Teams in the EPL

This week I thought that i'd run an overview of the teams in the EPL from my perspective. Feel free to comment on my ramblings, as I'm sure that not every one views each team in the same way!


Guildford Flames The Flames won the title last season, managing to reach both the semis in the playoffs and knockout cup as well. Some say that this was down to the 'chelsea like' riches of the team, Guildford being able to buy a team that could comfortably win most matches. Only 1 of 4 trophies has come back to the Spectrum though, so the coming year will be about trying to improve on this seasons' tally- maybe even gaining the playoff trophy!

Slough Jets

The playoff winners last year, Slough are one of the teams that look like they'll always be at the business end of the table at the end of the season. They seem to have a nice balance of aggression and skillful play which works for them. As one of Guildfords' biggest rivals their fans will definitely be looking to get another one over this season- and who'd bet against them winning another trophy.

Bracknell Bees

Bracknell seemed to be one of the unluckiest teams last season- on a good run of form their money troubles seemed to knock them off their stride. Being one of the biggest teams in the league means that the pressure is always there to capture a trophy or two (hopefully humiliating their local rivals in the process...). It looks like they may be rivaling Romford for the most physical team this coming season- it'll be interesting to see what luck this brings them.

Peterborough Phantoms

The Phantoms captured the knockout cup last year and with news that the kc isn't being run again it looks like they'll have the trophy forever. Of course this brings the number of competitions down, ultimately making a trophy harder to win. Peterborough are a team that seem to quietly go about their work, in the end coming up 4th in the league. Whether they can better that in the coming season remains to be seen though.

Sheffield Scimitars

Sheffield seem to me as being one of the strangest teams in the league- the crowds always seem to be fairly though, but the team itself is definitely one of the better ones (as shown by them winning their playoff group). It was good to see when they came down to Guildford towards the end of the regular season that they do bring a sizeable traveling crowd as well. The scims seem to have lost their main backer over the summer, so hopefully they'll be able to put a competitive team out.

Mk Lightning

Apart from reaching the Knockout Cup final last year, it's hard to see much that Mk had to celebrate last year. They are another one what i'd class as a 'mid-table team'. On their day they can beat anyone -comprehensively beating Guildford in the knockout semis- but you could also imagine them getting beaten by anyone as well. I'd expect them remain at a similar level this season, but whether that'll please their fans I'm not sure.

Swindon Wildcats

Swindon are a team that is nearly up there in the higher reaches of the league. Yes they loose more than they win, but their games are normally pretty close affairs. They get a good crowd down at the Link Centre, which should push them onwards and upwards. Whether they've got the power to move up in what may be a more competitive league next season is anyone's guess though.

Romford Raiders

Somehow when thinking of Romford the words 'goon squad' seem to spring to mind straight away. They are the team that got every one talking, what with having the most fights and probably being the most aggressive team in the EPL.

It's got to be said that a physical game is likely to bring a big crowd in though. Next season, if they can get some decent skaters to back up the physical side, there no reason why they can't be higher up the table.

Telford Tigers

Finishing towards the bottom of the table, it's often hard to draw a positive view of a team. Telford though, seem to be a club that has big ambitions and have been rewarded with a bumper multi-year sponsorship from Eurologix (nope, i've never heard of them either..). This should see them moving upwards and possibly into a playoff spot this year.

Wightlink Raiders

Everyone's second favourite team in the EPL (well, unless they are your team...), Wightlink are located of the mainland on the Isle of Wight. From their position at the bottom of the table they are definitely the underdogs, with everyone congratulating them when the get a victory against a team towards the top of the table. With Telford looking like their on the up it's hard to see them not at the bottom again- but who knows what'll actually happen!