Spring Previews - Week Ten - April 29th

Shukr vs Ihsan

Revenge is wonderful. Don't believe me, ask the Shukr clan. The blue shirts have a revolving door with offensive production, which is a beautiful thing. This week Faisal Mehboob and Rehan Lakhani stepped up their game and gave a reason for Shukr to pound their chest in a 2-1 final. GM Kashif Taqiuddin and Luqman Arshad continue to be massive supporters to the team's transition game. It's Ihsan this week and the red shirts are red hot. Shukr's conviction proves that they're the real deal and have boiled some respectable wins all season long. Can Shukr solve Zaid Majoo and company? 

Ihsan played a teetering game versus Emaan last week and the result was a 4-4 tie. This match was the litmus test the red shirts needed. Netminder Zaid Majoo's entry to the squad has truly altered the outlook for Ihsan. But that isn't the only thing ticking the clock for team red. Ahmad Hathout has remained consistent with production, Nadeem Faqiri has made an impact with his offensive prowess and even Amir Multani finally managed to find the back of the net. Ihsan's defence is decent enough to carry its own weight; but are they seasoned enough to compete with Shukr? 

Burning Questions?

After giving Emaan a rough time; can Ihsan beat Shukr?

Who's Hot?

Ahmed Hathout didn't light the lamp last week but definitely played pivotal minutes with a 3 assist night.

Player To Watch:

Ali Murtaza has always been an instrumental player in both zones of the rink. He'll be looked upon to get through Ihsan.

Ikhlas vs Emaan

Despite being caged in their own end last week, Ikhlas dug deep in the final minute of the game and left the arena with a big sigh of relief in a 1-1 draw. There's still a glimmer of hope that the green shirts can salvage the season and qualify for that wild card seed. Junaid Mohammad, Haris Mallick and Idrees Deen have been the pulse for this squad as all have resurrected the green shirts with their hard work and leadership. Ikhlas can give Emaan a run for their money, but the they'll need to bring their nimble legs and a lot of gatorade to get through the orange wall. Will Ikhlas be able to neutralize Emaan?

Emaan met Ihsan for their second tilt of the season and eventually discovered that these dudes weren't duds anymore. The orange shirts spent the night exchanging pleasantries but surprisingly settled in a 4-4 tie game. Every team has had difficulties trying to solve Zaid Majoo, and yet Emaan struggled again. Last week's result doesn't blemish Emaan's record but further exploits their dubious defence, which Ihsan filtered through easily. GM Ibrahim Hindy's troops might be miles ahead over Ikhlas's offence but Ikhlas's back end has a marginal upper hand. Will Emaan be able to own the green shirts? 

Burning Questions?

Can Ikhlas handle the firepower of Emaan's first line?

Who's Hot?

Yousuf Sowdagar has been beast, netting 4 points in his last game.

Player To Watch:

Idles Deen's entry to Ikhlas has been a day and night feeling. He'll definitely be looked upon to notch Ikhlas their third win.

Haya vs Sabr

There's a cause for concern for Haya as the window to the post season is slowly fading away. GM Zuhair Fancy and company will be on high alert as the blue shirts face Sabr for a two game series. Haya has been victim of four consecutive losses and need to make some noise again. The blue shirts recently fell victim to Shukr and now get their staff prepared for a hellbent Sabr team. Farrukh Khan and Farooq Sani will most likely be utilized to the max as Azim Siddique leads the upfront charge. Will Haya be able to thwart off Sabr's offensive bursts?

Sabr spent most of the night in Ikhlas's zone but croaked on a last minute effort by the green shirts only to the leave the arena with a point in hand. A win would've been beneficial for GM Salman Alvi's team but something is better than nothing. The teele shirts can put Haya on their heels with a win, but that's contingent on how Sabr's troops click with one another. The weekly shortened benches haven't been able to concoct any chemistry with players. Team teele has to come out strong from the get go and need the Soliman's to light the lamp. Will Sabr be able to inch the standings?

Burning Questions?

Both teams are at the brink? Which team will come out victorious?

Who's Hot?

No one on either team.

Player To Watch:

Goaltender Kaunain Saiyed started the season off on a strong note but has softened up thus far. Will he be able to get his team out of this slump?

Spring Previews - Week Nine - April 22nd

Haya vs Shukr

Haya's hit some rocky patches lately and was muted by a 3-0 score, this time from the hands of Ihsan. Losers of three consecutive, the blue shirts will direct their attention to the drawing board and work on getting back on the win column. Last week the team performance versus Ihsan was bleak, the effort level was nonexistent and it appeared that the white flag was raised by the end of the first period. Shukr is next on Haya's agenda and you can bet this squad will be out for vengeance. Last time the two confronted it was Haya reeling out on the winning end. Will GM Zuhair Fancy's team repel Shukr?

One of the league's hottest team just got a bucket of water poured over them. Shukr went stride for stride with Emaan but couldn't crank out a win against the league leaders. GM Kashif Taqiuddin's team still remains on the higher end of the spectrum and has the experience on limiting the opposition. Luqman Arshad and Sadat Malik have been the pivotal players on the blue line while Saleem Malik leads the offensive cohort. This team might be an old bunch of dinosaurs, but like I said before, they still have the bite. Can Haya sweep the season series versus Shukr?

Burning Questions?

Will Haya's offence wake up this week? 

Who's Hot?

GM Kashif Taqiuddin has got 6 points in his last 4 games. 

Player To Watch:

Known for patented snapshot, Azhar Kalair shoulders oodles of much needed wisdom to his team. Let's see if he can jolt up the troops and squeeze out their "A" game.

Emaan vs Ihsan

Another day at the office, another win. What else is new for Emaan? GM Ibrahim Hindy and company stay perched atop the standings and are riding on a three game win streak. Emaan matched well with Shukr last week as both teams alternated chances, however; it was Emaan accumulating the two points in a 3-1 win. Emaan's been through this drill before with Ihsan. As a matter of fact, a previous 6-2 beat-down should be an indication of what could be on team red's weather forecast. Emaan continues to suffocate the opposition in their own zone while their first line chips away at scoring opportunities. Will Emaan treat this game as a walk in the park?

After failing to seal the deal for six games, you'll be elated to know that Ihsan finally got their first win. The victory couldn't have been more appropriate as Ihsan clawed back into playoff contention with a 3-0 drubbing of Haya. Goaltender Zaid Majoo "officially" made his debut for Ihsan and must echo that feat henceforward, especially with Emaan being their next match-up. The red shirts haven't forgotten the reality check Emaan administered last time, it was brutally embarassing. However, with Ahmad Hathout rekindling his scoring prowess and Salman Khalid playing top notch blue line minutes it could be a different fate. Can Ihsan stretch their win streak to two?

Burning Questions?

Can Ihsan put a freeze on Emaan's winning streak?

Who's Hot?

As declared in his player of the game interview, Zaid Majoo doesn't seemed concerned about the remnants of the league. Majoo's three shutouts this season has reinforced his statements; but is he the real deal? When asked about Emaan, Majoo replied, "Don't worry about it?"

Player To Watch:

Yusuf Sowdagar continues to cause havoc and has totalled 23 points in 7 games.

Ikhlas vs Sabr

Ikhlas planted a pylon on Sabr's playoff hopes by defeating the teele shirts with a convincing 3-1 win. The win inches the squad up the standings and marks the team's first "real" win, as opposed to the open net win they achieved earlier this season. Ikhlas pounced on Sabr's diminutive roster and had Humza Chaudhry and Arsalan Mian crank out crucial goals that ultimately landed Sabr in the deep end of the standings. If Ikhlas can maintain that same level of jump than eradicating Sabr will be easier than stealing candy from a baby. Can Yusuf Kapoor steal another game for his clan?

Sabr's loss to Ikhlas has got them against the wall, and they have no one to blame but themselves. GM Salman Alvi's group couldn't weather the Ikhlas tides and succumbed to a nasty 3-1 loss. Luckily for how the schedule is planned out, fate has permitted them a chance to redeem themselves this week and snatch forth place. Sabr has only one victory to show for this season and has struggled with manning a full squad each week. If the teele shirts are serious about getting to the promise land than a serious performance is required this week. Will Sabr be able to match the legs of Ikhlas?  

Burning Questions?

Can Sabr overthrow Ikhlas?

Who's Hot?

Humza Chaudhry had two goals to place his team back into playoff contention. 

Player To Watch:

Sajid Khan has been a force in the backend, his tenacity will be essential this week.

Spring Previews - Week Eight - April 15th

Ihsan vs Haya

Ihsan again stubbed their toe for a sixth straight time. The red shirts quickly accumulated a healthy lead on Sabr last week but the wheels started falling off, leaving the game in a 3-3 draw. Although their offence has finally exited hibernation, Ihsan's failure to win a game has been appalling. They retain all the ingredients to make it happen but crumble like a cookie weekly. Now that they've shipped out goaltender Fraz Khan and acquired Zaid Majoo off waivers, maybe this is the facelift they needed. Ihsan's team defence continues to struggle, after all; how do you blow a 3-0 lead? Can Ihsan get by Haya this week?

GM Zuhair Fancy and his team pulled within three of Emaan but couldn't neutralize team orange's potent offence in a 7-4 decision. Now it's not doom and gloom for Haya yet. The blue shirts remain tough without Khan, have managed to churn out offence while maintaining steady defense and are situated in a respectable spot on the standings (so far). The remainder of the regular season trek won't be an easy task. Ihsan is up next and they've been point hungry since inception. Will Haya be able to get back in the win column? 

Burning Questions?

Will Ihsan capture a big win and escape from drowning in the standings?

Who's Hot?

Has Ahmad Hathout finally found his groove? The hulking forward sealed off last week with 2 point night

Player To Watch:

Known for his big snapshot, Azhar Kalair has provided some solid leadership with Haya and has 8 points in the last 6 games.

Emaan vs Shukr

The orange shirts piled their dirty laundry all over Haya last week with Arif Bijabhai and Yousuf Sowdagar both generating four point nights. The 7-4 win confirms a season sweep of Haya and now here comes Shukr. GM Ibrahim Hindy's team will get a thorough examination of themselves as a roaring Shukr squad is hot on the heels of a three game win streak. Will Emaan's defense be able to subdue Shukr's offence? Emaan's sketchy defense still exhibits signs of vulnerability and has permitted rival teams to put their rally caps on. Can Emaan stretch their win streak to three?

Shukr has utilized their hot hands of recent and are getting the job done swimmingly. Despite catering a small bench, the blue shirts edged the youthful Ikhlas team in a 1-0 shutout win. GM Kashif Taqiuddin has got the "Coles" notes to all the teams and has his squad outmuscling and out-scheming their opponents, now the rewards are showing. The surprise factor isn't the win, it's them earning it without their big name guys, players are stepping up and that speaks volumes. But can they conquer the raft of Emaan? Will Shukr be able to avenge their prior loss?

Burning Questions?

Who'll win this "Clash of the Titans" match?

Who's Hot?

Nadeem Qureshi has been solid with 4 points in his last two games.

Player To Watch:

Both Yousuf Sowdagar and Arif Bijabhai are absolutely torturing other teams with their offensive prowess.

Ikhlas vs Sabr

The chemistry of Ikhlas still appears to be a "work in progress." However, with the attainment of Idrees Deen and Waseem Kalair things have started to look rosy. Ikhlas battled toe to toe with Shukr last week and lost in a marginal 1-0 outcome. How much longer can the green shirts maintain a grasp of that 5th place seed? Sabr rolls into their schedule and are another team yearning to be a part of that post season conversation. Ikhlas's forwards have succeeded in their offensive attacks but have lacked the scoring punch. Will GM Naveed Mohammad's team be triumphant in their backend chores versus Sabr?

Sabr pulled off a daring comeback last week after being dumped in a 3 goal deficit. Freshly acquired Shuaib Hussein instigated the resurgence with a 3 point night as the teele shirts rallied to conclude the game in a 3-3 tie. Sabr is also anticipating a big win this week. GM Salman Alvi and associates have been winless in the last two games and are hanging from the threads in the standings. Stud netminder Fraz Khan, who's been sent to Sabr (via waiver) will get a fresh start on a new team. Can Hany Soliman continue his heightening offensive production? 

Burning Questions?

Which team will exit their respective slumps?

Who's Hot?

Shuaib Hussein made a grand entry to his new team. Can he continue to be an instrumental piece to Sabr?

Player To Watch:

Goaltender Yusuf Kapoor has been a pleasant surprise for Ikhlas. Will he be able to hold the fort versus Sabr?

Spring Previews - Week Seven - April 8th

Shukr vs Ikhlas

Shukr's big win last week over Sabr rewarded them with a tight grip on third place. The blue shirts swept their season series with Sabr in an authoritative 5-3 decision as GM Kashif Taqiuddin, Saleem Malik and Aazar Zafar led the charge for their squad. The grizzled squad are now winners of two straight and bid to maintain that winning ambience against Ikhlas. The last time these two met it was Shukr who left with grins on their faces in a 4-2 trouncing. However, with Ikhlas getting a moral boost over an empty net win, things could get a bit challenging for the blue shirts. Will Shukr be able to extend their win streak to three? Can Shukr's defense handle Ikhlas's budding squad?

Remember that black cloud hovering over Ikhlas? Well, it's gone and now it seems like sunny days are finally here, or is it really? Although the win wasn't attractive, the green shirts pelted Ihsan's open net 7 times and finally crawled out of the bottom of the standings. Ikhlas needs to use this freshly discovered momentum to outpace Shukr's seasoned clan. Humza Chaudhry and Idrees Deen played key minutes while Yusuf Kapoor thwarted away 16 shots to get the green shirts a big W. However, Ikhlas's defensive adversities persist and could be their pressure point against an experienced team like Shukr. Could team green surprise team blue?

Burning Questions?

Will Ikhlas be able to build off their recent win and edge out Shukr?

Who's Hot?

Humza Chaudhry finished off the night with a hat trick and an assist.

Player To Watch:

After nursing an injury, the towering Sadat Malik returned to his team and didn't disappoint at the blue line. His timely resurgence will be vital henceforward.

Haya vs Emaan

What goes up must come down. You kind of estimated that Haya would blow a fuse one day, unfortunately that day arrived quicker than we guessed. Waqar Khan missing, team defense miscues, GM Zuhair Fancy's team only managed to hit Khalid Mufti with a mere 9 shots only to get cornered and beaten 5-1 from Emaan. Bad news is that they'll have to confront them again this week and we're praying that fate will side with them. Players will need to step up and show some character in overthrowing the orange shirts. Could Haya avoid getting shamed by Emaan? Will Kaunain Saiyed be able to handle Emaan's firepower?

Emaan put a nasty dent on Haya's team record with Gehad Al-Hundi, Yousuf Sowdagar and the "chesire cat", Huzaifa Majara causing the majority of the damage. Even the newest acquisition, Arif Bijabhai picked up 2 assists in an enthralling 5-1 decision. The orange shirts dominated Haya and barricaded them in their own zone for a majority of the game. Will this week be as simple as hitting the repeat button for team orange? GM Ibrahim Hindy wasn't present last week and will get a chance to join in on the fun this time. Can Emaan sweep the season series against Haya?

Burning Questions?

Will Haya be able to withstand Emaan again?

Who's Hot?

Yousuf Sowdagar put up a four point night last game.

Player To Watch:

Farooq Sani has been a solid two way player that hasn't been a foreigner on the scoresheet. His speed and work ethic will be vital versus Emaan.

Sabr vs Ihsan 

Sabr lost a heart breaker last week against Shukr. The teele shirts had a stellar showing with Hany Soliman, Yousuf Soliman and Mazhar Hussain getting their noses dirty, but Sabr unfortunately buckled in the final minutes of the game only to lose 5-3. In comes Ihsan. The last time these two met, it was a scoreless tilt but with Sabr recently showed some flashes of composure and determination, it'll be interesting to see how both teams react to their respective loses. Yousuf Soliman has been held scoreless in two games while Mazhar Hussain has yet to hit the twine. Can Sabr inch up the standings with a big win? 

Ihsan is the only winless team in the league that's longing in finding a pulse. GM Fuzail Thakur claimed Amir Multani off waivers, and that's been a dud (so far), Ahmad Hathout has been pointless, and now Wakaas Khan joins the team in hopes of inclining this team on the standings. Ihsan biggest battle has simply been scoring, the red shirts have only 4 goals to brag about and have had their stellar scorers silenced from the score sheets. After tending some concussion issues, goaltender Fraz Khan finally returns between the pipes. The red shirts need to be at speed against Sabr's forwards. Will Ihsan finally win?

Burning Questions?

Which team will exit their corresponding slumps?

Who's Hot?

Hany Soliman has 7 points in his last 2 games.

Player To Watch:

The newly acquired Wakaas Khan will try to be the catalyst in getting his team their first win.

Spring Previews - Week Six - April 1st

Ikhlas vs Ihsan
When these teams met in Week One the result was a 0-0 tie and the only point for Ikhlas this season. The struggles for Ikhlas are well known, a pair of blowout losses to Haya and a close loss against Shukr last week. The team made news after their last game as they traded Arif Bijabhai, selected first overall in the draft, along with Saqib Sheikh to Emaan in exchange for Imran Lakhanpal and Saqib Khokar. The two new players will be counted on to bring some energy to the locker room and Khokar to line up on defense to help bring some quickness and ball movement to the side. Their forwards are talented, no denying that but they've been hemmed in their own zone most games and not able to open the floor with their speed as was expected of them.

Ihsan may be in fifth place with two ties in their first four games but this team has struggled much like Ikhlas has this season. Ahmad Hathout is without a point in four games and has to be feeling the pressure as each game passes as his team looks for him to generate some offense. The acquisition of Amir Multani has not panned out yet as he has not scored a point and is struggling with his fitness. While it’s a bit early to call this game a must win for each team – it really is a must win game as it would give the winner a potential head-to-head advantage as the season progresses towards the playoffs.

Burning Questions?
Which team will finally get their first win?

Who's Hot?
No one, this game features the two lowest scoring offenses so far this season but Yusuf Kapoor has kept his team close in games – something not obvious unless you have watched Ikhlas struggle.

Player to Watch:
The two additions to Ikhlas in Imran Lakhanpal and Saqib Khokar will be counted on to give their new team a boost.

Emaan vs Haya
Emaan had been rolling along with dominating wins this season until last week where a short bench and a hungry Sabr saw them get pummeled 7-2. GM Ibrahim Hindy reacted to the loss with a big move as he decided the league's best offense needed to bolster up, adding Arif Bijabhai in a trade with Ikhlas. Going the other way was Saqib Khokar and Imran Lakhanpal while Saqib Sheikh rounds out the deal coming to Emaan. Bijabhai is speculated to be lining up on the second line, perhaps with Sheikh as his center giving this team even more firepower. They boast the three of the league's top four point getters as Gehad Alhundi and Yousuf Sowdagar are top two. Coming off a humbling loss and with some fresh faces eager to make an impact they face Haya who is sitting in first place – a position many expected Emaan to own (along with an undefeated record) this season.

Haya managed to grind out a 2-1 win over Ihsan last week who were missing 2/3 of their top forward line as the pattern of Haya coming up against opponents missing key players continued. Haya will be hard pressed in this game though as Emaan's offense is the best in the league and just got stronger. Waqar Khan has been their best forward which was expected and the pressure will be on him to lead the offense as well as provide his usual strong defensive performance on a talented opponent.

Burning Questions?
Can Haya actually beat an opponent at full strength?

Who's Hot?
Emaan's offense led by Gehad Alhundi has been unstoppable this season, the pressure will be on Haya to try and limit Alhundi from lighting it up. Of Emaan's 18 goals over four games this season, Alhundi has a hand in 15 of them.

Player to Watch:
Arif Bijabhai has struggled this season but one a loaded team like this the pressure will not be on him as much and puts him in a great position to break out.


Sabr vs Shukr
Both teams are coming off a win in Week Five but in quite different ways. Sabr ran it up on Emaan, pounding them 7-2 and showing the offensive punch that many expected to see from the start of the season. The win jumped Sabr into fourth place and a win this week would see them propel into third place so they are definitely motivated coming into this one. A gratifying observation for Sabr GM Salman Alvi last week was watching Hany Soliman (3 goals, 2 assists) and Osama Soliman (2 goals, 3 assists) break out and had Yousuf Soliman played as well the team felt they could have scored 10 goals.

Shukr comes into this game with Coach K having pulled another rabbit out of his hat last week. With goalie Yasir Hussain unavailable along with a replacement goalie, Coach K convinced Akib Malik to play as a replacement goalie and he filled in admirably backstopping Shukr to the win. Shukr continues to struggle with health across their roster with many key players either unavailable due to injury or playing through an injury. Despite the obstacles, Coach K has guided this team into third place and expects to finish top-two once he gets his full roster back.

Burning Questions?
After last week's offensive outburst, can Sabr light it up against the defensive system that Shukr plays?  How many tricks can Coach K have left up his sleeve as he carries this team on his back.

Who's Hot?
Hany Soliman reaffirmed last week that he is a power forward that is difficult to stop, he'll have a challenge against Shukr's defense but he comes into this one very confident after last week's stellar performance.

Player to Watch:
Osama Soliman also had a big game last week and his speed and finesse will be fun to watch as he goes against one of the best defensive units in the league.

Spring Previews - Week Five - March 18th

Shukr vs Ikhlas
What sprung as an imposing season start has slowly deflected Shukr off it's tracks. Losers of two straight, the blue shirts need to dislodge from their disheartening 6-3 loss to Emaan and target on Ikhlas, a team that's been deficient globally. Shukr's getting the most mileage from Ali Murtaza and Luqman Arshad but are sadly missing the presence of injured d-man Sadat Malik. Many might assume that this game for Shukr will be easier than taking sweets from a baby. However, we remind you that it doesn't take much to wake up the sleeping bear in Ikhlas. Can Aazar Zafar and Saleem Malik find their game versus Ikhlas?

Every team has a bad game, but last week broadcasted Ikhlas's struggling defense and anemic offense once again. An offense that's only managed to light the lamp twice in three games and a defense that's been getting their doors busted each week. Ikhlas still has a chance to get this right as the youngsters face the veteran squad of Shukr. GM Naveed Mohammad's unit is sorely missing Junaid Mohammad's attendance and is yearning for a realignment or even a facelift? Goaltender Yusuf Kapoor has endured a lot of defensive turmoil each game and has been left abandoned only to take the brunt. Can Ikhlas rebound against Shukr? Will the green shirts be able to run down their opponents?

Burning Questions?
Will Ikhlas be able to get their first win?

Who's Hot?
Luqman Arshad has been an immense aid to his team, both defensively and offensively. Last week his efforts shouted volumes with a huge 2 point night.

Player To Watch:
Goaltender Yusuf Kapoor has seen it all and can hope to heal despite a 7-1 whipping last week.

Emaan vs Sabr
With the way things are flowing with Emaan, I think it's safe to say that their offensive chemistry has been nothing but organic. Emaan's top line has been ridiculously ablaze while their defense is guarding well. GM Ibrahim Hindy and the gents beat Shukr in a 6-3 tilt and now face Sabr, a team they've had a close brush with some weeks ago. Now as much as Emaan is surging upfront, their defense has been vulnerable but hasn't crumbled yet. Both Shukr and Sabr have backfired from deficits so it is an area of onus. Can Emaan extend their winning to streak to four? Will the orange shirts defence subdue the Soliman's?

Sabr had the itch to exit the pit of the standings and they finally did it, momentarily that is. The teele shirts shadowed the opposition to the bone and generated a point off the heels of fill-in goaltender Sameer Subedar, who played like a possessed man. The Soliman brothers need to start generating things as this team continues to get afflicted with short benches. Defensemen Sajid Khan and Abdul-Wahab Mohammad will lead the squad on the back end as Sabr's defensemen are assigned the appalling task of clouding Emaan's stern first line? Will Sabr be able to abolish Emaan's sketchy defense?

Burning Questions?
Can Sabr get on the board with a big win?

Who's Hot?
Forward Sami Haque has been a delightful surprise for his team, the forward cranked a firm three point night last week.

Player To Watch:
Hany Soliman has yet to scratch the surface of the scoresheet. The canny forward will be a monstrous task for any Emaan defeseman. 

Ihsan vs Haya
Despite playing with a short bench, the red shirts held their own and settled to a scoreless tie with Sabr, only to inch up the standings. Fill-in netminder Zaid Majoo pulled all the rabbits out of the hat and earned accolades for his stellar job in net. With Majoo filling in the shoes for Fraz Khan again this week, we foresee this team's effort at the same parallel as Majoo. Amir Multani, Ahmad Hathout and Nadeem Faqiri have been fruitless and will have an upward battle versus a hot Haya team. While Ihsan be able to oppose the heat of Haya? Can the red shirts paint the town red with a big win?

Haya's continues to illuminate the standings as GM Zuhair Fancy's team is riding off a solid 7-1 win over a brittle Ikhlas group. Is Haya bragging early? The navy blue shirts played Ikhlas twice and sent the kids packing, but with the convincing win over the warhorses of Shukr we realize that Haya certainly isn't sympathizing over age. Ihsan is on deck this week and you can expect goaltender Kaunain Saiyed to be on his tiptoes versus the red shirts. Haya will utilize Farrukh Khan and Farooq Sani to refrain buddy Amir Multani and company. Can Haya extend the win streak to four? Will Ihsan cool down Haya?

Burning Questions?
Zaid Majoo hasn't allowed a goal thus far. Has his time come versus Haya?

Who's Hot?
All of Haya is hot, but to be critical with three points on the night: Asim Gauhar (best dressed with the Quebec jersey), Shoaib Bhatti, Usamah Rao and Waqar Khan

Player To Watch:
Mohammed Hamoud has known to be a versatile player, but has yet to prove it this season. Can Hamoud justify to be the tentpole for this tribe?

Spring Previews - Week Four - March 11th

Ikhlas vs Haya

Ikhlas embarks on another attempt in notching their first win of the season as they tussle again with Haya. The green shirts broadcasted some improved cohesiveness last game and the result was rewarding with Yusuf Kapoor blanking the opposition, and the team potting 1 point. Ikhlas is about vengeance this week. Although their season opener was about getting the feet wet, Ikhlas drowned in their own zone and couldn't buy a life jacket, hence losing in a 5-1 decision. GM Naveed Mohammad will be hopeful this week as the minors upfront try to align the stars in their favour. Will Ikhlas be able to pour cold water on the hot Haya team?

Haya arrived into their previous game as underdogs and put the sting into Shukr's diminutive roster. Shukr was beat like a rented mule leaving Haya flashing a two game winning streak leading into their tilt versus Ikhlas, a team they've owned in the past. GM Zuhair Fancy's squad was heavily suspected of a lacklustre offence, but has silenced the critics and continues to rocket to the top of the standings. This seasoned squad has been playing some stubborn hockey and most of the accolades come from their tenacious backend. Can Farooq Sani and Farrukh Khan continue shouldering the defensive fort against a determined Ikhlas?

Burning Questions?

Will Ikhlas be able to generate a win?

Who's Hot?

Azhar Kalair displayed some veteran prowess and scored a climactic goal to lead his team for an immense win.

Player To Watch:

GM Naveed Mohammad will need to pave the path for his team. The polarizing leader had his team trajecting the right direction where Ihklas's defence assisted in generating a tie game.

Shukr vs Emaan

Shukr shrugs off a filthy loss against Haya as the troops regroup versus Emaan, a team that hasn't displayed mercy on opposing backends. GM Kashif Taqiuddin and company need to neutralize Emaan's first line which has proved to be the underlying threat for some teams. Shukr hopes to field a full squad and will be hellbent in resurrecting to their winning ways with Faisal Mehboob and Saleem Malik at the forefront. Luqman Arshad and Nadeem Qureshi will have their work cut out at the blue line. Will Shukr upset GM Ibrahim Hindy and company? 

If you didn't get a chance to see Emaan's first line in action last game, let's just say it was equivalent to watching weapons of mass destruction at work. Emaan shredded Ihsan to pieces as Gehad Al-Hundi, GM Ibrahim Hindy and Yousuf Sowdagar tallied up a total of 15 points. The joyride is over, here comes Shukr. Emaan will have their hands full with many versed players from the opposing team that don't have an off switch. Conversely, the orange shirt's stable defence will need to be cognizant and regulate snipers like Faisal Mehboob and Saleem Malik. Can Emaan prolong their win streak?

Burning Questions?

Will Emaan's forwards make a feast out of Shukr?

Who's Hot?

Emaan's first line, who else?

Player To Watch:

The guy with the blue helmet, Ali Murtaza. Ali scored a beauty of a goal last game and is fluent in finishing many scoring opportunities. Will he be able to get his team going this week?

Ihsan vs Sabr

The battle of the basement dwellers might not hold value for spectators but for the teams playing, it's a segway for their first win. Ihsan had a bad night last game where their defence had more holes than swiss cheese. Let's hope that the wounds have alleviated cause here comes Sabr, a team that's also roaming around for a win. GM Fuzail Thakur will hopefully anticipate full attendance and get Ahmad Hathout and Nadeem Faqiri going offensively, an area where the two have been muffled. Can Ihsan's defence handle the Soliman's? Will the red shirts be able to deflect Sabr?

Sabr is still prowling for a point. Despite valiantly clawing back from a 3-1 deficit versus Emaan, the teele shirts dropped their second consecutive game and have many perplexed. The weeks off have been absorbed and it's time to hit the reset button for GM Salman Alvi's team. With a struggling Ihsan team coming to play with them in the sandbox, only time will dictate which team can get the ball rolling. Osama Soliman, Hany Soliman and Mazhar Hussain look to frequent the scoresheet while Sajid Khan and Imdad Ali lead the defensive cohort. Can Sabr exit the bottom of the standings?

Burning Questions?

Which team will be able to exit their respective slumps?

Who's Hot?

Yousuf Soliman's work effort can't be transcended. The stalwart scored twice last game and lead the charge to a comeback. 

Player To Watch:

Ahmad Hathout's offensive dexterity usually exhibits for itself. Will Hathout be able to revive his offensive touch?