Phoenix v Peterborough Phantoms 23rd January Game Review

So last nights game against the Phantoms was a bit of a must win! Having lost to MK the previous night the Phoenix were on a 3 game loosing skid. Thankfully the Flames also lost but the Phoenix had to get back to winning ways, you can't rely on other teams!

You cannot take the Phantoms lightly either! Thy have quality imports and, in Stephen Wall, one of the best goalies in the EPL!

Kicking off the game saw Tom Duggan take centre stage and play the national anthem on guitar! Epic! He looked like he loved it too!

The game saw the Phoenix play sluggishly for two periods! Not able to play the fast flowing hockey they are best at! Peterborough flooded centre ice and stifled the Phoenix while playing solid hockey taking the lead twice in the game!

The Phoenix did find a few gears and accelerate away in the third period. Thankfully the Phoenix did win and secure the two points! A big big win, made even better with the news that the Flames lost in Slough!

So a four point lead at the top of the table? Thank you very much!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Altrincham

Phoenix v Guildford 16th December

First of the brief game reviews from the Budgie! Have moved into the first house with my better half and we don't have the Internet just yet!

Anyway Phoenix played Guildford tonight and lost 5-4. Very close game and, as ever against the Flames, the team that made the least mistakes win's! Tonight that team was the Flames! Phoenix played well but made too many mistakes!

That being said it was a good close game! While the first line for the Phoenix got the goals the third line stole the show! James Neil, Tom Duggan and MOM Ben Wood put in a star performance!

So Guildford won both games over the weekend, but Phoenix are still top of the league!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Altrincham

Phoenix v Sheffield Steeldogs 9th January Game Review

Last night saw the last visit of the Steeldogs to Altrincham for the EPL 10/11 season and, possibly, the last time some Phoenix fans would have the chance to see a Sharp v Payette dance. Coming into the game this dance had been thrown into doubt. The previous night, while the Phoenix toiled away in Swindon Sharp sustained quite a nasty injury that required a trip to A&E. The result, a very nice, but neat, cut down his chin. From the stories of how much blood there was, a delay in the game while the Zamboni came on, I was surprised to see Sharp take to the ice for warm up. But he is a tough little boy! Anyway, said game in Swindon, the Phoenix began brightly rushing to a 3-0 lead after the first period. Things began to go wrong, and heads must have been shaking as one by one Swindon pulled themselves back into the game. Only to take the lead going into the final stages. Thankfully the Phoenix came back and sent the game into OT, no further score and the second Swindon/Phoenix game would be, again, decided on penalty shots. Despite the previous shootout at the link center, the Phoenix would grab the extra point, James Archer this time turning hero.

By most accounts the Phoenix played one period of good hockey (the first resulting in the 3-0) but then let the form slip and Swindon into the game. This has happened a fair bit recently and needs addressing quickly before the Guildford double header next weekend! A win is a win though, and out title rivals have slipped up against the Wildcats too, so to get out with both points is welcomed! Sunday nights game against Sheffield should, he says, be a more simpler affair. Deal with Ozolins and effectively negate the Payette effect and you have Sheffield sorted, what would followed changed my view of the Steeldogs completely!

First Period: With the exception of Ozolins, the Steeldogs have accepted they cannot play hockey with the Phoenix. So, and as I have mentioned on the podcast many times, Sheffield resort to physical play. Only last night, that physicality went up to a whole new level! It was clear from the outset Sheffield were going to war on the ice, the level of intensity, hits and down right nasty cheap shot play they indulged in was shocking! Certainly the worst I have seen in the Ice Dome for a long time! During the first period Payette really upped his goonage and set out to try and intimidate the Phoenix smallest players on the Ice. Grundmanis really upped his pantomime villain status early on with some big late hits. In fact, a possible Sharp v Payette was dashed when a skate from Grundmanis caught Sharp o the back of his leg. I must admit this happened in a corner on our side of the ice so I didn't see it. But reports either say, he accidentally kicked Sharp, or deliberately stamped on his leg. Given how Grundmanis played all game im inclined to believe the latter sadly! This left Sharp in severe pain, limping off the ice and straight to A&E with a bad cut to his leg. Thankfully latest reports indicate he should be ok! So that's one man down! Tom Duggan and Ben Wood were also subject to some horrible boarding incidents as well, amongst others which could have resulted in bad injuries to players. You would be forgiven for thinking 'hold on, there was hockey wasn't there?' There was, but not much! Sheffield played a very good road game tactically, they filled the neutral zone which disrupted the usual smooth Phoenix transition up the ice. One goal was scored in the period, it came for the Phoenix when Stephen Wallace pounced on a defensive error behind the goal, to execute a fast wrap-around to beat Ben Bowns. That goal coming at 13min 41sec.

Second Period: Really continued much like the first! It really was a battle out on the ice with the Phoenix trying to play hockey and the Steeldogs trying to beat the Phoenix into submission! With the Phoenix on the penalty kill the Seeldogs scored with 3sec left on the powerplay through Edgar Bebris sending the away fans into raptures. Other than the tough physical play there was no further scoring in the second, only more penalty minutes. Andre Payette stepping up and taking a total of 14mins himself in one period!

A special comment for the period must go to the ref, a certain Mr Boardman. Now I never usually criticize referees on this blog, as I know I couldn't do the difficult job they do. However im sorry, he was awful in this period! From the first 20mins it was obvious this game would be very very very physical, lots of hitting but also, a lot of afters, cheapshots and down right dangerous play. It was ok in the first period, but Boardman did nothing to stop it, so in the second it began to cross the line into dangerous play! Sadly what happened in the third, he couldn't/wouldn't do anything to change that!

Third Period: This last period cemented my change in view on the Steeldogs! What they did in the 3rd was an utter disgrace! As previously mentioned, im ok with physical play when it is clean! How Sheffield played, it was most defiantly not! Payette and Grundmanis the leading culprits! Payette spent the whole game digging/cheapshotting the smallest players on the Phoenix roster, and Grundmanis put in some disgusting late hits and boarding hits. The worst, and the hit that has disgusted me with the way Sheffield played, was a massively dirty/late and awful hit Grundmanis put on Harabin. Mid ice in Sheffield's zone Harabin was moving towards the net, only to be checked, late, to the head by Grundmanis. This sent Harabin flying through the air, helmet coming off and onto the ice hard....not moving! It was clear he was out cold, in all my time watching hockey, it was a horrible horrible hit! One I hope the Phoenix ask the EIHA to review and subsequently ban Grundmanis! After a couple of minutes inaction, with the help of medical staff from both teams Harabin was sat up and responding. It was awful seeing him like that though, and that hit will linger with me for a long time! After much discussion Grundmanis rightly received a 5 plus match for check to the head! Quite frankly he should be out for a good few games! Wonder if we should leak the footage onto Youtube like Sheffield did re Sharp? You would be forgiven for thinking 'hold on, there was hockey wasn't there?' There was, but not much! Hold on, I feel like im repeating myself! Two goals were scored in the period. the Phoenix first at 44min 26sec when Kristoffersson put the puck home and make the scores 2-1. Sheffield hit back quickly when George Elliot tied the scores again at 47min 22sec. The scores would remain 2-2 at 60minutes and the two sides would play an extra 5 to see who got the extra point!

Overtime: Because Grundmanis and Payette were in the penalty box at the end of 60minutes the Phoenix would play most of the overtime 5 on 4 on the powerplay. But given our terrible powerplay efforts over the previous 60minutes, including two periods of 5 on 3, I wasn't expecting much! Payette was in the box on a 2+2+2 for cross checking, which he picked up with just 4 sec to go in the 3rd period. Anyway, the Phoenix did alot of huffing, but a slow powerplay began to frustrate the home crowd. Thankfully Curtis Huppe stepped up and scored the winner two minutes in the extra period, to seal both points and send the Steeldogs home!

Verdict: Shocked! The Phoenix did not play their best game, credit must go to Sheffield for filling the neutral zone and stopping the Phoenix play. All the credit gets wiped out however, with the way Sheffield conducted themselves! Very dirty, very dangerous and no sportsmanship what so ever! I have never, or at least for a long time, seen one team play so dirty, so dangerously in one game! Payette should have been ejected from the game, along with Grundmanis, who should also be banned for a good few games for the hit on Harabin. Sadly we did not have a strong enough referee to sort the game out either! Anyway, as for the Phoenix, a dirty/ugly win! But a win none the less, some on the forum are worrying about our current inability to sweep teams like Sheffield and Swindon. It concerns me, but im pleased that, despite not dominating both games over the weekend, we still won both! I still stand by my belief that last years team would have lost both games this weekend! The 10/11 Phoenix are tougher! It was so important to get the two points last night, with MK toppling Guildford and the Bees hammering the Bison, those two points mean the Phoenix head into next weeks double header with Guildford 5 valuable points clear!

Attendance: Down on the big crowd against MK but a good one anyway! I'd guess maybe a 1,000 in the Ice Dome.

Phoenix 3 Sheffield 2 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 Sheffield 2 - CB Sport Article
Phoenix 3 Sheffield 2 - Steeldogs Article
Steeldogs Coach - Pretty disgusting article!

Telford Tigers Holiday Review

Having finally caught up with the game reviews for the Phoenix games over the festive period, now is a good time to turn and take a look at the Telford Tigers action over christmas and new year. Fair to say, its been one hell of a rollercoaster period for the lads from Shropshire! In the space of 16 dayes, they had lost a game to snow, lost their player coach for five games, sadly not gained a point, released one player, lost another to retirement and regained the released player. So a period of madness for the Tigers, hopefully 2011 will bring a more settled look to the lineup and with Tom Watkins back in the line up, a push for the playoffs!

18th Dec Tigers @ Swindon - called off due snow. Amongst the many games of many sports called off due to the bad snow the Tigers away game to Swindon fell victim. A shame this as, with their upturn in form the Tigers would have fancied the trip down the M5 to the link centre. This would have been a winable game for the Tigers, but in a way could be a blessing, as the Tigers would have been without Tom Watkins for the game. The Tigers should be back at full strength for the re-scheduled game.

19th Dec Tigers v Flames - 3-5 Loss. A tough loss to take at home to the Flames. The Tigers are a difficult team to beat on home ice and made life hard for the Flames. Sadly it seems the short bench took it's toll and Guildford's extra class just saw them come away with the two points.





Shropshire Star - Telford 3 Guildford 5
Shropshire Star - Telford 3 Guidlford 5

29th Dec Tigers @ Phantoms - 6-1 Loss. This loss would be difficult for the Tigers, especially as the Phantoms are catcheable for the Tigers. Frustrations getting the better of one Tigers player who kicked open a fire door which ended the game prematurely. The scoreline would make you think the Tigers had a but of a mare in this one, but best forget this result and move on.

Shropshire Star - Peterborough 6 Telford 1
Shropshire Star - Peterborough/Telford

2nd Jan Tigers @ Steeldogs - 6-1 Loss. A return to south yorkshire and a return to the scene of Tom Watkins ejection and subsequent 5 match ban. It was at the previous Steeldog's/Tigers game Watkins was ejected for abuse of official. His loss and a combined team fail lead to a pretty emphatic win for the Steeldogs. A valuable two points lost to a playoff chasing rival. As mentioned in previous posts, its series against the likes of the Steedogs the Tigers must win if they want to progress into the post season.

3rd Jan Tigers v Phoenix - 7-8 Loss. Tigers didnt deserve to loose this game, my thoughts on it can be found in this post made yesterday. So far, the two worst performances by the Phoenix have come against the Tigers, dont know why!

Telford 7 Phoenix 8 - Telford Tigers

Away from all the game's It's been a topsy turvy time for the Tigers, first Andres Maslovskis leaves, then Marek Hornak retires, The Tigers have to come to terms with this and finally: Andres Maslovskis returns.

So, a nice quiet period over christmas and new year for the Tigers all in all!

Telford Tigers v Manchester Phoenix 3rd January Game Review

The last game of the festive holiday period was a late night face-off in Telford against the Tigers. So far the Phoenix have a perfect record against the Tigers, and there was no real reason why this should not continue monday night. However of that perfect record the Tigers did manage to push the Phoenix all the way to a penalty shootout, so they are an opposition not to be taken lightly! I would even say that the games are, generally, alot tighter than some of the scorelines suggest. For this game the Phoenix would be back to full strength with Sharp o the ice and Harabin returning after his one match suspension. A good crowd filled the Telford Ice Rink and off we went!

First Period: Shock, I think is the one word to sum up the first 20mins if you were a Phoenix fan! Putting in easily the worst period performance I have seen from the Phoenix this season, the Tigers leapt to a deserved 3-0 lead. Despite the Phoenix starting well, the Tigers early pressure began to find holes in the defense, and the Tigers creating numerous odd man rushes, and shot's through traffic. Early on the Phoenix found Martin Clarkson in fine form. So the first goal came after 11min 58sec and it was Scott McKenzie who ignited the home fans. This guy has an annoying knack of scoring against the Phoenix! The lead was doubled at 16min 38sec through Luke Brittle. Most Phoenix fan's looking a little nervous now, but comforted that there was still much hockey to be played. That belief was tested further when Josh Bruce scored the Tigers 3rd at 18min 22sec. As the buzzer went there were not many Phoenix fan's clapping their team off the ice, most (myself included) sat there in shock. I must admit at this point, I did not see us getting anything from this game!

Second Period: Things got worse in the second period as the Tigers took just 2mins to score again, Tim Burrows scoring at 22min 18sec to make it 4-0 Telford. Still, don't panic, still over half the game to go! As ever in these occasions, Tony Hand step's up and really earns his wage. It would fall to Tony to get the Phoenix scoring machine moving. Mr Hand stepping up to score a superb skillful goal at 29min 37sec to get the Phoenix on the board. Before the period was out the Phoenix would close the gap to two, when Marcus Kristoffersson scored his first of the night at 37min 39sec. This time as the team skated off, there was more belief and enthusiasm up in the away section, a revival was sensed!

Third Period: Loopy, is the word I would use to describe the last 20minutes! After the belief had been built towards the end of the second, it was quickly crushed! Telford scoring their 5th goal just 54sec into the period. Marek Hornak scoring his first of the night and setting off ecstatic scenes on and off the ice. So 3 goals to make up with most of the period left? A tall order even for the Phoenix! A 90sec brace from Kristoffersson would see the Phoenix fans on their feet and dreaming of the impossible. Kristoffersson's goals coming at 45min 31sec and 47min 16sec to bring (also his hattrick goal) the Phoenix to within one, scores at 5-4. Telford would once again extend their lead to 3 goals, and leave Phoenix fans wondering, could the Phoenix get close again? A real rollercoaster this game! Telford's 6th goal came at 47min 49sec when Scott Mckenzie got his second. The 7th goal coming just 40odd sec later, when Marek Hornak got his second at 48min 31sec. So scores now 7-4, 12 minutes to go, not good for the heart of a Phoenix fan! Thankfully the Phoenix got a goal soon after, just 13seconds in fact, this time Curtis Huppe stepping up to score at 48min 44sec. What followed was truly incredible, the real Phoenix decided to play and utterly own the last 10 minutes of the game. Adam Summerfield came on to replace Fone, no reflection on Fone as he had been hung out to dry by the Phoenix defense badly in this game, but putting Adam on, really helped focus the team. a 3 minute period in the latter stages broke Telford hearts and capped an epic comeback. Kristofferson scored his 4th and the Phoenix 6th at 52min 03sec and celebrated in major style, it showed how much it meant! So within two now, the Phoenix game tieing goal came at 53min 48sec when Gomeniuk weaved his way through the Telford zone to slide the puck under Clarkson. The away fans would explode in disbelief when the Phoenix go ahead goal followed less than 2min later. James Archer the hero scoring at 55min 02sec, im pretty sure this was his goal he batted into the goal from mid air! This totally killed the Tigers, the belief had gone and their tired legs caught up, apart from one breakout opportunity the game was done.

Verdict: Relief, roller coaster, epic, despair...just some of the words i'd use to describe that game! I will admit and hold my hands up I didn't think the Phoenix could, or deserved to win this game. They played poorly for the majority of the game. Against the Tigers you have to be at your best as they will come at you hard and fast from the first puck drop! Therein lies their problem for me, the go so fast so soon that they have nothing left at the business end of the game. The last period, in particular the last 10minutes, the Phoenix found their gears, and with the Tigers tiring turned the game in its head! The Tigers deserved to win that game, but hockey is a 60minute game! The final whistle doesn't sound after 20 or 40minutes, it happens at 60! Credit to Tony and the Phoenix for mounting the comeback as it could have been easier to give up and not bother! But this type of result could be massive come the end of the season, and also shows the difference in version 10/11 Phoenix over version 09/10 Phoenix! Last seasons squad would not have come back in this game!

In the end the result was harsh on Telford, and difficult for me as I have a soft spot for them! There was disbelief in the rink come the final buzzer too! Phoenix fan's, that their team had just pulled off a comeback of epic proportions, and Telford fans, that their team had just run out of steam and lost a game they lead 4-0 and 7-4 in! Either way they can take alot from this performance, I will predict now that Telford will be in the play-offs, and I for one hope the Phoenix do not draw them!

Attendance: Not as big as the Phoenix first visit to Telford, sadly the late face-off time of 8pm put off many a Phoenix fan making the trip! Even so I would guess at maybe 550 fans in the building, 120 of them being Phoenix fans.

Shropshire Star Highlights:


Telford 7 Phoenix 8 - CB Sport
Tony Hand stating the obvious! :) - CB Sport
Telford 7 Phoenix 8 - Telford Tigers
Marek Hornak retires - Telford Tigers

Phoenix v Milton Keynes Lightning 2nd January Game Review

So the MK Lightning came to town on the 2nd January to welcome in the new year. A big crowd, including a great turnout from the MK fans boosted the atmosphere, an Ice Dome in anticipation as games against MK have been real highlights since the Phoenix moved to the EPL. Some breaking news before faceoff was that the Phoenix had been in negotiations with the league and managed to get Sharpie's second game suspension suspended allowing him to play. The Phoenix would still be without Harabin who picked up a match penalty in the previous game in Sheffield. With Sharpie back in the lineup, this allowed Ben Wood to play the full game as part of a 4 man defensive unit. This game would see him log more minutes on the ice than he is accustomed to, and against a very good MK side too!

First Period: The game opened at the usual frenetic pace Phoenix/MK games usually do! The Phoenix were able to exert some early pressure, but did let MK slip with a few odd man rushes. Thankfully Stephen Fone was in top form, and robbed MK of at least two goals in the first period! The Phoenix opened the scoring, with Kristoffersson getting bagging another opener after 3min 13sec. The Phoenix then doubled their lead at 9min 47sec when James Archer scored on the powerplay. To ensure the game stayed close MK would get the last goal of the period scoring at 16min 55sec, also on the powerplay through serial aggitator Leigh Jamieson. Who, by the by, was a little subdued, along with Mr McPherson, as Sharpie was on the ice!

Second Period: The Phoenix wasted little time in the second to score again, Stephen Wallace getting his first of the night at 21min 28sec, being allowed to score from an impossibly tight angle. A goal im sure Mettam in net would want back! The Ice Dome exploded once more when the Phoenix made it 4-1 just a minute later. Ben Morgan scoring after 22min 30sec. All well and good so far, but MK are dangerous. In Andre Smulter they have a real star, it was Smulter who made the score 4-2 after 24min 37sec with a superb effort. This is a guy I have always wanted on the Phoenix roster, and got excited during the offseason when rumors started he was signing for the Phoenix! He didn't, so im left to admire him from the stands! The final goal of the period came to the Phoenix and made the score 5-2 to the home side. The goal coming at 38min 39sec and it was Wallace getting his second of the night.

Third Period: After MK replaced Mettam for Hollyhead in goal the scoring dried up, and with the game out of reach the Phoenix were content to contain MK and see out the period. This is where I wish Phoenix TV were pumping out highlights, as im sure they could fill some space for me regarding this third period! It seemed MK had run out of a little steam and the Phoenix did very well defensively to close out the win.

Verdict: As usual against MK this was another great game, one the large crowd really got stuck into. I would have loved to have been stood outside as the goals went in, must have been a loud roar! Another highlight for me was seeing messers Jamieson/McPherson being very quiet and subdued! Im sure both expected Sharpie not to be icing! A real highlight of the game had to be Stephen Fone, he had an absolute blinder of a game! While Wallace got man of the match, Fone was in for a shout too! He played brilliantly, and pulled off a sliding glove save, worthy of the highlights reel. A mention has to go to Ben Wood, who along with Wallace/Fone would have been a MOM contender for me! He put in a very assured performance with all the extra ice time he got, against a top opposition too! Well done Ben!

Attendance: According to Mag's it was the largest paying crowd at the Ice Dome, I would put the crowd at 1,400. The Phoenix have also been having live bands on for the last 6 or 7 games now, and the band on against MK were called Kranius. They were very good too! Best so far!

Phoenix 5 MK 2 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 5 MK 2 - CB Sport Article
CB Sport - The Reason Andrew Sharp could play

Last but not leastly, why not head on over to Cold As Ice, a new blog run by a good friend of the Budgie's who takes some fantastic hockey pictures!

Sheffield Steeldogs v Manchester Phoenix 30th December Game Review

Thursday 30th December saw the Phoenix and their fans head for the hills for an EPL game against the Sheffield Steeldogs, this game would see a re-run of Payette v Sharp, round two! Or would it? In the days after the hastily arranged Phoenix/Steeldogs game from a few days earlier, and the subsequent fights between Sharp/Payette, the Steeldogs had asked for a supplementary review. The league, after viewing fan footage from youtube, decided to hit Sharp with a two game ban, which would see him sit out the Sheffield/Phoenix game on the 30th Dec and the Phoenix/MK game on the 2nd Jan.

So this game would not see round two...unfortunately!

You will have to forgive me, the three game reviews I have planned for the blog may be a little light on detail as ive not written them after each game! But stay with me, I will try and give you as good a picture of each game as possible!

First Period: As ever with the Steeldogs you are sure of a tough fight, and with Ben Bowns returning in goal a difficult evening! It is important to get a goal past him as soon as possible to break the air of invincibility he sometimes exudes. Thankfully the Phoenix were able to take the lead fairly early on, and on the powerplay too! I know, the Phoenix scoring a powerplay goal!! Anyway the goal came from Marcus Kristoffersson after 7min 15sec. Phoenix doubled their lead about two minutes later when, Ben Wood was rewarded for his perseverance around the Steeldogs goal. His goal coming at 9min 10sec. The Phoenix third came just 42sec later at 9min 52sec when Curtis Huppe got his goal. The Phoenix now 3-0 up were able to relax a little and cruise. But Sheffield would remind them there was still plenty of hockey to be played. Sheffield scoring on the powerplay through their excellent new addition Janis Ozolins, that goal coming at 13min 21sec.

Second Period: The main aim for the period for the Phoenix must been to close out the game and not do anything stupid. Thankfully they didn't do anything stupid and were able to finish off the game. Just two goals came in the period, this was even despite ref Wardell deciding the Phoeinix should be on the penalty kill for the whole period more or less! The first goal came to James Archer on a penalty shot. Archer broke down the left wing, and was hauled down in front of goal, legitimate call and the right call. James took an excellent penalty shot, fast in and deaked Bowns to score, the goal coming at 36min 47sec. While on the aforementioned period long penalty kill, the Phoenix would score again through Tony Hand. Hand stayed high in the zone and received a breakout pass, again he showed his class to deak Bowns and make the score 5-1, the goal coming at 38min 06sec.

Third Period: With the game effectively over the Phoenix eased off in the third and set about their job of containing the Steeldogs. As a result not much of note happened! The only goal of the period came to the Phoenix when Kristoffersson got his second of the night at 46min 55sec on the powerplay.

Verdict: A professional performance from the Phoenix, Sheffield are a tricky side to play. Much like the Tigers, what they lack in skill as a whole they more than make up for in hard work and determination. Plus, in Ben Bowns they have a cracking goalie, and one star for the future! It was sad Sharpie could not play, and maybe as a result Payette had nothing to do, as a result he was pretty anonymous for most of the game. A real plus for the Steeldogs is the find of their new guy Janis Ozolins, this guy is fast and skillful. He got himself out of the clutches of the Phoenix players numerous times, and most Steeldogs offence came through him. The reffing was also a little peculiar, especially during the second period! Wardell called the Phoenix for 10 penalties in total, including a 5 plus match for Harabin for high sticks, putting him out of the Phoenix v MK game. Made even worse by suspected foul play by Grundmanis!

Attendance: Sheffield struggle with their attendances, and against the Phoenix the Steelers were also at home to the Coventry Blaze. Attendance was 584, with at least 200 Phoenix fans making the trip.

CB Sport - Match report
CB Sport - Payette the Professional
CB Sport- Sharp Banned