NIHL PLAYOFF WEEKEND SURVIVAL GUIDE

PLEASE NOTE THIS WAS WRITTEN AHEAD OF THE 2018 PLAY OFF WEEKEND. SOME INFO MAY HAVE CHANGED AS I HAVENT BEEN TO COVENTRY SINCE 2019 DUE TO LOCKDOWNS

BUT I HOPE ITS STILL USEFUL TO YOU ALL

2 FOR FLINCHINGS
NIHL PLAY OFF WEEKEND SURVIVAL GUIDE

So the season is winding down, and we are approaching the first ever NIHL play off weekend(a continuation of the EPIHL Play off weekend format)

For some of you among the various fan bases of the NIHL, in particular any of you who joined the hockey family this season this may be your first time experiencing such an event. You are in for a great time, some of my best hockey memories come from the time I have spent at the EPIHL and BUIHA nationals weekends. Below are a few helpful hints on Coventry that should help you survive the weekend

The Skydome

 Skydome operates a no outside food restriction, bag searches will be conducted. If you have a medical reason for needing food that isn't deep fried or sugary, such as diabetes or are on a prescribed diet you will need something that says this is a medical requirement. Hopefully that should stop them taking anything you have. Alternatively just use smuggling methods like I do.


 In spite of the above I recommend NOT EATING THE SKYDOME FOOD....except maybe the Papa Johns Pizza. If you really want to eat cardboard I suggest visiting the nearby Hobby Craft, it'll probably have more nutritional value.

Food policy aside the Dome is a great place to watch hockey, if you ignore the usually sticky floor in places. There are very few restricted views in the arena,though it does have a bit to make up in the way of disability access, with the only viewing for wheel chair users being at ice level or on a platform at the open end of the arena. Crosby's the stadium bar serves well on game day, and its also where you will find the Papa Johns. There are also multiple concession stands through out the dome on both sides.

Also in the open end of the dome you will typically find stalls selling hockey merchandise themed around the weekend and Team GB(Please note I am basing this off previous years and do not know if this will be the case this year)

What Do I Do If My Team Didnt Make it? 

With 19 teams across North and South leagues, and only 4 places up for grabs at the finals weekend there is a good chance your team may not have made the final 4. Some decided to cancel the whole weekend at this point and stay home. I'd advise against this, simply chose the lesser of two evils(as we used to say at EPIHL Finals, anyone but Guildford). In recent years at EPIHL weekends I found myself cheering for Swindon,Peterborough and Milton Keynes when the Bison had been eliminated. Some of the most fun I have had at a finals weekend, was when the pressure was off and all my friends and I had to do was drink and have fun without worrying if our team won. Or alternatively just stay neutral, chirp everyone or even cheer for the refs. Just stay and enjoy the hockey. Take the time to meet and have fun with fans from other fan bases. Whether its been by way of a friendly chirp or by mutual introduction some of the most fun I have had at play off weekend has been by forgetting the tribal rivalries and just having a laugh and talking with other fans . My first year, though a Bison fan I spent the whole weekend away from games among friends I met from Milton Keynes and Peterborough, chanting Jaffa Cakes are not a biscuit. Before the next year those same MK fans threw me in to a chant off with the Manchester Phoenix Choirboys!

Also make sure you get your moneys worth on the ticket, do not miss the Sunday morning game. In recent years the U20's final has proven a great form of post night before entertainment. There is little on the line for fans, unless your a parent of those playing. Last year we had great fun cheering on Blaze's U20's, while also trying to figure out if Doug Clarkson was the father of one Blaze U20, the season before Billingham and Guildford academies put on an incredible show. And you got to see the potential future of the sport. This year I am hopeful that the NIHL 2 North vs South final will provide just as much entertainment and fun, so is most certainly not a game to skip to sleep off the hangover before the final.

Saturday Night at the Windmill with the MK Barmy army,Bison and a lone Phantoms fan. The Night of the Jaffa Cake chant

Where Do I Stay?

The best choices for a hotel would be either the Ramada or the Premier Inn over the road, or the Premier next to the Belgrade theatre which is 10 mins walk away, also about 10 minutes away is the Britania. There are other options, though the IBIS is not ideally situated as its on the opposite side of the city, but its actually about 15-20 minutes walk depending, but its also 5 by taxi. These are of course the chain hotels, and further out there is another Premier Inn, however there are many B&B options as well as independent hotels nearby as well.

What to see and do

As a city Coventry gets a bit of a bad reputation, as someone who lived there 3 years all I can say is, yes it has its wrinkles, what city doesn't? Location wise the Skydome is perfectly situated, located near to several large hotels(The Ramada and 2 Premier Inns) The Dome is 10/15 mins walk away from the nearest train station, and 15/20 mins walk from the local bus station. As well as being situated right next to the city centre

The Dome is well serviced for food and drinking options with a Wetherspoon's within 5 mins walking distance, and a top notch local Noodle bar that will deliver to the Dome area. On top of this there is Spon Street, home to multiple bars in which to dance the night away. Spon street is also home to the spiritual home of the now defunct EPIHL weekend, The Windmill pub, where you can purchase pints of the local breweries best offerings.

In the city centre the Broadgate shopping Mall situated near the statue of Lady Godiva, boasts a Las Iguanas,Five Guys, Bistrot Pierre, Botanist, Wagamas and the Cosy Club. Something for everyone on any budget right there. 

 If you would much rather stay near the dome there is obviously Crosby's, during game day Crosby's is a sports bar, by night a dance club. Coventry city centre is also just a short walk away, and on the Friday and Saturday the Coventry Market is also open just across the road from the dome. The Nearby West Orchard Shopping centre provides the closest McDonald's, KFC and other chain outlets.  And if you fancy a read but forgot to bring a book there's also a nearby Waterstones.

If you forgot any toiletries, or any other items needed for the weekend. The city centre has you covered. With a Tesco's, 2 Poundlands, a Boots and for those who venture further out a Sainsburys. As well a Primark, and Sports Direct for any clothing needs all again a short walk from the dome.

Coventry veterans will be sad to learn that Cosmo is no longer open nor is Feast Junction. However they will be happy to learn the the best curry house nearby as rated highly by many Ackbars, just opposite the Ramada hotel is still open

For those looking to try and stay in shape, and maybe work off some of the weekends over indulgence, there is of course the local Pure Gym where you can purchase a day or weekend membership. And Located down stairs the Genting Casino if you want to try your luck at the tables.

Coventry also offers some great evening entertainment for when the games have ended. The Belgrade theatre could offer a welcome distraction in the evening, or alternatively the local Odeon for a cinema trip. For those looking to take in some sights, at a leisurely pace a visit to the either the Transport Museum or the Herbert Art museum, and of course next door to the Herbert you will find both the old Coventry Cathedral and the new one. All of which are again a 20 minute walk from the Dome.

ONE LAST PIECE OF ADVICE

Overall, the best way to survive this weekend, IS HAVE FUN!

This is not just a weekend of hockey games, its one big party. Eat till you can eat no more, drink till you can drink no more(though hopefully so you can still walk) chirp to your hearts content, and try to make friends among those not wearing the same jersey as you. Even indulge in fancy dress if you like. We are all hockey fans at the end of the day, yes those of us in NIHL 1 and 2 have been thrown together through some tragically ridiculous circumstances(and no doubt the rumour mill be in over drive during the weekend about the future) but for 48 hours just sit back, enjoy a beer or 3, have some laughs and have fun, you'll go home hopefully with so many happy memories, you'll be counting the day till next year.

Thanks To Jo Loat for taking my photo at several play off weekends that I have borrowed for use in this article. The rest are taken by myself.