EHL analysis at the winter break

Now that the outdoor season is on its Christmas break and the indoor season is about to get under way, it offers the chance to analyse the England hockey league's goalkeepers. Without being able to see how they've performed week in week out through observance in the flesh, thoughts are obviously inspired by overall team performances.

Prem
Beeston seemed to have run away with the league and if they keep up their pre-Christmas performances, should really dominate the top and prevent any team closing the gap, potentially securing a return to the Euro hockey league tournament next year. With the key signing of Ashley Watson as a key back-up to fill in in Pinner's absence, they are still picking up the points. Stubbings at Canterbury has helped them reach the heights after their return to the premier league and has a lot of potential he can realise if he keeps working hard. Below them the rest of the teams seem to be having topsy turvy seasons. Reading and Surbiton have recovered after stuttering along to start with and East Grinstead, normally further up, are seemingly struggling with the absence of key signings. Hard to critise so openly and critically, but Potton may reflect and is probably not happy with a team effort that is not as good as it normally, in spite of Euro performances, but it is the creme de la creme of British hockey and as a result critiquing the elite makes it sound harsh.

East
Allan Dick's Holcombe top the league, bouyed by his resurgent play since signing from Surbiton. Wimbledon are the closest challengers, although Tom Millington seemed to have had a better season as he helped Exeter to their promotion two seasons ago and not sure how to comment on the sophomore curse of young goalkeepers. Chappers at Teddington has arguably helped them climb the ladder, as has Carr, with his developing status, at Oxted, whilst Hendy's Old Louts should arguably be higher up the table. Indian Gym are bottom after a previous season where they were doing a lot better.

West
In the West Mace's Guildford are joint top with Cardiff, with the team seemingly coming together behind the ex-Olympian's commanding presence in the D. After various clean sheets, Isaacs might not be too happy with Havant being where they are in the table, or Williams captaining Whitchurch, but it just shows how tight the competition

North
In the North Scottish international James Cachia tops the table with Sheffield, whilst the veteran presence of Rob Turner at Bowdon sees them able to challenge for the promotion spot back to the premier league. Can't really comment on the rest of the group as don't know much about the goalkeepers or their performances, but the group is again close as you would expect of a national league!