Team Preview: Ztec 8cers

Ztec 8cers(Ztec 8cers Floorball Club)

Last season: 2nd/4 (Div 2)

The D2 runner-ups were in a class of their own, dominating the league with outrageous score lines.

This season, it was a relief for the D2 teams seeing them promoted, leaving the D1 teams sweating and fearing the worst.

Indeed they should.
The D1 team shows no signs of being weakened despite the fact that some of the original team members were included in the new D2 teams, as they were replaced by some “big name” recruits.

Defence has been severely boosted with the likes of Sjaiful, Hadfiz and Jun Wooi (Dalat Eagles), all national defenders; add on a familiar name who is back for holidays, Jeremy Yeap and sharp shooter Danial Cheah (Innebandy), the mere sight of their names on the match record would send shivers down the spine of their opponents.

The only area that pale in comparison, is the goalkeeper. The GK, Choon Hun will mark his debut on the opening match of PFL, but the sheer fact that the newbie shook of challenges from 2 other more experience team mates surely indicates how highly the coach view him. The “new” tag is mere cover up folks.

Ztec is new to D1 but not new to floorball. Fact.
Ztec was strong, now stronger. Fact.
Their emergence has disrupted the title challenge. Fact.
Their existence has force teams to reshuffle objectives and aims for the league. Fact.

Facts. All is just plain talk for now. The big question is: Can they live up to their billing?
Opponents surely hope not.
But for neutrals, nothing beats a game of entertaining Floorball.
This years’ PFL is surely worth looking forward too!!

Star Player:
Picking a star player has never been such a dreadful task.
The team is just full of stars all over!
Die die pick one? BBF will have to go for Ter Min.
Used to be known for his powerful drag shots, the boy has grown and evolved in many ways, and has to a certain extent, progressed to be a more complete player. Already technically superior than most, now seasoned with experience, topping up with improved vision plus the support of capable team mates, makes him deadlier than ever.

Being Team Malaysia’s point leader from the recent APAC campaign, Ter Min would be hoping his sizzling form will continue in PFL. Penang, expect the worst, this boy would be hard to contained even on a bad day. It would be more less a decent achievement if one can limit him to shots on goals in any game.

Rising Rookie:
With a full team of seasoned players, the only one qualified for the rookie tag would be the goalie, Choon Hun. This being his first outing for PFL.
But do not be fooled, he is certainly not your average rookie. Seeing off competition from two of the club's more experience goalie, a regular in state training, and a few call ups to train with the national players. Rookie? Fake one maybe.

With the cover he has upfront, the goalie would most probably have an easy ride through out the campaign. Yet, never let your guard down, you’ll never know when your opponent is up for a surprise or two.

Prediction:
Bendy:
Title contenders. Period.
It would be utterly insane not to rate them with the players they have.
Although the commitment of the KL fellas are unsure, rendering their full strength unknown, their current crop of players would be more than capable to handle any challenges ahead.

The million dollar question: How do you stop the Ztec Juggernaut?
Some say break their mental, break them.
True. To a certain extend. They do lose ground and lose focus when they lose their mind. Yet mental toughness hardly applies to any team.

My say: if they don't lose their heads, they will have the crown on their heads.

Jose:

Ztec 8cers or otherwise known also as "the Galacticos" of Penang fFoorball should find themselves at the top of the table by the end of the league. On paper, no team can stop them, but games are not won on paper. Therefore, there is every chance of an upset especially in their opening match when they face Contact FireAnts. Another possible threat should be against Innebandy!Co, which are looking to upset the odds against them.

However, if things were to go smoothly, there is absolutely no stopping the mighty Ztec marching forward to clich their first ever Division 1 title. UNLESS, they trigger their own self destruct button by losing their heads especially during the big matches.

Team Preview: Minden UniHawks

Minden UniHawks (Minden UniHawks Floorball Club)

Last season: 4th/4

Minden UniHawks, who have been actively involved in the Penang floorball scene for the past 3 years, will be facing their biggest challenge yet in the upcoming Penang Floorball League (PFL).

Minden UniHawks, who were presumably the underdog team in last year's campaign, proved to be tougher than expected, winning their final match against the seemingly stronger and more experience Spartans. But that's in the past. For them, this year's campaign holds a much stiffer competition than before. No use basking in past glory when the future paints a distraught picture.

This year, we see a new leadership in team UniHawks with their player, Christopher Koh, stepping up as the team coach. It seems like a big shoe to fill in since Coach Edward, the Penang State and National coach, had previously led this team. We shall see how this young coach fare in this upcoming league. A team comprised mainly by university students, most of UniHawks players are physically capable. However, their obvious weakness would be their lack in skills and techniques, something other teams in the league are far more superior with.

They face a bigger challenge ahead - numbers. Yes, numbers.
The number of players in their squad has been something of a concern and with most of their key players going back to their hometown for the semester break, the league ahead won't be an easy one for the Hawks. Even securing 1 and a half line would be treat for them. Let's just hope they can do that.

As bumpy as the road may seem for them, the Hawks have proven to be a team with great spirit and high team morale, two vital ingredients to keep a team going despite what the odds may be against them.

Key player:
Sarah Ng, who led the Hawks last year as a captain and coach, will be their key link once against in PFL 2009. With a wide range of experience behind her and her 'always-smile-on-court' attitude, it will surely help UniHawks tremendously.

Rising Rookie:
Justin, less than a year old floorballer, has shown great goal scoring instinct. Though technically inadequate, he definitely has a poacher's instinct with his trademark tap in goals. He will be a an interesting player to watch in the Hawks squad.

Prediction:
Bendy:
Lucky not to be relegated due to influx of new teams down below, but will a miracle happen twice? Or will they be out to create one themselves?

Coach Ed's shoes will be hard to fill, and the new coach will be up for a severe challenge.

Like Spartans, a familiar team name with unfamiliar faces. Survival will be priority, most probably going head on with Spartans for 5th.

Jose:
Team Minden UniHawks will be looking for a better run of form this time around. This team only managed a win in last seasons Division 1 league. However, their 'never say die' attitude in this team is very admirable and hopefully might cause some upsets in the coming league to keep the league interesting. Avoiding relegation will definately be their ultimate goal.

Prediction?

Team UniHawks to finish 5th and avoid relegation.

Spritzer:
Definitely without a doubt the underdog once again in the league. Which ever way one sees it, this team is definitely outnumbered in every sense. With a team comprising of pretty new faces and what more lacking in numbers, the league will truly test their characters more than anything else.

Team Preview: Innebandy!Co

Innebandy!Co (Innebandy!Co Floorball Club)

Last season: 2nd/4

Last season, Innebandy!Co finished the season behind Contact Sports, coming in second. And it was considered a mediocre season for Innebandy!Co based on the club’s previous records.

Relying mostly on their aging trio, Des, Sam and Nick, this year's new format and venue will proved to be a stern test on their fitness. Gone are the days, whereby the spectators get bored seeing the trio in action for the full game.

Hence, the younger players like Ephraim and co. who have been there last season, must now stepped up and contribute more to the team. As for the new faces, hopefully they will suck in and stay tough.

Few friendlies had been held to test out the squad with encouraging results and several pointers had been targeted for improvements, such as the defence. Even with the presences of the Core Trio and National goalie, Lin Ken, their defence had been penetrated rather easily.

If the leaky defences is not sorted by then, even with such a strong core, it would be hard for Innebandy to see off challenges from more experience foes, such as FireAnts and Ztec. The crown might sway pass them once again.

Key Player:
Who else other than Capt Mas Deswyn Wan?
The centre, arguably the best player in Malaysia, is the complete package that you can ever get your hands on for a long time. Skills, fitness, vision, intelligence all in one. What more can you ask for?

Not only can he influence the outcome of a match with a moment of brilliance, his sheer presence emits an aura of confidence into his team mates, which may yield unexpected performance for the team. The only possible downfall foreseeable is the over reliance on him which will make the team too predictable. That is if you can catch up with him for the whole 40 minutes...

Rising Rookie:
Darien – This little 13 year old boy shows some promise as he just started to play Floorball not too long ago. Do not underestimate him just because he is small, this boy can do a spin-off better than many of the senior players.

Of course, that is not his only talent. He also constantly gets himself into good scoring positions, which is something that Innebandy!Co lacks. And with Deswyn mentoring him, he should become a good Floorball player really soon, that is if he puts his heart to the game and continue his progress.

Prediction:
Jose:
Innebandy!Co to finish 3rd out of the 6 teams.

From previous years, Innebandy!Co has relied on their older players to get them to where they are today – one of the top clubs in Penang. This time round, the younger players MUST step up and adapt to the bigger court as quickly as possible. Playing on a bigger court takes more than 5 games to really experienced how to play and move properly. Together with their defensive frailties, they will find it hard to play against teams with good movement off the ball like Ztec and FireAnts.

Bendy:
Innebandy has a proud history backed with medals from tournaments all over.

Last year, it was a surprised to see them struggle a bit before being gifted the sliver by Spartans on the final day. This year, they are back with full strength, welcoming goalie, Lin Ken back to the frame.

However, with their current squad depth, it would be hard to see them go the distances, but they should proved to be adequate party spoilers for the other medal contenders such as FireAnts and Ztec. 3rd should be reasonable, snatching 2nd is also possible but watch your back, cuz your will never know who might stab you from behind...

Team Preview: Frontliners Spartans

Frontliners Spartans(Frontliners Floorball Club)

Last season: 3rd/4

Meet the Spartans. Again.

Frontliners Floorball Club, known as one of the forefathers of Floorball in Penang, has for some reasons, struggled forever to stamp their mark in the scene.

Last year, a breakthrough was in touching distance as a decent run in form saw them closing in for a silver. A victory against the winless Minden UniHawks on the final day was all they needed. Yet in the do-or-die match, Spartans were out of sorts and succumbed to a far more hungrier opponent who had a point to prove.

The "Floorballers" in the end, went home empty handed, but the team had potential and was worth looking forward to in this campaign. However, a glance on the team roster suggested otherwise.

Other than the likes of “Kung Fu” goalie, Sharron; old guard Stevan Tay together with national players, Kuan Yang and Ming Hwee forming the core, the team is once again… A new team.

Almost near nill retention and hence no continuation in the development of the team as a whole. Although there are some decent recruits like Nicholas Toeh and Kenny Ng who made it in for trials with the State Team, it will still be an uphill task for coach/player, Kuan Yang to guide the reformed Spartans against experience old foes (Innebandy and FireAnts.) and newcomers (Ztec and Dalat) with huge appetite, ready to impress.

Having said that, most of us have been there long enough to know that nothing is absolute. Even the underdogs have their day. Plus the freshness of having newbies may just make them even more unpredictable. And let's not forget, the Spartans did give the Persians a whacking before they went down!

Key Player:
The seniors will have huge responsibilities in leading the team, but it will be the goalie who will be the most important piece.

The goalie who earn the tag "Kung Fu" Spartan via her heroic saves in the previous campaign will be call upon once again, shouldering even more burden as the key in providing stability for the Spartans.

Her form will be crucial to the morale of the team. Break her, break the team. Spartans will be going all out in preventing that.

Rising Rookie:
Su Rong. BBF has personally seen the boy’s play. Tough, rough and uncompromising. The forward is well built and doesn’t mind giving the defender a body check or two. On top of that, he has reasonable positioning instinct which is hard to come by.

Adding it up, this makes him an asset to the team, making him an eyesore to the defenders. The only short coming is in technique, so expect the finishing to be lacking.

Prediction:
Bendy:
The deafening cheer has always been impressive; the play… lacking. And once again, a disappointing team roster with a whole lot of new faces.

It would be a tough season ahead, with only 1 or 2 games to look forward to for a win. Should be able to survive relegation if the core players perform. Best bet, 4th. Anything more is bonus.

Jose:
It is by no means an easy task when playing against the fast running Spartans. This team is made up of runners that will push their opponents to their limit. However in Division 1, it takes more than just a bunch of runners to win you the championship. And with so many new faces on the team sheet, it will be hard for them to challenge the top 3 teams.

It will be down to the matches against UniHawks and Eagles respectively that will decide where Spartans will stand this season. Remember UniHawks beat Spartans last season, which ultimately cost them the silver medal. Will it happen again this time? We shall wait and see.

Spartans to finish 4th this season.

Spritzer:
Probably sharing similar fate as UniHawks, it will be a tought competition ahead of them. Then again, they have a pretty decent core team lined up, which will definitely play a crucial role in their play time.

The leadership of the more experience players will determine the fate of each game for them. How they motivate the team and how they play their game will be crucial. Finishing 4th seems to be the best position for now.

Team Preview: Dalat Eagles

Dalat Eagles (Dalat Floorball Club)

Last seasons: 1st/4 (Div 2)

Looking back at last season, Dalat Eagles had a very good Division 2 outing, which saw them beat Ztec 8cers 2 times and eventually becoming the champions of Division 2. However, this time round they have almost 80% of ‘new’ players, which Borak-Borak had not seen nor heard before, playing for them. Therefore, it is a tricky thing for us to post a team preview for Dalat Eagles since we, the pundits, hardly know anything about them. We shall try our best though!

The Eagles have put up a side with the average age of 32 for most players in their team. Just by that fact, it shows their weaknesses - speed and stamina. 32 is not that old really, but to be playing against other younger, speedier, physical and competitive in this league will indeed be a major obstacle for them. This side will have to be good at moving the ball around, because there is almost no chance for them to match their opponents in terms of speed, other than Sasi of course. And with games being held on weekdays, the thought of Sasi coming down to Penang for league matches are slim, unless he plans to stay here for the time being. Chances are we will get to see him in one or two of the matches.

However, the advantage they have from that is experience, providing that all their 'new' players aren't too 'new' to floorball. If our assumption is right and that their players are experienced, then it would definitely help compensate their lack of speed and stamina. It would help smoothen out their movements and play-ups without the need of executing too many unneccessary and wasteful runs. And with the games being played in a court as big as Balik Pulau indoor stadium, you cannot afford to run like headless chicken.
You won't last.

Key Player:
Sasitheran. Or better known as Sasi is one of the earliest to pick up Floorball in Mas but has since then been tied up by other commitments.

Famed for his lighting pace, some of the seniors in PFL had first hand experience to tell you that his is the fastest player then ever known. Even more famous for his outrageous air hooks. Together with his speed, a humiliation package is always ready for dispatch, 24/7. In a blink of an eye, you'll be picking up the ball from your net.

Rising Rookie:
Unable to comment due to insufficient information.

Predictions
Bendy:
Other than a few, the whole team is an unknown to all.
How will they fare?
With Edwin and Jason Selva providing cover behind and with Sasi runnng the solo show up front, it would be more than enough to keep them alive in D1. Maybe even spring some surprises along the way.

4th looks achievable but others are eying for that spot as well. How often can Sasi appear will determine their final placing.

Jose:
All eyes will be on their star player on whether he will be able to make it for the league matches. If Sasi misses most of their matches, there is every chance for Dalat Eagles to get relegated this time round, unless their unknown players are ex-ice hockey players or are players that previously play in Sweden or Finland.

Otherwise, Edwin - Dalat Eagles' goalie will be a busy man in goal to help keep Dalat Eagles in the game as much as possible. This goalie is known for his acrobatic save selections and should be quite interesting to watch.

Spritzer:
Very hard to predict simply because it's a mysterious team, for now at least.
We don't know many of their players and haven't seen them played as a team.
But if they are half as good as their Division 2 team last year, they'd probably be chasing 4th to 5th placing.

Team Preview: Contact FireAnts

Contact FireAnts

Last season: 1st/4

Presumably, the team with a great mind behind the sticks.

They are back again this year with the intention to defend the title. Consisting a good mix of youths and oldies, most of them are all quite seasoned and decent players who have played in last year's league as well. Trained and coached under “The One”, this is the team to watch for its movement and plays.

Contact, as everyone would know by now, possess one thing that almost every other team lacks - team work and good team play. Their strength is how they move as a unit and how they stick as a unit to whatever plan the coach has laid out for them. Speaking of coach, that's their other strength. They have a coach with the knack of using whatever he has in his team and push it to its full potential on court, be it a new team or not. Strategically speaking, Contact FireAnts is probably the only team who can come up with a solid plan.

However, the downside to this team is probably their lack of speed. The need for speed in floorball is as essential as getting your technique right. With the likes of younger and faster team in the league this year, it will definitely be a tough competition for the reigning champs to fight for their spot again. To add a little salt, this year every game will be played at Balik Pulau indoor stadium, at least twice the size of last year's venue. In order for Contact to go far, they have to play their cards right.

The big question everyone is asking by now is, "Can team Contact do it again this year?". Can they win it the second time round?
With the likes of Ztec and other teams rising up, it will be hard for Contact to keep their winning streak. However, BBF wouldn't rub them off as title contenders. With the FireAnts, you better keep an eye out of them.
If not, they'll be stinging you just when you're not looking.

Key player:
The wits and grits of FireAnts - None other than Edward Lim, the man himself.
The player/coach of the team, although lack the pace and fitness he once had, certainly make up with his cheekiness up front and from the sidelines.

The boss surely knows majority if not all of the players in PFL, strengths and weaknesses, and definitely showing no mercy against his disciples in using what he knows for a victory for his team.

Will the Master triumph over his Disciples effortlessly and flawlessly?
Or will the Disciples over power the Master in rebellious fashion?
PFL has never been so entertaining.
How dull it would be without his mind games!

Rising Rookie:
Joerel Marcus.
Never heard of him?
You will soon enough.

The FireAnts import from Sabah, has been training secretly with the boss, and is now ready to be unleashed upon in PFL.

Rather pacey and adequate in skills, the boy will provide an extra man for the thin line up of the FireAnts. Maybe some beginner's jitters in the games, but the boy certainly has what it takes to survive at the (current) highest level.

Prediction:
Bendy:
Last season, they were the most entertaining FLOORBALLING team, deserving the crown.
This season? Tough! Especially with Innebandy around, ready for vengeance. Ztec too, having an eye on the crown themselves, not to mention coming in strong with a solid squad.

With their current weakened squad, defending the title seems hard, but not impossible. This is still a team with a handful of state/ national players and coach by the national coach. They are still one of the most experience team in the league.

All points considered, 2nd looks promising.
They might disagree though.
Especially last year's point leader, Nick Jr. who flew back from Aus just to bagi the goalies in Penang.
You guys better watch out!

Spritzer:

Personally, I still think Contact FireAnts is the team to lookout in this competition. Sure we have other faster and more tenacious looking teams, but somehow my gut feeling is telling me Contact will be pulling another stunt this year.

A team with probably an engine that runs like a team and not out of impulsion. Having said that, it will be really hard for them to defend their title this year.
My bet is for them to finish first or second though.

Jose:

One of the more tactical teams around Penang, which has the best chance of upseting the odds by beat Ztec 8cers. However, their squad depth is not as good as compared to Ztec 8cers, which will surely prove to be the difference when both these teams meet in the opening fixture.

Unless they break the minds of the Ztec players, there is little chance for them to retain their Division 1 title this time round. However, they should finished 2nd above Innebandy!Co and beat the rest of the teams in Division 1 without much effort.

Team Preview: Ztec Phoenix

Ztec Phoenix (Ztec 8cers Floorball Club)

Last Season: N/A. First timer.

Finally Ztec 8cers are sending in the much awaited division 2 team. Not one, but two! Phoenix is the stronger of the two based on our “professional” opinion after a glance through their team sheet.

A team full of guys, all well into their teenage years except for an odd 13 year old budak. The team looks pretty strong physically. They should be able to cruise pass most of the team in Div 2 by outpacing them.

Although there might be a lack in Floorball techniques, but they are definitely not lacking in football skills, expect to see some crazy football tricks, "mind boggling" like what Jose would describe. Get ready to witness Floorball played in a way that you have never seen before.

Key Player:
Adrian Koay. Probably the more skillful player in the team and above all a well built athlete. Highly rated by the coach and the team will be banking on him to lead the Phoenix in this campaign. Big test coming up on match day 6, look forward to it.

Rising Rookie:
Danial. The only budak in the team la. He might be 13 year old, but quite skillful already, and has ok ok predatory instinct. Saw him played against the Springsfield girls and Bedok boys, scored a couple goals. Should be able to grab some goals if coach fields him more regularly.

Prediction:
Bendy:
2nd. Strong la this team. All athletic and tough, should outrun the lesser teams. Dalat will be the impenetrable wall, they are too insanely strong for them to overcome. Silver should be certain la, but Bullets will sniffing behind and snatch it away from them if they get complacent.

Jose:
Definitely title contenders for this years Div 2. In fact I do reckon that they are the most athletic team in the whole of Div 2. I'm predicting this team to score quite a lot of goals this season. The game between Dalat Falcons vs Ztec Phoenix will be the title deciding game. Whoever wins that game will come up top in Div 2 this season.

Team Preview: Ztec Griffin

Ztec Griffins (Ztec 8cers Floorball Club)

Last season: N/A. First timer.

Second team for Ztec in Div 2 since they have got so many people in their club. This team consist of girls and guys who are new to the sport. The girls of the team are the more experience ones, even though the team on overall is still very new.

We have hardly any clue on how this team would play. Hopefully, this league will unearth some of the hidden talents within the team. The team should be fighting in the bottom half of league table. Their boys might prove to be their best bet in this quest.

Key Player:
Leo Nard. The most experience player on the team sheet. A goalie with quick reactions, sometimes reacts too fast even before the ball reaches him. Still, his experience will prove valuable in leading the team and keeping the scorelines respectable.

Rising Rookie:
Gim Hong. A very athletic defender whom has good game sense. Though he is new to the sport, with his pace, he runs and challenge for balls, rather solid in defence and might occasionally pop out up front scoring a goal or two.

Predictions:
Bendy:
4th. Firebrands will be their closes rival for the placing, but I think the Griffins will come out top because their guys line are slightly more experience and play indoors more regularly la.

Jose:
Ztec Griffins to come out 4th, because they have a better goalie in Leo Nard when compared with Firebrands and Frontliners 300. However, this team won't be winning too many games thats for sure.

Team Preview: Frontliners 300

Frontliners 300 (Frontliners Floorball Club)

Last Season: Division 2 - 4th out of 4 teams (participated as Frontliners Trojan)

New name, new team, new beginning?

Frontliners 300, which was previously known as Frontliners Trojan is the Division 2 team of Frontliners Floorball Club. PFL09 will be the club’s 2nd outing in Division 2. There are a lot of new players in this team, so we don't think that they are likely to improve from their standings last year.

Mainly budak-budak and girls (only 2 guys in the team), this team will be having a hard time against the rest of the division. From what we know, most teams are all guys la, only a few teams consist of girls, like Ztec Griffins and Contact Bullets. 15, 16 year olds males vs budak-budak and girls, how to fight?

Key Player/ Rising Rookie:
Soon Khai for both these 'honours'. A newbie - Yes, but has improved tremendously under Frontliners. With all the budak-budak, most of the game sure no fight wan la, kena goals gao gao, his mental will be really tested. Mental kuat tak kuat we shall see.

Prediction:
Bendy:
6th. Dead last like last year. This is their 2nd year but with all the changes they macam new team saja. Somemore physically weak, susah la for them. But then with the new teams joining, the bottom 3 are pretty unpredictable, plus the ball is round, a glimer of hope. Maybe.

Jose:
6th out of 6th. I foresee Frontliners 300 will be struggling for survival as their team mostly consist of girls and young kids. It will be a good platform for them to grow, that is if they don't decide to quit floorball after getting a trashing. This team needs all the luck they can get!

Team Preview: Firebrands

Firebrands (Firebrands Floorball Club)

Last Season: N/A. First timer.

Formed weeks before Youthwave Triple Challenge 2008, this less than a year old Floorball club is soaring at new heights in 2009. Officially registered to the big family of PFA and participating in this years PFL, rating 5/5 for courage and passion!

Players are relatively unknown other than Tania Loke and Bryan Koh, who has both represented Frontliners Trojans in PFL 08. They will be leading the debutant through the baptism of fire.

It will also be interesting to see their coach, Jason Chan (yes, the same one as Frontliners 300) handling 2 teams in the same division at the same time.

Key Player:
We don’t think anybody will shine as they are all relatively new, but from the way they play their keeper - Bryan Koh, may play an important role in their goal scoring. This is because this team is equipped with one or two strong and athletic but not so skillful forwards. Therefore, we foresee goals might come from the keeper's throw out.

Rising Rookie:
With throws like we mentioned above, you will need strong, fast forwards to receive and finish off the move. James Tan from this team seems to fit the bill perfectly. Muscular and well built, he should be able to power through most of the defenses in D2. However, finishing might be a problem for him.

Predictions:
Bendy:
5th. They should have a go against ZGF, guys vs guys. However the Girffins, being the more well trained team should have a slight edge over 300 with their physical advantage. Unless they screw up somewhere, I don't see them rock bottom.

Jose:
This is a tough one to predict. Finally after thinking through, I'm predicting this team to finish 5th. They should be satisfied if they don't finish at the foot of the table, since it is their first year playing in the Penang League.

Team Preview: Dalat Falcons

Dalat Falcons (Dalat Floorball)

Last Season: N/A. First timer.

Last year Dalat won Div 2, so they got promoted to Div 1 this season. This year they are planning to send in two teams. Common sense assumption will tell you that this team will be full of new and young fellas from Dalat right? Wrong!!! Don't be fooled, this is the exact same team (Dalat Eagles) that won Div 2 last year. Why are they doing this? Don't ask us, we don't have the slightest idea.

The reigning Div 2 champions still stuck in Div 2? What the crap! Bad news for all la. Made up of old and young from Dalat International School, they are big, they are strong, and they are tough. If the norm stays, the older guys will play as defenders, (rock solid) and the young guns will cover the court as forwards.

No team in Div 2 can match their brute force, and therefore are hot hot hot favourites to defend thier crown with reasonable ease. The only possible weakness is the clumsiness and relatively slow defense where pacey forwards can take advantage of, if they managed to squeze themselves through in the first place!

Key Player:
Drew Steiert. Fast, strong and tireless. Thats what you get when you have a triathlone champion as your team's forward. Last year's Div 2 Point Leader should be unstoppable again, most probably will top the point chart by a mile. It is just a pity we don't get to see him compete at a higher level in Div 1.

Rising Rookie:
N/A. Not that we can think of. All old timers la, just that you don't see them often in the Floorball scene.

Prediction:
Bendy:
1st. 99% confirm. No horse run!! Even last year's full force Ztec with the likes of Ter Min, Jo-wyee & co. crumbled into defeats in both legs. This year? None is even half the strength of Ztec. They should breeze through all games at ease, with two eyes closed!!

Jose:
Champions again! This team should be able to win this division without even having to go full force. The only threat I see that might prevent them from winning a back to back title would be Ztec Phoenix. However, I sincerely hope that they won't do a "17-0" again as it defeats the purpose of having a Division 2 for the newer teams to contest in.

Team Preview: Contact Bullets

Contact Bullets (Contact Sports)

Last Season: Division 2 - 3rd out of 4 teams

Division 2 team of Contact Sports this time will be under the guidance of Coach Kenny Khoo.

The players are almost the same like last year, in fact they have a full women’s line. Don't play play, these girls are drilled by "The One" and have been coming regularly for state training, play too much you might kena slap on the face. Watch out for the girl power!

Most likely the only team in this division to play real floorball. (Eh, look who's the coach?) At least expect them to improve a bit with all the retention and regular trainings. Like 300, got girls, got budak-budak, hard to play against physical teams with older, bigger boys. And another thing to expect from Contact would be their loud roaring support from the player's parents and NOT forgetting James "Thunder" Looi.

Key Player:
Sheryn Ng. The most experience player in the team, somemore play so long already. One of the core players in the state team as well. Her ability is well proven in last year’s PFL campaign and last September’s Z’Liner-PFA Floorball Challenge, scoring crucial goals. We expect to see the same thing this year as well lo.

Rising Rookie:
Don. Budak kecik. Second time in the league. Got a lot of potential la. Quite good in control, must have been practising hard. After all the hard work, now is the time to release it all on the court!

Predictions:
Bendy:
3rd. They are medal contenders, definitely mid table kaki. But I think Dalat Falcons and Ztec Phoenix are too tough for them, so bronze achievable la. Silver will be bonus if they can draw with ZPX, but will have to see goal difference lo provided they win the rest. Loads of hard work la, watch out for one or two teams behind that can backstab them for the medal.

Jose:
Contact Bullets in my opinion will finish 3rd. Although this would be their 2nd outing as a team but I feel the lack of size and speed would prove to be their biggest downfall. However looking on the bright side, these 'kids' will once again gain valuable experience when playing with bigger boys. And hopefully they will get better as they get older.