As with my post about the Telford game just before this one, I apologise for the lack of an in-depth run down.
This derby game was also a groupon game so a big crowd was in and, I was looking after some good friends who had come to the game. As with the Tigers game, below is a run down of the goals and who scored them. Match reports from each teams website and Phoenix TV will fill you in on the details.
Phoenix, 6.43 Bakrlik
Phoenix, 7.16 Psurny
Phoenix, 9.52 Chamberlain
Phoenix, 12.54 Watkins
Phoenix, 19.43 Wood
Sheffield, 23.07 Hirst
Phoenix PP, 25.15 Bakrlik
Sheffield PP, 30.56 Ozolins
Phoenix PP, 53.34 Archer
Phoenix, 54.19 Graham
Fantastic win in the end, it was so good seeing the Phoenix grind Sheffield into the ice. The first period was something special! A truly dominating performance from the first puck drop to the last!
Phoenix 8 Sheffield 2 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 8 Sheffield 2 - Steeldogs Article
Wednesday, 21 January 2015
Phoenix Rolling - 11th Jan Telford Tigers
I apologise for getting behind on my match reports, the next couple of games, I will admit, I have left quite a while until posting.
With that in mind I wont go into the usual level of detail except, to direct you to each teams match report and, Phoenix TV for highlights/interviews of all the goal action. As for the stats, below is a run down of when each goal went in and the scorers:
Phoenix PP, 3.31 Kovar
Telford PP, 12.17 Salem
Telford, 14.18 Novak
Phoenix, 25.27 Neil
Telford PP, 31.48 Zajac
Telford 41.21 McKenzie
Phoenix, 50.55 Watkins
Telford, 53.30 Miller
As for the game overall, it was always going to be a huge huge mountain for the Phoenix. I think, during the anthems, I counted 16 players for the Phoenix and 22 for the Tigers. Add in that the Tigers roster is so much stronger to begin with you get a picture of how tough this game would be. In the end a 5-3 loss to the Tigers I could not argue with. Their penalty kill and powerplay unit's are so good, you just cant give them the edge. With that said, the Phoenix played really really well and, in fairness, should have got a point from the game. It wasn't to be though....onwards and upwards!
Phoenix 3 Telford 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 Telford 5 - Tigers Article
With that in mind I wont go into the usual level of detail except, to direct you to each teams match report and, Phoenix TV for highlights/interviews of all the goal action. As for the stats, below is a run down of when each goal went in and the scorers:
Phoenix PP, 3.31 Kovar
Telford PP, 12.17 Salem
Telford, 14.18 Novak
Phoenix, 25.27 Neil
Telford PP, 31.48 Zajac
Telford 41.21 McKenzie
Phoenix, 50.55 Watkins
Telford, 53.30 Miller
As for the game overall, it was always going to be a huge huge mountain for the Phoenix. I think, during the anthems, I counted 16 players for the Phoenix and 22 for the Tigers. Add in that the Tigers roster is so much stronger to begin with you get a picture of how tough this game would be. In the end a 5-3 loss to the Tigers I could not argue with. Their penalty kill and powerplay unit's are so good, you just cant give them the edge. With that said, the Phoenix played really really well and, in fairness, should have got a point from the game. It wasn't to be though....onwards and upwards!
Phoenix 3 Telford 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 Telford 5 - Tigers Article
Sunday, 11 January 2015
Phoenix Rolling - 4th January Basingstoke Bison
After such a poor weekend against the Tigers the Phoenix really needed a strong weekend to bounce back and keep pace with the clubs above them in the EPL table. The weekend that gave them that opportunity was another tough one, away to the Sheffield Steeldogs and then home to the Basingstoke Bison. Going into the weekend the Phoenix were dealt a blow, Corson-Heron, we know, was already sidelined for an extended period of time with a broken collarbone but now, captain Luke Boothroyd was ruled out with a broken wrist. We all know the Phoenix operate with a short bench, take two players out of the lineup and that short bench is looking worryingly thin!
Even so, the guys are professional about things and will always put the effort in!
Sheffield 4 Phoenix 3 OT - Phoenix Article
Sheffield 4 Phoenix 3 OT - Sheffield Article
Saturday's away game to Sheffield saw a typically physical affair, in the end the Steeldogs taking the game in overtime. Given our current squad and level of play, im happy taking a point from an away game in Sheffield! That left sunday night's joust with the Bison who, the Phoenix demolished in their last trip north. Would it happen again? Coming into the game, Phoenix as mentioned had an OT loss to Sheffield, the Bison came into the game after a superb OT win against league leaders Telford Tigers. Advantage Bison perhaps?
First Period: As mentioned many times on here and on the podcast, Bison/Phoenix games are always close and keenly fought. The game opened and, after just 18sec the home side thought they had the lead. A quick circle round the net and the puck was in, so said the referee....but wait.....after a long discussion the goal was ruled out. Despite this setback the Phoenix worked hard and made sure the Bison knew they were in for a tough night. Highlight of the first period was a huge hit on Muzzy Wales by Ben Wood. Brilliant check! Phoenix were first to take a penalty and the Bison would make them pay. At 7min 12sec Melachrino scored a superb effort to put the visitors ahead. The first period began to get away from the home side a little after this point. Thanks to some great forechecking the Bison forced Phoenix into a mistake. On the puck Ben Wood tried to wrap the puck around behind the Phoenix net to clear. It didn't make it, was picked up by Dough Sheppard who scored to double the Bison lead at 11min 56sec. The period ended with no further goals and the Bison in the ascendancy!
Second Period: The proverbial rocket was needed for the Phoenix to get back into the game. They began to take control when Robin Kovar scored on the PowerPlay at 26min 18sec. That goal lifted the home side and the Phoenix began to battle, this created a good game with both teams working hard. Bison forced Fone into some excellent saves before picking up a powerplay, with the delayed penalty and extra skater the Phoenix levelled the game. Thompson was found with the puck and then raced up the ice and scored a superb solo effort just 4 sec before the period buzzer. An excellent time to score!
Third Period: So one session to go and scores all tied! Again the play was even until the half way mark. Perhaps harshly, Jack Watkins was called for kneeing and, on the ensuing powerplay, Bison re-took the lead. Karpov scoring at 50min 20sec. Bison got into penalty trouble themselves and, it would be another powerplay goal for the Phoenix. Shaun Thompson getting his second of the night at 57min 31sec. That would be how regulation ended, scores tied 3-3.
Overtime/Penalty Shots: No goals followed in the extra 5 minutes so the game went to the dreaded penalty shots. After the first two rounds the scores were level at 1-1, Archer for the Phoenix and Long for the Bison. Karpov took the Bison 3rd penalty and could not convert setting up Adam Walker for the winner. He made no mistake to secure the extra point for the Phoenix.
Verdict: A competitive game with ebb's and flows, the Phoenix will be delighted to finish the weekend with 3 points. The only worry for me is the short bench, neither Corson-Heron or Boothroyd will be back soo, a big effort is needed now from those healthy bodies left.
Attendance: Around 900 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 4 Bison 3 APS - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 Bison 3 APS - Bison Article
Phoenix TV:
Even so, the guys are professional about things and will always put the effort in!
Sheffield 4 Phoenix 3 OT - Phoenix Article
Sheffield 4 Phoenix 3 OT - Sheffield Article
Saturday's away game to Sheffield saw a typically physical affair, in the end the Steeldogs taking the game in overtime. Given our current squad and level of play, im happy taking a point from an away game in Sheffield! That left sunday night's joust with the Bison who, the Phoenix demolished in their last trip north. Would it happen again? Coming into the game, Phoenix as mentioned had an OT loss to Sheffield, the Bison came into the game after a superb OT win against league leaders Telford Tigers. Advantage Bison perhaps?
First Period: As mentioned many times on here and on the podcast, Bison/Phoenix games are always close and keenly fought. The game opened and, after just 18sec the home side thought they had the lead. A quick circle round the net and the puck was in, so said the referee....but wait.....after a long discussion the goal was ruled out. Despite this setback the Phoenix worked hard and made sure the Bison knew they were in for a tough night. Highlight of the first period was a huge hit on Muzzy Wales by Ben Wood. Brilliant check! Phoenix were first to take a penalty and the Bison would make them pay. At 7min 12sec Melachrino scored a superb effort to put the visitors ahead. The first period began to get away from the home side a little after this point. Thanks to some great forechecking the Bison forced Phoenix into a mistake. On the puck Ben Wood tried to wrap the puck around behind the Phoenix net to clear. It didn't make it, was picked up by Dough Sheppard who scored to double the Bison lead at 11min 56sec. The period ended with no further goals and the Bison in the ascendancy!
Second Period: The proverbial rocket was needed for the Phoenix to get back into the game. They began to take control when Robin Kovar scored on the PowerPlay at 26min 18sec. That goal lifted the home side and the Phoenix began to battle, this created a good game with both teams working hard. Bison forced Fone into some excellent saves before picking up a powerplay, with the delayed penalty and extra skater the Phoenix levelled the game. Thompson was found with the puck and then raced up the ice and scored a superb solo effort just 4 sec before the period buzzer. An excellent time to score!
Third Period: So one session to go and scores all tied! Again the play was even until the half way mark. Perhaps harshly, Jack Watkins was called for kneeing and, on the ensuing powerplay, Bison re-took the lead. Karpov scoring at 50min 20sec. Bison got into penalty trouble themselves and, it would be another powerplay goal for the Phoenix. Shaun Thompson getting his second of the night at 57min 31sec. That would be how regulation ended, scores tied 3-3.
Overtime/Penalty Shots: No goals followed in the extra 5 minutes so the game went to the dreaded penalty shots. After the first two rounds the scores were level at 1-1, Archer for the Phoenix and Long for the Bison. Karpov took the Bison 3rd penalty and could not convert setting up Adam Walker for the winner. He made no mistake to secure the extra point for the Phoenix.
Verdict: A competitive game with ebb's and flows, the Phoenix will be delighted to finish the weekend with 3 points. The only worry for me is the short bench, neither Corson-Heron or Boothroyd will be back soo, a big effort is needed now from those healthy bodies left.
Attendance: Around 900 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 4 Bison 3 APS - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 Bison 3 APS - Bison Article
Phoenix TV:
Saturday, 10 January 2015
Phoenix Rolling - 27th December Telford Tigers
Hey everyone, sorry for the slow posting of match reports!
I shall try and do better for 2015!
The weekend in question saw the Phoenix play the Tigers in a home/away series across 48hours. The games so far against the Tigers have been close on the ice and on the scoreboard.
First Period: The puck dropped and from the very beginning the game was played at a fast pace. The Phoenix competing but, The Tigers superiority was beginning to show, the Tigers press all over the Ice, including a high and effective forecheck. They crowd the centre ice so it is difficult to get through, with the early pressure it was no surprise that the visitors took the early lead. Jason Silverthorn tipping a shot from Ondrej to deceive Declan Ryan, goal scored at 3min 19sec. The period continued with the end to end flow but no further goals were scored. The Phoenix really struggling to spend extended periods in the Tigers zone.
Second Period: The Phoenix came out the traps in the second period with speed and intent, that drive was rewarded when the home side pulled level. After 22min 26sec Tony Hand passed to Psurny who lifted the puck over Thomas Murdy to light the lamp for the home team. The next 10mins or so the Phoenix really began to ratchet up their own pressure and controlled the Ice. That pressure did not result in another goal and, a 6min period of madness saw the Phoenix give up three goals and the initiative in the game. Jason Silverthorn completed yet another hattrick against the Phoenix with a quick double, goals coming at 32min 19sec and 36min 34sec. Then the vast experience of Weaver added to the lead with a superb blue line shot at 38min 28sec.
Third Period: 4-1 down and the home side looking deflated, it was no surprise that the Tigers quickly added to their tally and killed the game off in the first two minutes of the final period. Just 50sec into the period Novak extended the Tigers lead at 40min 50sec and about a minute later Nathan Salem made it 6-1 at just 41min 58sec. Sadly that killed the game and the atmosphere with the home crowd a little stunned by the Tigers demolition of their own team. A solitary consolation goal by Bakrlik at 52min 03sec roused the crowd but, little more than a small cheer to be honest!
Verdict: The Phoenix competed for about 30minutes before the Tigers superior roster finally tolled. The 10min period in the second session was crucial and killed off the game. The Phoenix just did not look to have the fire to get back in it in the third period. A poor night for the Phoenix, but I cannot lay all the blame on the Phoenix. It is true that some players did not perform as they can but, the Tigers were just better! With the money they have, they have assembled an awesome roster. Not just the depth but the quality! You can argue they are just buying the league, they are and they can! No issue with that for me! Take the Tigers out the table and the EPL is competitive! It's just it's comparative between everyone else!
Attendance: A subdued post christmas crowd in the Ice Dome, i'll guess at 900 in.
Phoenix 2 Tigers 6 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 2 Tigers 6 - Tigers Article
The weekend of pain continued unfortunately for the Phoenix, they were once again soundly beaten by the Tigers. Again 6-2, this time in Telford.
Tigers 6 Phoenix 2 - Phoenix Article
Tigers 6 Phoenix 2 - Tigers Article
Phoenix TV:
I shall try and do better for 2015!
The weekend in question saw the Phoenix play the Tigers in a home/away series across 48hours. The games so far against the Tigers have been close on the ice and on the scoreboard.
First Period: The puck dropped and from the very beginning the game was played at a fast pace. The Phoenix competing but, The Tigers superiority was beginning to show, the Tigers press all over the Ice, including a high and effective forecheck. They crowd the centre ice so it is difficult to get through, with the early pressure it was no surprise that the visitors took the early lead. Jason Silverthorn tipping a shot from Ondrej to deceive Declan Ryan, goal scored at 3min 19sec. The period continued with the end to end flow but no further goals were scored. The Phoenix really struggling to spend extended periods in the Tigers zone.
Second Period: The Phoenix came out the traps in the second period with speed and intent, that drive was rewarded when the home side pulled level. After 22min 26sec Tony Hand passed to Psurny who lifted the puck over Thomas Murdy to light the lamp for the home team. The next 10mins or so the Phoenix really began to ratchet up their own pressure and controlled the Ice. That pressure did not result in another goal and, a 6min period of madness saw the Phoenix give up three goals and the initiative in the game. Jason Silverthorn completed yet another hattrick against the Phoenix with a quick double, goals coming at 32min 19sec and 36min 34sec. Then the vast experience of Weaver added to the lead with a superb blue line shot at 38min 28sec.
Third Period: 4-1 down and the home side looking deflated, it was no surprise that the Tigers quickly added to their tally and killed the game off in the first two minutes of the final period. Just 50sec into the period Novak extended the Tigers lead at 40min 50sec and about a minute later Nathan Salem made it 6-1 at just 41min 58sec. Sadly that killed the game and the atmosphere with the home crowd a little stunned by the Tigers demolition of their own team. A solitary consolation goal by Bakrlik at 52min 03sec roused the crowd but, little more than a small cheer to be honest!
Verdict: The Phoenix competed for about 30minutes before the Tigers superior roster finally tolled. The 10min period in the second session was crucial and killed off the game. The Phoenix just did not look to have the fire to get back in it in the third period. A poor night for the Phoenix, but I cannot lay all the blame on the Phoenix. It is true that some players did not perform as they can but, the Tigers were just better! With the money they have, they have assembled an awesome roster. Not just the depth but the quality! You can argue they are just buying the league, they are and they can! No issue with that for me! Take the Tigers out the table and the EPL is competitive! It's just it's comparative between everyone else!
Attendance: A subdued post christmas crowd in the Ice Dome, i'll guess at 900 in.
Phoenix 2 Tigers 6 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 2 Tigers 6 - Tigers Article
The weekend of pain continued unfortunately for the Phoenix, they were once again soundly beaten by the Tigers. Again 6-2, this time in Telford.
Tigers 6 Phoenix 2 - Phoenix Article
Tigers 6 Phoenix 2 - Tigers Article
Phoenix TV:
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