** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 8:27 pm

ICE HOCKEY: Wanderer's Raphael Mount moving to regional leagues

January 26, 2016

UNITIA CITY - Raphael Mount announced yesterday his departure from the Unitia City Wanderers. Though mentioning that he enjoyed working with his now former team-mates and coaches, the 25 year-old forward said that playing overseas wasn't the right thing for him.

"It's been a great experience playing with these guys, but having to constantly travel overseas to play didn't work well for me and my performance," Mount said. The Wanderers were the only Penguinish side in the Arctic-wide league, meaning all of the away matches were played overseas in either Novaya Zemlya or Alphatheta. The next ice hockey season will see him play under the local Unitia Firestorm team. Currently playing in the Sphenscipia State League, the team had placed 3rd in last year's season. Under his new team Mount will play exclusively within the state.

Mount is the second player to leave the Wanderers after their debut season in the NZEL, where they placed 6th overall. After their playoff defeat against Metallurg, defenceman Tom Westmore announced his retirement from competitive hockey and an end to a 15 year career. He was replaced by the newly-signed 23 year-old Jeremy Finley from Puffinby. So far Finley remains the only player to be signed by the Wanderers in what has been a rather quiet transfer season for the team so far.

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Fri Jan 29, 2016 5:07 am

NZEL HOCKEY IS BACK!

The opening puck drop of NZEL's 26th season is rapidly approaching. The game schedule has been set, and newly promoted Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk are in for a tough road trip to Wytropolis on matchday 1 to take on defending champions Antipha United. The other newcomers, New Oksfjord Dons, are also in for a challenge as they will travel to Belushya Guba for a showdown against Partizan.

Several clubs have been active in the off-season, with Partizan making perhaps the biggest splash by signing Ficiscian WJHC star Manuel Aleixos. Torpedo answered by picking up Antipha centre Csaba Koenig, which gives them impressive depth down the middle. Koenig, who reportedly left the Tors to avoid going back to military service, was not the only player to leave the reigning champs, as defenseman Adelbert O. Van Alphen recently agreed to terms with Severnaya Oblast. What these departures mean for Antipha United's chances to defend their title remains to be seen, but it is widely believed that the Alphathetans are not done yet in the transfer market.

Signing prominent Division II players has been a trend this off-season, which was bad news for Traktor Sukhoi Nos and their hopes of getting back into the NZEL. Akademik picked up their leading defenseman Lev Kasyanov, while Krasnaya Zarya signed their top winger Ioakim Golodyayev. In addition, they lost their two best young players, center Vitaliy Bezrodny and blueliner Aleksei Kirov to Dinamo Arryx of the Alphathetian Coastal League. Newly degraded Iskra Kostinsk has seen an exodus of players as well and might be looking at a long and gruesome stint in the second division.

What about the NZEL newcomers? New Oksfjord Dons from The Kingdom of The Ice Bears is a new acquaintance for all of us, and we know basically nothing about the status of hockey over there. Any predictions for them is going to be mere guesses. As for Zvezda, they have indeed picked up a couple of established NZEL'ers in the off-season, but we still find it hard to believe that they have enough quality pieces to be anything more than basement dwellers this year. Time will tell - let's play some hockey!

SEASON 26 OPENING NIGHT
Severnaya Oblast vs Shakhter Ulyanovsk
Unitia City Wanderers vs Lokomotiv Neznaemy
Stolitsa Arktiki vs Metallurg Matochkingrad
Torpedo Belushya Guba vs Rotor Rogachevo
Antipha United vs Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk
Akademik Sakhaninsk vs Avangard Oktyabrgrad
Dynamo Podrezovsk vs Krasnaya Zarya
Partizan Belushya Guba vs New Oksfjord Dons

Updated NZEL Rosters

by **Novaya Zemlya** » Mon Feb 01, 2016 1:14 am

SCORES AND STANDINGS

SEASON 26
Regular Season - Part 1/3

STANDINGS

Elite League                   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Metallurg Matochkingrad      20   12   3   5    74   62  +12    27
 2 Partizan Belushya Guba       20   11   4   5    80   66  +14    26
 3 Antipha United               20   10   4   6    58   42  +16    24
 4 Unitia City Wanderers        20   11   2   7    50   42   +8    24
 5 Akademik Sakhaninsk          20   10   3   7    72   54  +18    23
 6 Stolitsa Arktiki             20    8   5   7    59   53   +6    21
 7 Shakhter Ulyanovsk           20    8   5   7    56   52   +4    21
 8 Lokomotiv Neznaemy           20   10   1   9    53   56   −3    21
 9 Torpedo Belushya Guba        20    9   1  10    58   54   +4    19
10 Severnaya Oblast             20    7   5   8    47   45   +2    19
11 New Oksfjord Dons            20    7   5   8    57   62   −5    19
12 Rotor Rogachevo              20    8   3   9    51   58   −7    19
13 Dynamo Podrezovsk            20    7   3  10    53   65  −12    17
14 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk          20    8   1  11    47   64  −17    17
15 Avangard Oktyabrgrad         20    3   6  11    38   59  −21    12
16 Krasnaya Zarya               20    5   1  14    48   67  −19    11

GAMES
Home teams listed first

by **Witty Penguins** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 3:35 pm

ICE HOCKEY UPDATE: Wanderers start a mixed bag

February 5, 2016

UNITIA CITY - It's been a mixed start for the Unitia Wanderers in their 2nd NZEL season, kicking off the season with two wins and two losses so far. A disappointing 3-1 loss at home against Lokomotiv was offset by promising 4-3 and 2-1 victories against Severnaya and Shakhter. However, 5th place Stolitsa proved to be no match for the Wanderers yesterday, winning by 3 goals. Supporters at Peace Street celebrated the early offensive by the Wanderers, with a well-executed shot by Jean-Luc Nicholson sending them to a 1-0 lead. The joy was short-lived, as their opponents immediately struck hard against Unitia and ultimately netted a total of 4 goals against the Penguinish side.

Their performance over the past four matchdays has given them 4 points, placing them in 10th overall, into the bottom half of the table. Three other teams are sitting on 4 points alongside the Wanderers. Being so early on in the season, the Wanderers have a lot of time to catch up and improve their performance. Meanwhile, Antipha United and New Oksfjord Dons, the other two foreign teams, are currently placed 3rd and 9th, respectively.

by **Alphatheta** » Tue Feb 09, 2016 5:21 am

Stumbles in NZEL Season 26

Wytropolis MSK+7 9:46am - After decisive opening wins against Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk and Rotor Rogachevo, this season's Antipha United has fallen in an entirely frazzled fashion down to eleventh place. It all started with the third match of the season facing Metallurg Matochkingrad--and, for a few members of the squad, an old friend.

Vaska Schmidt transferred in the off-season to Matochkingrad from Górnik Kholmstad, home team of quite a few of the Tor's current members. Bhàtair Robert, also a Kholmstad native, spoke to us after the 4-5 loss. "It's just sort of a disconcerting thing," Robert reported. "I know Vaska. He played with my little brothers when they were kids. And I think, for the younger players who grew up in Kholmstad or who're coming from trials for Górnik-- They got really thrown. There's just no two ways about it."

Head Coach Wilson Wilson has been less inclined to point to the third game as a true stumbling block for the team, despite the current low standings of the former championship team.

"There's a lot the boys are adjusting to," Coach Wilson pointed out. "We've had [Šimon] Pecora subbing in quite a bit this first week for Leighton [O'Hare], trying to cut his teeth a bit, and that's meant giving up quite a lot more goals than they're used to. Leighton turned the reigns over a bit in game 3, and I think that's as much what anyone is struggling to keep up with. Pecora's just new to this level of competition. Spartak [Vorotagrad] prepared him to be good enough for the team, but the NZEL is its own beast. I'm not worried. They took a minute to find their feet last season, and now, you know-- we're down Csaba [Koenig, Torpedo Belushya Guba], which is really throwing Ožbej [Althaus] into a funk. There are a lot of factors. It's too early in the season to be really worried."

A bit of an uptick was seen against Lokomotiv Neznaemy and Severnaya Oblast, but hard losses against the Unitia City Wanderers and Stolitsa Arktiki loomed in everyone's mind for the season's first match against Torpedo Belushya Guba, in which the Tors were overcome in a brutal 1-2 loss.

"It was a lot more emotional than I expected it would be," captain Žarko Császár told us after the match. "None of us have really had much time to talk to Csaba since he left, and-- you know, we're happy he's doing well, and it was a thrill to see him, but-- it definitely hurt. And, you know, even without that Belushya Guba has always been a powerhouse. The finals last season were not easy. I think the biggest thing now is to make sure we don't let this set a tone for the season."

The Tors currently sit in eleventh place with a 3-1-4 record. There's certainly more than enough time for the team to turn it around, but fans are holding their breath for the next match.

by **Alphatheta** » Fri Feb 19, 2016 8:20 am

Renewed Enthusiasm For International Competition

Elite League                   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Metallurg Matochkingrad      20   12   3   5    74   62  +12    27
 2 Partizan Belushya Guba       20   11   4   5    80   66  +14    26
 3 Antipha United               20   10   4   6    58   42  +16    24
 4 Unitia City Wanderers        20   11   2   7    50   42   +8    24
 5 Akademik Sakhaninsk          20   10   3   7    72   54  +18    23
 6 Stolitsa Arktiki             20    8   5   7    59   53   +6    21
 7 Shakhter Ulyanovsk           20    8   5   7    56   52   +4    21
 8 Lokomotiv Neznaemy           20   10   1   9    53   56   −3    21
 9 Torpedo Belushya Guba        20    9   1  10    58   54   +4    19
10 Severnaya Oblast             20    7   5   8    47   45   +2    19
11 New Oksfjord Dons            20    7   5   8    57   62   −5    19
12 Rotor Rogachevo              20    8   3   9    51   58   −7    19
13 Dynamo Podrezovsk            20    7   3  10    53   65  −12    17
14 Zvezda Rozhnovgorsk          20    8   1  11    47   64  −17    17
15 Avangard Oktyabrgrad         20    3   6  11    38   59  −21    12
16 Krasnaya Zarya               20    5   1  14    48   67  −19    11

Wytropolis MSK+7 10:32am - It has to be admitted: recent performance had some fans beginning to turn against the People's Republic of Alphatheta's participation in international sports. Despite strong final returns in cycling at First International Neptunia Sixdays, double-digit medals at the Games of the X Olympiad, and Antipha United's amazing run to the top in their inaugural season with the Novaya Zemlya Elite League, poor international debuts in Peil, gridiron football, and lacrosse took hard hits on the hearts and minds of the public. Further unrest began stirring as both the Inland League and the Coastal League saw unprecedented turnover in the off-season, with quite a few fan favourites departing for other nations while teams opened up their doors to imports from Ficiscia and Novaya Zemlya. With the winter Olympics approaching, and with the Tors apparently stumbling in their first week of NZEL season 26, public pressure seemed likely to sway the government away from continuing to put the men and women of Alphatheta into the international sports arena.

As always, however, ice hockey seems to have truly championed the day.

After a murky start in the first ten days of the season, Antipha United seems once again to have hit their stride as a force in the NZEL. Currently third in a tight race with the Unitia City Wanderers, the Tors have been picking up the pace from bouncing around in the middle to find themselves solidly to the top of the bracket in the last week or so. Fans point to the real change occurring around match 14's decisive 6-1 home victory against Krasnaya Zarya.

"That's when it seemed like they came alive again," one fan in Vernyygorod reported. "We've all been worried about Ožbejić [Ožbej Althaus, eds.] this season, having his support structure changed up with Csaba [Koenig, Torpedo Belushya Guba (NZE)] gone all of a sudden. But Žarko Császár's really pulled him back together, you know--gotten him and everyone else sort of back up on their feet again, and it's really starting to show."

The team had a brief hot streak before a tough 1-3 loss against Metallurg Matochkingrad on day 18. The defeat against the top-ranked team has caused a bit of a slump away from victories and into tied games, but Head Coach Wilson Wilson has reported that he isn't at all worried at this point in the season.

"We've seen themselves pick themselves up," Coach Wilson reminded after an exhausting 4-4 tie with Severnaya Oblast. "They just need to shake off the nerves again, and they'll settle back into place. It's tricky when you're going for pride, because bumps and bruises hit hard against the ego, but they've gotten good at brushing it off. Tomorrow's a new game."

Also helping the shift back toward loving international sports, of course, has been the stellar performance in the national leagues of imports from foreign teams. "I wasn't sure a first," a professed Górnik Kholmstad fan told us after a blowout victory at Narodna Arena. "But the new guys are crushing it. [Rodion] Bolshov is just a seamless blend in with the rest of the line, now that the season's really kicking off. And it's got us excited about when they'll play other teams--like when they'll be facing up Metalist Rynok, or if they make it to the Inter-League and go against Dinamo Arryx. It's definitely elevating the level of play here to have something of a mix happening. We couldn't be more excited to see how this shakes things up through the season."

NZEL & Novaya Zemlya Hockey Newswire

S26 MD8

S26 MD20

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