Now for the rest of the forwards......
Number 16 - Joe Miller
Played: 34, Goals: 18, Assists: 15, Points: 33 (Peterborough)
Played: 17, Goals: 4, Assists: 6, Points: 10 (Manchester)
Joe joined the Phoenix from the Phantoms during the latter half of the season, the was probably the first time the Phoenix have signed an extra player to enhance the squad. Sharp came in just before christmas to replace a previously departed player, so Miller was an addition to the squad. He really joined at the right time, as the Phoenix had been experiencing a bit of a slump heading into the business end of the season. His fresh energy really was a shot in the arm and spurred the team on during those final months. While Joe's point production dropped from nearly a point a game he was the final piece in a really effective third line for the Phoenix. Joe added some height to the line and a really hard work ethic, as did the whole of that third line. Joe's arrival probably helped the Phoenix win the league. Being able to roll three strong lines helped take the pressure of Hand/Huppe/Kristoffersson in terms of ice time and gave the squad that extra stamina to get over the line. Those of you will remember Miller had iced for the Phoenix before, in their first season as the Phoenix during the EIHL days. Joe struggled in that year, but has come back a better player, and a much better fit in the EPL.
The Budgie Rating: 6.5/10
Number 19 - Tom Duggan
Played: 52, Goals: 13, Assists: 17, Points: 30
Tommy Duggan, what a season! The pocket dynamo, the guy could run the lights at the Ice Dome for the whole season with the energy he generated in one game. I will always remember Tambo remarking, during one podcast recording, 'That Tommy Duggan is a hazard to his own health'.......he is right tho! Tom worked hard every shift, competed for every puck, would take on any player on the opposition bench, and really make a nuisance of himself. Another payer who quickly became a fan favorite, not only for his on ice ability, but his office ability too! Highlight being, playing the national anthem on the ice before a game with his Fender Strat! Some Phoenix fans will also remember his guitar duties during the party in the Ice Dome bar after the title winning game! Tom really had a great season for the Phoenix, and I really hope he is one of the 6 players already signed up by the club. Im pretty confident he is staying, hell, at the end of season supporters do, he said he's staying pretty much! Ok so the words, im signed for next season, did slip his lips, but what he said was just as good as! The only worrying thing now is, if he continues to play as he is, it won't be long until the EIHL come's a knocking!
The Budgie Rating: 8/10.
Number 28 - Marcus Kristoffersson
Played: 54, Goals: 62, Assists: 50, Points: 112
Toffee, or Kristo's Beard according to one twitter user, the big Swede came to Manchester with a question mark hanging over him. After many injury prone years, would he be the top sniper the Phoenix had hoped for. Well....as you can see from the stats above, he did just that! Helped by the evergreen Sir Toe Knee Hand, Kristo quickly became one of the leagues hottest properties, backed up by his physical play Marcus had a monster of a slap shot. It would usually take a few goes during a game, but once his eye was in, he was lethal! Some opposition fans will bemoan his antics at times, but quite frankly, his antics were no worse than quite a few players in the EPL. In fact, I would go so far as to say, Marcus is quite tame by some standards. In the end though, he has the stats to wipe the floor with any criticism that is sent his way. Marcus and his family seemed to adapt to life in Manchester well, and it is rumored he is keen to stay but, if certain rumors are to be believed, the season just gone could be his one and only in the UK. I want Marcus to stay, but if he goes, I wish him well!
The Budgie Rating: Has to be a second 10/10 im afraid! Number two point scorer in the league to Tony Hand, can only be a 10!
Number 39 - Curtis Huppe
Played: 54, Goals: 59, Assists: 51, Points: 110
The 'other guy' in the Phoenix all conquering top line, Curtis came to the Phoenix with a certain point to prove. After some disappointing years with Coventry/Hull Curtis is a player who could still cut it in the EIHL. While never as flashy as Marcus, or as switched on as Tony, Curtis is a big tall guy who had a mean eye for the net. Coming in at number three in the leagues top point scorers, and with his own fan song to boot, Huppe had a great year with the Phoenix. Curtis was always the professional, always had time for the fans, and was always last to leave the ice during warm up. I would be delighted for Huppe to come back for season number 2 with the Phoenix. This seasons stats would not have gone unnoticed by the rest of the EPL/EIHL or even European clubs but, with a family back in Belfast I doubt he will go to Europe. After the season he has had, I really do not envy Tony with the decisions he has to make. Do you retain Huppe and keep that top line? Or is the budget there to sign a better import forward? Either way the fans will respect Huppe for what he has done for the Phoenix. All together now. Woooaaahh Curtis Curtis Huppe, Woooaaahh Curtis Curtis Huppe, Woooaaahh Curtis Curtis Huppe, Slapshot, Wristshot, Goal Goal Goal!
The Budgie Rating: The third of the triumvirate, the third 10/10 from The Budgie!
Number 64 - Andrew Sharp
Played: 28, Goals: 2, Assists: 1, Points: 3
A signing that polarized opinion across all hockey leagues/fans in the UK, many forming their opinions from memories from a few years ago and passing judgement before seeing the guy play for the Phoenix! As I can never remember Sharp's play during his time in the UK previously I approached his mid-season signing with an open mind and blank book...etc....! Signed as a tough guy to protect the Phoenix talent Andrew's mission was a simple one. He immediately added some mettle to the roster and injected new life into the squad, and quickly became a fan favorite. While he was more than willing to abide an opposition agitator, Sharpy could play! He had very good awareness on the ice, worked hard everyshift, and would position himself well on the ice to receive the puck. While many an opposition fan would question his use in the league, Sharpy had an effect by just being in the building. Many an agitator would remain quiet all game playing the Phoenix, see messers Wiggins and Grundmanis! Personally I think Sharpy contributed vastly to the Phoenix roster, and helped create some breathing room for the first line, by allowing the Phoenix to roll with three full lines, rather than the usual 2 and a half! A perfectly nice guy off the ice Sharpy would be welcomed back next season by the Phoenix faithful, if he returns or not depends on the Phoenix roster that shapes up over the summer.
The Budgie Rating: 7/10 for Sharp, could have been more but he only played half a season with the Phoenix.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Monday, 16 May 2011
Phoenix Champions Review - The Forwards Part 1
Number 2 - James Archer
Played: 54, Goals: 21, Assists: 23, Points: 44
James has come on so much this past season, a very solid second line forward he has determination and great strength. Plus, come playoff time, a fantastic ability to grow a decent playoff beard! Very important! James is a player who I want back at the Phoenix next season, he is the type of British forward you can use as part of a core group to grow a team over many years. James is defiantly one of those forwards who does not necessarily stand out and wow the crowd, but is missed when he is not on the ice. Archer played well on the second line for the Phoenix and seemed to revel in the locker room banter. Where he plays next season could depend on how the Phoenix roster shapes up, as to whether he will continue on the second line, or if an EIHL club comes in for him. He is another player that, given the ice time, could develop into a quality Brit. Maybe not in the same mold as Lachowicz but more the hard working grinder type player.
The Budgie Rating: A solid 7/10!
Number 8 - Greg Wood
Played: 54, Goals: 11, Assists: 25, Points: 36
Greg is an immensely hard working player, the epitome of which was the Phoenix semi-final in last years EPL finals weekend. Phoenix were on the penalty kill and Greg took the puck up the ice into the Slough zone, and wasted a good minute and a half by keeping the puck. Despite the attentions of two or three Jets players. He works hard all game and gives his all, I just wish he put up more points. That could be his play, or being on the second/third line all year. Despite putting up 36 points, he could have done so much more and possibly run Stephen Wallace as the second highest Brit point scorer on the Phoenix roster. The majority of his point production came in the latter third of the season, so just think what he could have done. It has already emerged Greg is part of the 'mass exodus' (three players) to the Sheffield Steeldogs, where he will be made captain. A surprising move, he doesn't seem like captain material to me, though I could have said that about Luke Boothroyd to be honest! What do I know! Will he be missed? In my eyes...no! I think the Phoenix can sign a better, more consistent player in his place. But The Angry Budgie wishes him well, he is going back home, is captain and will get much more icetime in Sheffield than he ever could in Altrincham.
The Budgie Rating: 6/10 for Greg.
Number 9 - Tony Hand
Played: 54, Goals: 25, Assists: 108, Points: 133
Have you seen the point figure above? I mean have you? Seriously? The British Great One (tm), the reason 'The Code' (tm) was set up, Tony has had another stellar year, though made all the sweeter by capturing the league title. A PPG of 2.46 shows the old man is not slowing down just yet. For better or worse, he is at the heart of everything Phoenix, the vast majority of attacking play goes through him. The tried and tested line on Tony is, he doesn't need to be on the ice to get an assist is so true! Only 25 goals but 108 assists! The man frustrates the hell out of me when he will not shoot the puck, but more often than not he passes to someone else who will score! There have been some amongst the Phoenix faithful who have called for Tony to step down, retire or go completely, for me that's utter bull poo! If the Phoenix were ever to let Tony go, do they even have the money/ability to find another guaranteed 100+ point player? There are not many of those nocking around! During the first month or so of the offseason there was a rumor Tony would be leaving to take the reigns at Fife as they entered the EIHL for the 2011-12 season, I remember being shot down in flames on The Hockey Forum and on twitter for suggesting he wouldn't as he was under contract for the Phoenix until the end of that season. Lo and behold not only will he be staying, but he has signed an extension to that contract to keep him at the Phoenix for an additional three years. Im not one to gloat, but it felt good when that was announced! Long live Sir Tony!
The Budgie Rating: Cant be anything other than 10/10 for the legend!
Number 12 - James Neil
Played: 54, Goals: 3, Assists: 11, Points: 14
One of the most popular guys on the Phoenix roster this past year, James spent his time on the third line with Tom Duggan and Sharp/Miller, that is, when he was not playing D on the top line and being part of the powerplay unit. James began the year playing his normal position but, as Ben Wood has done so for many a season, became the Phoenix second, i'll play anywhere kinda guy! James maybe a small lad, but he was never shy of a hit or covering every inch of the ice. A nifty player with decent pace James could be disappointed with his point production this year but, as we all know, points are not the only contribution a player can make. James had a good season on the ice, and has become a firm fan favorite over the 54 games, and I know the vast majority will want to see him back next year. While he is not quite ready to make a regular contribution in an EIHL roster just yet, James will want to improve his ice time and stats next season. I really feel like the Phoenix will have a very strong second line next year, if so this will mean James will remain on the third line, but with regular appearances on the powerplay unit as he has done this season just gone. While the Phoenix could improve on James, a better player would have to fit in the overall budget, so that may not be possible. I would be more than happy to see James ice next season with the Phoenix, as he is immensely reliable. Plus he is another of the 'core group' of players i'd like the Phoenix to hold onto for a few years!
The Budgie Rating: 7/10.
Number 14 - Stephen Wallace
Played: 54, Goals: 25, Assists: 25, Points: 50
A player with silky skills, nearly a point a game, and maybe if you imagined Tony Hand at 75% you could well arrive at Stephen Wallace! Stephen is a solid second line player and excelled last season. One of my favorite players on the Phoenix roster, Wally is quick, can stick handle out of any situation near as damn it, and has become a very difficult player to take the puck from. He used his wicked wrist shop to great effect over the season, and deservedly became the second highest Brit scorer on the Phoenix bench. I will always remember when the Phoenix played the Phantoms on their last visit to the Ice Dome, Wallace had the puck right in front of Stephen Wall only to deak Wall and leave him on his ass. It's cruel to say it, but it looked hilarious! But that sums Wallace up, his hands are so quick he really can undress you and leave you for dead. A real quality Brit forward Stephen is always high up on my re-sign pecking order and, if the Phoenix want to retain their league championship, Wally's quality will be needed on the second line once again!
The Budgie Rating: 8/10.
Played: 54, Goals: 21, Assists: 23, Points: 44
James has come on so much this past season, a very solid second line forward he has determination and great strength. Plus, come playoff time, a fantastic ability to grow a decent playoff beard! Very important! James is a player who I want back at the Phoenix next season, he is the type of British forward you can use as part of a core group to grow a team over many years. James is defiantly one of those forwards who does not necessarily stand out and wow the crowd, but is missed when he is not on the ice. Archer played well on the second line for the Phoenix and seemed to revel in the locker room banter. Where he plays next season could depend on how the Phoenix roster shapes up, as to whether he will continue on the second line, or if an EIHL club comes in for him. He is another player that, given the ice time, could develop into a quality Brit. Maybe not in the same mold as Lachowicz but more the hard working grinder type player.
The Budgie Rating: A solid 7/10!
Number 8 - Greg Wood
Played: 54, Goals: 11, Assists: 25, Points: 36
Greg is an immensely hard working player, the epitome of which was the Phoenix semi-final in last years EPL finals weekend. Phoenix were on the penalty kill and Greg took the puck up the ice into the Slough zone, and wasted a good minute and a half by keeping the puck. Despite the attentions of two or three Jets players. He works hard all game and gives his all, I just wish he put up more points. That could be his play, or being on the second/third line all year. Despite putting up 36 points, he could have done so much more and possibly run Stephen Wallace as the second highest Brit point scorer on the Phoenix roster. The majority of his point production came in the latter third of the season, so just think what he could have done. It has already emerged Greg is part of the 'mass exodus' (three players) to the Sheffield Steeldogs, where he will be made captain. A surprising move, he doesn't seem like captain material to me, though I could have said that about Luke Boothroyd to be honest! What do I know! Will he be missed? In my eyes...no! I think the Phoenix can sign a better, more consistent player in his place. But The Angry Budgie wishes him well, he is going back home, is captain and will get much more icetime in Sheffield than he ever could in Altrincham.
The Budgie Rating: 6/10 for Greg.
Number 9 - Tony Hand
Played: 54, Goals: 25, Assists: 108, Points: 133
Have you seen the point figure above? I mean have you? Seriously? The British Great One (tm), the reason 'The Code' (tm) was set up, Tony has had another stellar year, though made all the sweeter by capturing the league title. A PPG of 2.46 shows the old man is not slowing down just yet. For better or worse, he is at the heart of everything Phoenix, the vast majority of attacking play goes through him. The tried and tested line on Tony is, he doesn't need to be on the ice to get an assist is so true! Only 25 goals but 108 assists! The man frustrates the hell out of me when he will not shoot the puck, but more often than not he passes to someone else who will score! There have been some amongst the Phoenix faithful who have called for Tony to step down, retire or go completely, for me that's utter bull poo! If the Phoenix were ever to let Tony go, do they even have the money/ability to find another guaranteed 100+ point player? There are not many of those nocking around! During the first month or so of the offseason there was a rumor Tony would be leaving to take the reigns at Fife as they entered the EIHL for the 2011-12 season, I remember being shot down in flames on The Hockey Forum and on twitter for suggesting he wouldn't as he was under contract for the Phoenix until the end of that season. Lo and behold not only will he be staying, but he has signed an extension to that contract to keep him at the Phoenix for an additional three years. Im not one to gloat, but it felt good when that was announced! Long live Sir Tony!
The Budgie Rating: Cant be anything other than 10/10 for the legend!
Number 12 - James Neil
Played: 54, Goals: 3, Assists: 11, Points: 14
One of the most popular guys on the Phoenix roster this past year, James spent his time on the third line with Tom Duggan and Sharp/Miller, that is, when he was not playing D on the top line and being part of the powerplay unit. James began the year playing his normal position but, as Ben Wood has done so for many a season, became the Phoenix second, i'll play anywhere kinda guy! James maybe a small lad, but he was never shy of a hit or covering every inch of the ice. A nifty player with decent pace James could be disappointed with his point production this year but, as we all know, points are not the only contribution a player can make. James had a good season on the ice, and has become a firm fan favorite over the 54 games, and I know the vast majority will want to see him back next year. While he is not quite ready to make a regular contribution in an EIHL roster just yet, James will want to improve his ice time and stats next season. I really feel like the Phoenix will have a very strong second line next year, if so this will mean James will remain on the third line, but with regular appearances on the powerplay unit as he has done this season just gone. While the Phoenix could improve on James, a better player would have to fit in the overall budget, so that may not be possible. I would be more than happy to see James ice next season with the Phoenix, as he is immensely reliable. Plus he is another of the 'core group' of players i'd like the Phoenix to hold onto for a few years!
The Budgie Rating: 7/10.
Number 14 - Stephen Wallace
Played: 54, Goals: 25, Assists: 25, Points: 50
A player with silky skills, nearly a point a game, and maybe if you imagined Tony Hand at 75% you could well arrive at Stephen Wallace! Stephen is a solid second line player and excelled last season. One of my favorite players on the Phoenix roster, Wally is quick, can stick handle out of any situation near as damn it, and has become a very difficult player to take the puck from. He used his wicked wrist shop to great effect over the season, and deservedly became the second highest Brit scorer on the Phoenix bench. I will always remember when the Phoenix played the Phantoms on their last visit to the Ice Dome, Wallace had the puck right in front of Stephen Wall only to deak Wall and leave him on his ass. It's cruel to say it, but it looked hilarious! But that sums Wallace up, his hands are so quick he really can undress you and leave you for dead. A real quality Brit forward Stephen is always high up on my re-sign pecking order and, if the Phoenix want to retain their league championship, Wally's quality will be needed on the second line once again!
The Budgie Rating: 8/10.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Phoenix Champions Review - The Defence
So we've had the goalies, now lets look at the meanest defence in the EPL!
Number 4 - Luke Boothroyd - Captain
Played: 57, Goals: 0, Assists: 12, Points: 12
Captain Luke Boothroyd returned after a very good debut EPL season, Luke has never been one to put up lots and lots of points. His game is more suited to being a defenceman, he is never a player who will be first up the ice and getting on the net. He is a stay at home defenceman, and one that is often needed in the EPL. He would be the perfect player if he were bigger, but his size is by no means a disadvantage to his game. He uses his brain well enough to negate any size difference to an opponent! I cant remember if I have mentioned this before but, Luke is the guy who has laid Brad Voth out on the ice a good few times. He has carried on doing so ever since! The likeable lad from Huddersfield gets on with his job quietly but with ruthless effectiveness. A great stick handler, Luke can position himself well on the ice and can light the afterburners if necessary. All these things shone during the season just ended and just reward was the EPL championship!
Budgie Rating: Another solid season from Luke, 8/10.
Number 6 - Ben Morgan
Played: 57, Goals: 9, Assists: 31, Points: 40
Ben was a bit of a marmite player at the beginning of the season, especially to those who post regularly on the Phoenix forum. Personally I liked the offensive bias to his game. He did find himself out of position a few times in those early games, but he learnt quickly and became a very good two way defenceman. So much so, that come the end of the year, he is one of the first players Phoenix fans want back next season. Plus judging by the anxiety caused by rumors he is off to Sheffield, the Phoenix faithful want another season from Morgs! A title win in his first season with the Phoenix will be difficult to top, Morgan could play in the EIHL, but icetime would be limited. His development would continue brilliantly in the EPL and he could go on to establish himself as an EPL veteran, if he didn't want to make the step to the EIHL! For me, i'd have Morgan back in a heartbeat! He was good during 2010/11, he will be great in 2011/12!
Budgie Rating: After an initial wobble, Morgan settled himself well! 7/10
Number 13 - Max Drakely
Played: 17, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, Points: 0
A difficult year for Max, but a year he will have learnt alot from! As I have often said Max is at the stage, in his development, Ben Wood was back last season. By that I mean, very limited ice time! The times he was given ice time Max did well. Looked nervous at times, but that's to be expected! Just like Ben, Max is not afraid to throw himself about on the ice. In fact, some people on Phoenix forum, think he edges Ben in terms of physicality! I'd love Max to come back next year, but he faces the same questions as Ben. Do you stick around and take as much icetime as you can get or, do you move elsewhere in search of ice time? The EPL is a development league, and Max is only in the early stages of his, so another year at the Phoenix, another year learning from Tony Hand would stand him in good stead for the future!
Budge Rating: Difficult to give a rating due to limited ice time! 5/10
Number 15 - Ben Wood
Played: 57, Goals: 3, Assists: 1, Points: 4
Another year playing almost every position on the ice for Ben, not that he minds! The tall Macclesfield lad got stuck in and played hard when given the ice time. He has suffered a bit of flack on the Phoenix forum come the end of the season, personally, unwarranted in my opinion. The past season he has learnt alot, he positions himself well on the ice, uses his stick on a great poke-check and can level a player against the boards if needed! He also has a wicked wrist shot, if you hadn't noticed! Ben defiantly saw an increase in his ice time this year, still not getting massive amounts, but he would ice a fair bit in each game. I would be delighted for Ben to return next year to continue his development but Ben, like Adam Summerfield, must decide if regular ice time can be found away from the Ice Dome!
Budgie Rating: Another good year for Ben. 6/10
Number 40 - Pavel Gomeniuk
Played: 57, Goals: 11, Assists: 44, Points: 55
My memory of Gomeniuk from his Stingray days was, that he is a steady stay at home defenceman who is always reliable. Those memories were not wrong, poached from the Scimitars last summer, Pavel came in and was the proverbial rock on the Phoenix blue line. Not the fastest across the ice, but a physical player with a massive slapshot. To have a successful D, and a winning team, you need players like him. Pavel was also a player who could step up to the plate when needed, I remember important goals through the season, the most being the Phoenix first goal in the playoff semi-final against MK. Scored at the opposite end to the Phoenix faithful, his slapshot was seen by everyone lasering to the top left corner, except for Hollyhead in goal! Mr Reliable put his body on the line for the Phoenix on numerous occasions, blocking shot after shot. During the run in to the title, I don't think any other player's body suffered as much abuse as his! Especially his ankles! Now, like Ben Morgan, Pavel is a must re-sign for many a Phoenix fan, me included!
Budgie Rating: Simply superb! 9/10.
Number 44 - Ladislav Harabin
Played: 45, Goals: 9, Assists: 24, Points: 33
Possibly the best defenceman in the EPL, no surprise this offseason that rumors abound that some EIHL clubs are after him! Not a tall guy, but built like the proverbial outhouse! A tough mean eastern European defenceman with a bullet of a shot and some silky skills. He loved to take the puck all the way from behind the Phoenix net, through the opposition, to their goal. My girlfriend and I often wondered if there was a frustrated forward in him wanting to burst out! The man is so tough, it took a severed artery to force him off the ice! If Tambo is to be believed, even that didn't stop him from wanting to carry on! Loved by the fans, he built up a great partnership with Pavel, and where one went, the other followed! Or that could be because Pavel acted as his interpreter, who knows! But in Ladzi and Pasha the Phoenix had one of the best defensive pairings in the league! Come back Ladzi come back!
Budgie Rating: Pure class! 10/10.
Number 4 - Luke Boothroyd - Captain
Played: 57, Goals: 0, Assists: 12, Points: 12
Captain Luke Boothroyd returned after a very good debut EPL season, Luke has never been one to put up lots and lots of points. His game is more suited to being a defenceman, he is never a player who will be first up the ice and getting on the net. He is a stay at home defenceman, and one that is often needed in the EPL. He would be the perfect player if he were bigger, but his size is by no means a disadvantage to his game. He uses his brain well enough to negate any size difference to an opponent! I cant remember if I have mentioned this before but, Luke is the guy who has laid Brad Voth out on the ice a good few times. He has carried on doing so ever since! The likeable lad from Huddersfield gets on with his job quietly but with ruthless effectiveness. A great stick handler, Luke can position himself well on the ice and can light the afterburners if necessary. All these things shone during the season just ended and just reward was the EPL championship!
Budgie Rating: Another solid season from Luke, 8/10.
Number 6 - Ben Morgan
Played: 57, Goals: 9, Assists: 31, Points: 40
Ben was a bit of a marmite player at the beginning of the season, especially to those who post regularly on the Phoenix forum. Personally I liked the offensive bias to his game. He did find himself out of position a few times in those early games, but he learnt quickly and became a very good two way defenceman. So much so, that come the end of the year, he is one of the first players Phoenix fans want back next season. Plus judging by the anxiety caused by rumors he is off to Sheffield, the Phoenix faithful want another season from Morgs! A title win in his first season with the Phoenix will be difficult to top, Morgan could play in the EIHL, but icetime would be limited. His development would continue brilliantly in the EPL and he could go on to establish himself as an EPL veteran, if he didn't want to make the step to the EIHL! For me, i'd have Morgan back in a heartbeat! He was good during 2010/11, he will be great in 2011/12!
Budgie Rating: After an initial wobble, Morgan settled himself well! 7/10
Number 13 - Max Drakely
Played: 17, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, Points: 0
A difficult year for Max, but a year he will have learnt alot from! As I have often said Max is at the stage, in his development, Ben Wood was back last season. By that I mean, very limited ice time! The times he was given ice time Max did well. Looked nervous at times, but that's to be expected! Just like Ben, Max is not afraid to throw himself about on the ice. In fact, some people on Phoenix forum, think he edges Ben in terms of physicality! I'd love Max to come back next year, but he faces the same questions as Ben. Do you stick around and take as much icetime as you can get or, do you move elsewhere in search of ice time? The EPL is a development league, and Max is only in the early stages of his, so another year at the Phoenix, another year learning from Tony Hand would stand him in good stead for the future!
Budge Rating: Difficult to give a rating due to limited ice time! 5/10
Number 15 - Ben Wood
Played: 57, Goals: 3, Assists: 1, Points: 4
Another year playing almost every position on the ice for Ben, not that he minds! The tall Macclesfield lad got stuck in and played hard when given the ice time. He has suffered a bit of flack on the Phoenix forum come the end of the season, personally, unwarranted in my opinion. The past season he has learnt alot, he positions himself well on the ice, uses his stick on a great poke-check and can level a player against the boards if needed! He also has a wicked wrist shot, if you hadn't noticed! Ben defiantly saw an increase in his ice time this year, still not getting massive amounts, but he would ice a fair bit in each game. I would be delighted for Ben to return next year to continue his development but Ben, like Adam Summerfield, must decide if regular ice time can be found away from the Ice Dome!
Budgie Rating: Another good year for Ben. 6/10
Number 40 - Pavel Gomeniuk
Played: 57, Goals: 11, Assists: 44, Points: 55
My memory of Gomeniuk from his Stingray days was, that he is a steady stay at home defenceman who is always reliable. Those memories were not wrong, poached from the Scimitars last summer, Pavel came in and was the proverbial rock on the Phoenix blue line. Not the fastest across the ice, but a physical player with a massive slapshot. To have a successful D, and a winning team, you need players like him. Pavel was also a player who could step up to the plate when needed, I remember important goals through the season, the most being the Phoenix first goal in the playoff semi-final against MK. Scored at the opposite end to the Phoenix faithful, his slapshot was seen by everyone lasering to the top left corner, except for Hollyhead in goal! Mr Reliable put his body on the line for the Phoenix on numerous occasions, blocking shot after shot. During the run in to the title, I don't think any other player's body suffered as much abuse as his! Especially his ankles! Now, like Ben Morgan, Pavel is a must re-sign for many a Phoenix fan, me included!
Budgie Rating: Simply superb! 9/10.
Number 44 - Ladislav Harabin
Played: 45, Goals: 9, Assists: 24, Points: 33
Possibly the best defenceman in the EPL, no surprise this offseason that rumors abound that some EIHL clubs are after him! Not a tall guy, but built like the proverbial outhouse! A tough mean eastern European defenceman with a bullet of a shot and some silky skills. He loved to take the puck all the way from behind the Phoenix net, through the opposition, to their goal. My girlfriend and I often wondered if there was a frustrated forward in him wanting to burst out! The man is so tough, it took a severed artery to force him off the ice! If Tambo is to be believed, even that didn't stop him from wanting to carry on! Loved by the fans, he built up a great partnership with Pavel, and where one went, the other followed! Or that could be because Pavel acted as his interpreter, who knows! But in Ladzi and Pasha the Phoenix had one of the best defensive pairings in the league! Come back Ladzi come back!
Budgie Rating: Pure class! 10/10.
Friday, 22 April 2011
Phoenix Champions Review - The Goalies
So lets get going with a few end of season posts! The next few will concern the players of the 2010/11 EPL Champion Manchester Phoenix team and i'll go through the team over three posts and offer a few thoughts on each one and give an 'out of 10' Budgie rating! I had intended to do a 'Thoughts on the season' type post first, but couldn't really get going on that, so I'll do the player reviews first as it may help build a picture of the season just gone.
First up, its the goaltending duo at the Phoenix, Stephen Fone and Adam Summerfield.
Number 31 - Stephen Fone
EPL Season: Played - 52, GAA - 2.75, Save % - 90.55
If you go take a look at the Iceman-Epl Goalie (http://www.iceman-epl.com/netminders.html) page you will see that Steve Fone is ranked number 6 in the EPL table in terms of netminders. I know stats don't lie, but I feel that is an artificial placing for BT. The other stat I would like to bring up, over the course of the 54 game regular season the Phoenix conceded the fewest goals in the league. A big part of that is BT's improved performance this past year. Season 09/10 Foney's confidence would take a hit easily if things were not going well, his rebounds were terrible, and a large part of his season was affected by the shoulder injury sustained over the christmas period. Fast forward to 10/11 and Foney put in a much more consistent display. More athletic, more awareness and better rebounds. Crucially, he also had an injury free season. He would sometimes still frustrate with his play behind the net, but at times he could single handedly win a game. I remember the playoff games, he was seeing the puck so big he was pulling off some amazing saves! The Rotherham native really established himself as a great number one goalie in the EPL! I think there are better (slightly) goalies in the EPL but, given the Phoenix will never have the biggest budget in the league, BT is the best guy for our roster. I would be more than happy to see him back between the pipes for the 11/12 title defending season.
Budgie Rating: A solid 8/10 for BT!
Number 30 - Adam Summerfield
EPL Season: Played - 52, GAA - 2.78, Save % - 89.40
Being a backup netminder is, possibly, the hardest job in UK ice hockey bar a few exceptions. You'll spend most of your time warming the bench hoping for ice time, and then trying not to stuff things up when you get it! I remember last season saying, Adam had a great year but looked a little nervous on the ice at EPL level, and would often make the initial save and have no idea where the puck is! This season has seen a big improvement from Adam, he has played much more this year and was given a few more starts too. His movement around the net is better, he is seeing the puck well and, either he has new pads or he has bulked up, but he fills the net better too! There was still the odd moment where he seemed unsure as to where a puck was after he made a save, but he was making more, and more difficult saves. He genuinely faces a difficult summer in terms of his future career. If things stay as they are, he will not get the starting spot at the Phoenix will Fone is still at the club. Adam is now at the point where he will want to get his own starting spot, I don't know if that would be at EPL level just yet though! So he has a few options:
1. Stay as back up to Foney at the Phoenix.
2. Move to another EPL club as backup, but with a little more icetime.
3. Become a number 1 nettie at an ENL club.
Difficult times ahead! I don't see another EPL club giving him a starter position just yet, his best bet for increased ice time would be a club who share ice time pretty evenly between their goalie duo. Two clubs spring to mind, MK and Telford. Adam could do well in those situations, but alot will depend on how those clubs proceed. MK, depends on Hollyhead, if he and Mettham stay. Also Telford, if they keep Ryan/Clarkson he wont go their either! As you can see, tough choices ahead for the Congleton native!
Budgie Rating - A good 6/10 for Summers.
So next up will be reviews of the meanest defence in the EPL!
First up, its the goaltending duo at the Phoenix, Stephen Fone and Adam Summerfield.
Number 31 - Stephen Fone
EPL Season: Played - 52, GAA - 2.75, Save % - 90.55
If you go take a look at the Iceman-Epl Goalie (http://www.iceman-epl.com/netminders.html) page you will see that Steve Fone is ranked number 6 in the EPL table in terms of netminders. I know stats don't lie, but I feel that is an artificial placing for BT. The other stat I would like to bring up, over the course of the 54 game regular season the Phoenix conceded the fewest goals in the league. A big part of that is BT's improved performance this past year. Season 09/10 Foney's confidence would take a hit easily if things were not going well, his rebounds were terrible, and a large part of his season was affected by the shoulder injury sustained over the christmas period. Fast forward to 10/11 and Foney put in a much more consistent display. More athletic, more awareness and better rebounds. Crucially, he also had an injury free season. He would sometimes still frustrate with his play behind the net, but at times he could single handedly win a game. I remember the playoff games, he was seeing the puck so big he was pulling off some amazing saves! The Rotherham native really established himself as a great number one goalie in the EPL! I think there are better (slightly) goalies in the EPL but, given the Phoenix will never have the biggest budget in the league, BT is the best guy for our roster. I would be more than happy to see him back between the pipes for the 11/12 title defending season.
Budgie Rating: A solid 8/10 for BT!
Number 30 - Adam Summerfield
EPL Season: Played - 52, GAA - 2.78, Save % - 89.40
Being a backup netminder is, possibly, the hardest job in UK ice hockey bar a few exceptions. You'll spend most of your time warming the bench hoping for ice time, and then trying not to stuff things up when you get it! I remember last season saying, Adam had a great year but looked a little nervous on the ice at EPL level, and would often make the initial save and have no idea where the puck is! This season has seen a big improvement from Adam, he has played much more this year and was given a few more starts too. His movement around the net is better, he is seeing the puck well and, either he has new pads or he has bulked up, but he fills the net better too! There was still the odd moment where he seemed unsure as to where a puck was after he made a save, but he was making more, and more difficult saves. He genuinely faces a difficult summer in terms of his future career. If things stay as they are, he will not get the starting spot at the Phoenix will Fone is still at the club. Adam is now at the point where he will want to get his own starting spot, I don't know if that would be at EPL level just yet though! So he has a few options:
1. Stay as back up to Foney at the Phoenix.
2. Move to another EPL club as backup, but with a little more icetime.
3. Become a number 1 nettie at an ENL club.
Difficult times ahead! I don't see another EPL club giving him a starter position just yet, his best bet for increased ice time would be a club who share ice time pretty evenly between their goalie duo. Two clubs spring to mind, MK and Telford. Adam could do well in those situations, but alot will depend on how those clubs proceed. MK, depends on Hollyhead, if he and Mettham stay. Also Telford, if they keep Ryan/Clarkson he wont go their either! As you can see, tough choices ahead for the Congleton native!
Budgie Rating - A good 6/10 for Summers.
So next up will be reviews of the meanest defence in the EPL!
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
EPL Playoff Finals Weekend - Coventry
So...that's it! The EPL season 2010/11 is over! The fat lady has sung, the lights have gone out!
The Budgie has returned from Coventry and now thoughts must be written and posted for you all to see!
A great weekend was had and, despite the weekend not going so well for the Phoenix, defeated at the semi-final stage again, the weekend on the whole was very enjoyable! The Phoenix faithful turned out in force, over 560 packed out blocks 7/8 and 9 at the Coventry SkyDome and rocked the joint. You can still read my thoughts from last years finals weekend!
The Phoenix championship banner:
So, it was a sunny Friday when The Budgie set off for Coventry, and the glorious weather would continue all weekend, bathing EPL hockey fans in warm sunshine. With the Podcast also on tour, and going live it would be a cracking weekend, and a great weekend in terms of fan coverage. The Phoenix also took over The Old Windmill pub not too far from the SkyDome, to claim it as a Phoenix fan meeting point. Despite the power going on sunday! Haha!
Anyway, from my finals weekend preview post you will remember I picked a Phoenix v Flames final with the Flames emerging victorious. Wel....as per my quarter finals prediction I was 50% right! Read on to find out which 50% I got right!
Semi-Final 1 Phoenix v Lightning
This game I had the Phoenix down as winning, I thought the strength in dept would be key for the Phoenix. Sadly this strength in dept never really shone through! With the Phoenix faithful roaring them on the Phoenix and Lightning cancelled each other out for a goaless first period. Both Hollyhead and Fone, between the pipes, were pressed into action. So far the Lightning had managed to stifle the Phoenix top line and frustrate the second line. As such the Phoenix were not able to really settle and get into the game fully.As the game progressed the tension rose, MK lept to a 2-0 lead during the game which depressed the massed Phoenix ranks even more. With some chants of 'play like you want it' emerging from the choir boys. It was looking like the Phoenix would be disappointed once more and, as the clock wound down the Phoenix fans took to their feet to give one last battle cry. Then it happened, with less than two minutes in third period up stepped Pavel Gomeniuk who unleashed a monster of a shot to break the Phoenix duck! It couldn't happen could it? With 30sec to go Tony Hand was found clear in the hash marks and made no mistake, the Phoenix end of the SkyDome erupted the Phoenix had, as they had all season, dug deep and dragged out a result. Into OT the Lightning piled on the pressure while, again, frustrating the Phoenix. So it wasn't any surprise that, with 20sec to go, somehow the Lightning forced the puck over the line and broke Phoenix hearts! The Lightning winning and advancing to the final on a score of 3-2 after OT!
On balance the Phoenix didn't deserve to go through, over 64ish minutes the Phoenix only outdid the Lightning for two! No complaints from me! The only downside was, if the Phoenix could have played like we know they could, they would have made it to the final!
Semi-Final 2 Flames v Phantoms
This game was a little easier to predict, and in the end, was all over after the first ten minutes! The Phantoms had the support of most of the crowd inside the SkyDome but couldn't live with the Flames. The Flames looked much slicker, much more creative, and had so much more strength across three lines, and Mark Lee in nets looked in great form! After the 3rd goal went in the game really petered out! The Flames eased off and continually frustrated attempts by the Phantoms to get back into the game. In fact the game got a bit boring for the most part. Until the third period where the Phantoms managed to get onto the scoreboard and give their fans something to celebrate. At the same time the Flames did a little scoring themselves, final score ended up 6-1 Flames.
The Final Flames v Lightning
Prior to the final it was the Sheffield Steelhawks v the Nottingham Leopards in the U18 final. The game was ok, Sheffield were by far the better team! The highlight of the game though, and possible highlight of the weekend, was the chant banter between Flames and Phoenix fans. Some real pearlers and much laughter was had! Anyway onto the final! It was an entertaining final, I thought the Flames edged most of the play. Most of the neutrals in the crowd were hoping for an MK win, however after a rather unsavory incident at the end of the Phoenix v Lightning semi-final the Phoenix lent their considerable voice to the Flames cause. The only incidents I recall of note were a nasty high sticking incident which left Michael Farn with a suspected broken jaw, and the Flames Matt Towe with a 5 plus match, and Mark Lee in the Flames net seemingly constant issues with the ice in his crease. It was quite funny watching Hollyhead/Fone and Wall all playing with no issues in the crease and yet, Lee not very happy! In the end it mattered little, the Flames held on and, with an empty net goal, won the final by a score of 5-3.
Special mention must go to Dave Cloutman the stripey, he took a real nasty fall on the opening faceoff in the middle session and looked very unwell thereafter! He lasted another 5mins before needing to go off, now many people think he reacted badly when throwing his house down the tunnel, I think he was more frustrated by not being able to finish reffing the EPL final. Plus by the look on his face when he came to visit Tambo was a look of disappointment. With word of his imminent retirement its a real shame too!
So that's it, a finals weekend done and dusted!
Hope you have enjoyed reading The Angry Budgie over the course of this season, the summer does not mean the end of the Budgie though! It may get quiet, but wont be silenced!
Next few posts will cover the season just gone and a player by player review of the 2010/11 title winning season!
Phoenix 2 Milton Keynes Lightning 3 - CB Sport
Phoenix v MK Lightning Semi Final - The Bolton News
Tony Hand proud of the Phoenix - MEN Website
Who is the Phoenix number 1? - CB Sport
The Budgie has returned from Coventry and now thoughts must be written and posted for you all to see!
A great weekend was had and, despite the weekend not going so well for the Phoenix, defeated at the semi-final stage again, the weekend on the whole was very enjoyable! The Phoenix faithful turned out in force, over 560 packed out blocks 7/8 and 9 at the Coventry SkyDome and rocked the joint. You can still read my thoughts from last years finals weekend!
The Phoenix championship banner:
So, it was a sunny Friday when The Budgie set off for Coventry, and the glorious weather would continue all weekend, bathing EPL hockey fans in warm sunshine. With the Podcast also on tour, and going live it would be a cracking weekend, and a great weekend in terms of fan coverage. The Phoenix also took over The Old Windmill pub not too far from the SkyDome, to claim it as a Phoenix fan meeting point. Despite the power going on sunday! Haha!
Anyway, from my finals weekend preview post you will remember I picked a Phoenix v Flames final with the Flames emerging victorious. Wel....as per my quarter finals prediction I was 50% right! Read on to find out which 50% I got right!
Semi-Final 1 Phoenix v Lightning
This game I had the Phoenix down as winning, I thought the strength in dept would be key for the Phoenix. Sadly this strength in dept never really shone through! With the Phoenix faithful roaring them on the Phoenix and Lightning cancelled each other out for a goaless first period. Both Hollyhead and Fone, between the pipes, were pressed into action. So far the Lightning had managed to stifle the Phoenix top line and frustrate the second line. As such the Phoenix were not able to really settle and get into the game fully.As the game progressed the tension rose, MK lept to a 2-0 lead during the game which depressed the massed Phoenix ranks even more. With some chants of 'play like you want it' emerging from the choir boys. It was looking like the Phoenix would be disappointed once more and, as the clock wound down the Phoenix fans took to their feet to give one last battle cry. Then it happened, with less than two minutes in third period up stepped Pavel Gomeniuk who unleashed a monster of a shot to break the Phoenix duck! It couldn't happen could it? With 30sec to go Tony Hand was found clear in the hash marks and made no mistake, the Phoenix end of the SkyDome erupted the Phoenix had, as they had all season, dug deep and dragged out a result. Into OT the Lightning piled on the pressure while, again, frustrating the Phoenix. So it wasn't any surprise that, with 20sec to go, somehow the Lightning forced the puck over the line and broke Phoenix hearts! The Lightning winning and advancing to the final on a score of 3-2 after OT!
On balance the Phoenix didn't deserve to go through, over 64ish minutes the Phoenix only outdid the Lightning for two! No complaints from me! The only downside was, if the Phoenix could have played like we know they could, they would have made it to the final!
Semi-Final 2 Flames v Phantoms
This game was a little easier to predict, and in the end, was all over after the first ten minutes! The Phantoms had the support of most of the crowd inside the SkyDome but couldn't live with the Flames. The Flames looked much slicker, much more creative, and had so much more strength across three lines, and Mark Lee in nets looked in great form! After the 3rd goal went in the game really petered out! The Flames eased off and continually frustrated attempts by the Phantoms to get back into the game. In fact the game got a bit boring for the most part. Until the third period where the Phantoms managed to get onto the scoreboard and give their fans something to celebrate. At the same time the Flames did a little scoring themselves, final score ended up 6-1 Flames.
The Final Flames v Lightning
Prior to the final it was the Sheffield Steelhawks v the Nottingham Leopards in the U18 final. The game was ok, Sheffield were by far the better team! The highlight of the game though, and possible highlight of the weekend, was the chant banter between Flames and Phoenix fans. Some real pearlers and much laughter was had! Anyway onto the final! It was an entertaining final, I thought the Flames edged most of the play. Most of the neutrals in the crowd were hoping for an MK win, however after a rather unsavory incident at the end of the Phoenix v Lightning semi-final the Phoenix lent their considerable voice to the Flames cause. The only incidents I recall of note were a nasty high sticking incident which left Michael Farn with a suspected broken jaw, and the Flames Matt Towe with a 5 plus match, and Mark Lee in the Flames net seemingly constant issues with the ice in his crease. It was quite funny watching Hollyhead/Fone and Wall all playing with no issues in the crease and yet, Lee not very happy! In the end it mattered little, the Flames held on and, with an empty net goal, won the final by a score of 5-3.
Special mention must go to Dave Cloutman the stripey, he took a real nasty fall on the opening faceoff in the middle session and looked very unwell thereafter! He lasted another 5mins before needing to go off, now many people think he reacted badly when throwing his house down the tunnel, I think he was more frustrated by not being able to finish reffing the EPL final. Plus by the look on his face when he came to visit Tambo was a look of disappointment. With word of his imminent retirement its a real shame too!
So that's it, a finals weekend done and dusted!
Hope you have enjoyed reading The Angry Budgie over the course of this season, the summer does not mean the end of the Budgie though! It may get quiet, but wont be silenced!
Next few posts will cover the season just gone and a player by player review of the 2010/11 title winning season!
Phoenix 2 Milton Keynes Lightning 3 - CB Sport
Phoenix v MK Lightning Semi Final - The Bolton News
Tony Hand proud of the Phoenix - MEN Website
Who is the Phoenix number 1? - CB Sport
Thursday, 7 April 2011
EPL 2010/11 Season Playoff Finals Preview
So..the final four have been chosen!
The Guildford Flames, the Manchester Phoenix, the Milton Keynes Lightning and the Peterborough Phantoms will all converge on the Coventry SkyDome for the last hurrah of the 2010-11 EPL season. There were some expected results and, as some of you astute readers will have noticed, a certain team from Slough that will not be appearing in Coventry. Yes, despite my earlier prediction, the Phantoms overcame the Jets with a superb shut out victory in the hangar to send them to the final party.
Going back to my post last week you will see I had a 50% success rating, with the Phoenix and Flames making it comfortably through to the finals weekend. Of the other two, I picked the Bison over MK mainly due to the Bison having the second leg on home ice. It was another tight game, which was to be expected, but the MK LIghtning did just enough in the end. I will defer to the two Bison centric blogs on my blogroll over on the right to fill you in on the details of the two legged series! The other I picked the Jets over the Phantoms. I said the key would be how close the Phantoms kept things after the first leg. After 60mins of hockey the Jets left with a two goal cushion, 2nd leg you would expect the Jets to do it. But no, the Phantoms had other ideas, a 3-0 shutout is simply amazing! That team deserve their place in Coventry on the strength of that performance alone! Even if the Jets were not at 100% I would have expected them to do it over two legs! But hey, as I said, playoff hockey is whole different animal!
With the final four confirmed, the semi-finals look like this:
@3pm - Manchester Phoenix v Milton Keynes Lightning
@7pm - Guildford Flames v Peterborough Phantoms
So lets have a look at the semi-finals and ponder who will make it to the big dance on sunday and who will be left lifting a shiny pot come sunday evening!
Semi Final 1 - Phoenix (5) v Lightning (1)
To be honest, with the Phantoms putting the Jets out, with Stephen Wall capable of wonders in net, I don't think you will find many Phoenix.Lightning fans who are disappointed to be avoiding them in the semi's! The Phoenix/Lightning games have been crackers all year, with one-sided blow outs each and numerous close games. The fixture is already one which both fanbases look for come the fixture announcement! The figures in brackets above show how the regular season series was split. Pretty one sided, to be honest I was shocked when I totted the results up, I thought it was closer! Though the games themselves were, the Phoenix were just able to secure the win on more occasions this year. That said MK will be up for this, they have a chance to topple the new champions, the team that took their crown, and a chance to finish their indifferent season with some silverware. As to who will win, crikey, that's a tough question, Either team could! I am going to go for a Phoenix win, and im basing that on my (trying to be impartial here) view that the Phoenix have more strength in depth than MK along with a massive travelling support to roar them along. That being said, if MK win they could well have my support in the final! It will be a great game, I want the Phoenix to win it, but if not, hey, we did win the big prize!!
Prediction: Phoenix to squeeze through!
Semi Final 2 - Flames (5) v Phantoms (1)
Another one sided season split, but im sure I said that talking about the Phantoms/Slough quarter last week and look what good that did! The Flames are the obvious favorites here, but playoff hockey......etc....you get my drift! This could be a classic game of the irresistible force (Flames offence) meets the immovable object (Phantoms defence). In their pair of games against Slough the Phantoms have shown they can get the job done in difficult circumstances and, while the Flames have been to Coventry before, the Phantoms have won it all in the past and could well have a large portion of the SkyDome backing them! The Phantoms have to play their best, anything less and the Flames will walk it. For the Flames they must guard against complacency, their extra firepower is not going to guarantee them passage to the final. While I would hope (selfishly) for a Phoenix/Phantoms final, I think the Flames will win it. If they can score early they will but, the longer the Phantoms frustrate the Flames, the more I see the Phantoms make it!
Prediction: Flames to have just a bit too much in the end!
The Final - Phoenix (2) v Flames (4)
1st v 2nd, a Phoenix battling the Flames, any more? This is the final I can see, and will probably be the final that we wont see now ive said all the above! Haha! The season split has the nod going towards the Flames, but the Phoenix do have the strength in depth to deal with the Flames and could well win the game. The key will come down to the defence for the Phoenix. If the D help out Steve Fone, and Fone is in top form the Phoenix will win. But if they make any mistakes the Flames will capitalize plus, in Nathan Rempel they have a guy who loves playing the Phoenix! So in terms of a prediction, my heart wants to go for a Phoenix win, but my head thinks the Flames may just do it! They have the added incentive of wanting to finish a superb season with something to show for it, and to banish past losses in Coventry. It will be close, it will be tense, but maybe the big bucks may finally pay for the Flames!
Prediction: Flames to take it in a close one!
So there you have it, a Phoenix fan who things his team wont win it! Im either mad, or keeping my expectations low so a loss wont hurt as much, or a win will feel that much better! Of course all my predictions above could be wrong, lets face it I was 50% in the last round. So, below are the other possible final combinations:
Lightning v Flames
Lightning v Phantoms
Looking at either of those combinations I would pick the Flames against the Lightning based on their excellent run of form going into the playoffs, then I would pick the Lightning in a final against the Phantoms. The Phantoms have great defence, but I just think the Lightning pack the better offensive punch to step up in big games!
Phoenix TV, Steeldogs quarters
The Guildford Flames, the Manchester Phoenix, the Milton Keynes Lightning and the Peterborough Phantoms will all converge on the Coventry SkyDome for the last hurrah of the 2010-11 EPL season. There were some expected results and, as some of you astute readers will have noticed, a certain team from Slough that will not be appearing in Coventry. Yes, despite my earlier prediction, the Phantoms overcame the Jets with a superb shut out victory in the hangar to send them to the final party.
Going back to my post last week you will see I had a 50% success rating, with the Phoenix and Flames making it comfortably through to the finals weekend. Of the other two, I picked the Bison over MK mainly due to the Bison having the second leg on home ice. It was another tight game, which was to be expected, but the MK LIghtning did just enough in the end. I will defer to the two Bison centric blogs on my blogroll over on the right to fill you in on the details of the two legged series! The other I picked the Jets over the Phantoms. I said the key would be how close the Phantoms kept things after the first leg. After 60mins of hockey the Jets left with a two goal cushion, 2nd leg you would expect the Jets to do it. But no, the Phantoms had other ideas, a 3-0 shutout is simply amazing! That team deserve their place in Coventry on the strength of that performance alone! Even if the Jets were not at 100% I would have expected them to do it over two legs! But hey, as I said, playoff hockey is whole different animal!
With the final four confirmed, the semi-finals look like this:
@3pm - Manchester Phoenix v Milton Keynes Lightning
@7pm - Guildford Flames v Peterborough Phantoms
So lets have a look at the semi-finals and ponder who will make it to the big dance on sunday and who will be left lifting a shiny pot come sunday evening!
Semi Final 1 - Phoenix (5) v Lightning (1)
To be honest, with the Phantoms putting the Jets out, with Stephen Wall capable of wonders in net, I don't think you will find many Phoenix.Lightning fans who are disappointed to be avoiding them in the semi's! The Phoenix/Lightning games have been crackers all year, with one-sided blow outs each and numerous close games. The fixture is already one which both fanbases look for come the fixture announcement! The figures in brackets above show how the regular season series was split. Pretty one sided, to be honest I was shocked when I totted the results up, I thought it was closer! Though the games themselves were, the Phoenix were just able to secure the win on more occasions this year. That said MK will be up for this, they have a chance to topple the new champions, the team that took their crown, and a chance to finish their indifferent season with some silverware. As to who will win, crikey, that's a tough question, Either team could! I am going to go for a Phoenix win, and im basing that on my (trying to be impartial here) view that the Phoenix have more strength in depth than MK along with a massive travelling support to roar them along. That being said, if MK win they could well have my support in the final! It will be a great game, I want the Phoenix to win it, but if not, hey, we did win the big prize!!
Prediction: Phoenix to squeeze through!
Semi Final 2 - Flames (5) v Phantoms (1)
Another one sided season split, but im sure I said that talking about the Phantoms/Slough quarter last week and look what good that did! The Flames are the obvious favorites here, but playoff hockey......etc....you get my drift! This could be a classic game of the irresistible force (Flames offence) meets the immovable object (Phantoms defence). In their pair of games against Slough the Phantoms have shown they can get the job done in difficult circumstances and, while the Flames have been to Coventry before, the Phantoms have won it all in the past and could well have a large portion of the SkyDome backing them! The Phantoms have to play their best, anything less and the Flames will walk it. For the Flames they must guard against complacency, their extra firepower is not going to guarantee them passage to the final. While I would hope (selfishly) for a Phoenix/Phantoms final, I think the Flames will win it. If they can score early they will but, the longer the Phantoms frustrate the Flames, the more I see the Phantoms make it!
Prediction: Flames to have just a bit too much in the end!
The Final - Phoenix (2) v Flames (4)
1st v 2nd, a Phoenix battling the Flames, any more? This is the final I can see, and will probably be the final that we wont see now ive said all the above! Haha! The season split has the nod going towards the Flames, but the Phoenix do have the strength in depth to deal with the Flames and could well win the game. The key will come down to the defence for the Phoenix. If the D help out Steve Fone, and Fone is in top form the Phoenix will win. But if they make any mistakes the Flames will capitalize plus, in Nathan Rempel they have a guy who loves playing the Phoenix! So in terms of a prediction, my heart wants to go for a Phoenix win, but my head thinks the Flames may just do it! They have the added incentive of wanting to finish a superb season with something to show for it, and to banish past losses in Coventry. It will be close, it will be tense, but maybe the big bucks may finally pay for the Flames!
Prediction: Flames to take it in a close one!
So there you have it, a Phoenix fan who things his team wont win it! Im either mad, or keeping my expectations low so a loss wont hurt as much, or a win will feel that much better! Of course all my predictions above could be wrong, lets face it I was 50% in the last round. So, below are the other possible final combinations:
Lightning v Flames
Lightning v Phantoms
Looking at either of those combinations I would pick the Flames against the Lightning based on their excellent run of form going into the playoffs, then I would pick the Lightning in a final against the Phantoms. The Phantoms have great defence, but I just think the Lightning pack the better offensive punch to step up in big games!
Phoenix TV, Steeldogs quarters
Monday, 4 April 2011
Playoff Quarter Final 2nd Leg - 3rd April Game Review
After a league title comes the hangover?
The Phoenix had the difficult task of re-focussing their efforts towards a possible EPL playoff final push, standing in their way was the not so insignificant spectre of Andre Payette and the Sheffield Steeldogs. Since Payette has taken over the Steeldogs have added more than a measure of...errr....steel? Prior to his arrival the Steeldogs would play hockey, and more often than not a comfortable win would be secured. However today they have added a whole new physical element to their game, with more than a helping of dodgy/illegal play to boot! For the Phoenix it has been very good at disrupting our usual style of play, the Phoenix have still been able to win, but it usually comes at a cost, with the Phoenix picking up a fair few injuries as a result of some questionable play by the Steeldogs!
Saturday's away trip to Sheffield saw a massive contingent of Phoenix fans head across the pennines, for me the key would be to stay healthy and keep the scores close. Well the Phoenix had other ideas, and skated out of Ice Sheffield with a 6-2 victory. Helped by Payette getting himself thrown out the game with a match penalty to boot. Meaning he would miss sunday's 2nd leg in Altrincham.
So the Phoenix faithful filled the Altrincham Ice Dome for one last time in the 2010-11 season to cheer on the guys to their second successive Coventry appearance. The Phoenix at full strength, the Steeldogs minus Payette!
First Period: With a 4 goal cushion from the first leg the Phoenix had to keep calm and nullify the Steeldogs offence. They had to look after Ozonlins and deal with the physical play, a task the Phoenix did very well during the opening 20 minutes. The Phoenix created most of the chances in the opening session, and the first goal would come for the Phoenix on the powerplay. At 13min 13sec the puck was cycled round to Tony Hand who stepped in off the blue line and, with no options, blasted a slap shot past Ben Bowns in goal. The man can shoot! James Archer doubled the advantage less than a minute later at 14min 01sec. After that, with the aggregate scores at 8-2 the game was done and dusted. So far Sharp had not been given any ice time, but his presence was enough to keep messers Grundmanis/Bebris quiet all game!
Second Period: Not alot happened in the second period, as the game wad done the Phoenix eased off and just kept the Steeldogs chances to the minimum. Tony Hand had changed into his civvies and was coaching from the bench for the period.
Third Period: With Tony Hand on the bench, and Kristoffersson taking an early night watching from the stands the Phoenix were not taking any risks. Even Sharp was rested, more needed in Coventry than getting a needless game/match penalty in this game! With the game won and progress assured the Phoenix eased up, it was perhaps down to this the Steeldogs got on the board. Their first of the night coming after 42minutes, I must apologise I didn't catch the scorer! At 44min 33sec Huppe stepped up to restore the Phoenix 2 goal lead making it 3-1 Phoenix. Wallace scored next with some superb play from the second line he just about forced the puck over the line at 48min 07sec. As the game wound down the Steeldogs would score the final goal of the game at 52min 44sec through Phoenix old boy Ryan Johnson. Thankful an upset was avoided the game ended 4-2 Phoenix and 10-4 on aggregate.
Verdict: A very tricky pair of games negotiated comfortably and professionally. The Phoenix dealt well with the Steeldogs play and closed out the series in fine style. Sheffield could have done better, but their player coach did it for them, getting thrown out in the first game. Im more happy that the Phoenix have come out the weekend with no serious injuries and, bar a few nocks, head to Coventry at full strength!
Attendance: A good crowd in the Dome, i'd guess around 1,000.
Phoenix 4 Sheffield 2 - MEN Article
Kristoffersson Eyes a Double - CB Sport
Phoenix 4 Sheffield - CB Sport
The Phoenix had the difficult task of re-focussing their efforts towards a possible EPL playoff final push, standing in their way was the not so insignificant spectre of Andre Payette and the Sheffield Steeldogs. Since Payette has taken over the Steeldogs have added more than a measure of...errr....steel? Prior to his arrival the Steeldogs would play hockey, and more often than not a comfortable win would be secured. However today they have added a whole new physical element to their game, with more than a helping of dodgy/illegal play to boot! For the Phoenix it has been very good at disrupting our usual style of play, the Phoenix have still been able to win, but it usually comes at a cost, with the Phoenix picking up a fair few injuries as a result of some questionable play by the Steeldogs!
Saturday's away trip to Sheffield saw a massive contingent of Phoenix fans head across the pennines, for me the key would be to stay healthy and keep the scores close. Well the Phoenix had other ideas, and skated out of Ice Sheffield with a 6-2 victory. Helped by Payette getting himself thrown out the game with a match penalty to boot. Meaning he would miss sunday's 2nd leg in Altrincham.
So the Phoenix faithful filled the Altrincham Ice Dome for one last time in the 2010-11 season to cheer on the guys to their second successive Coventry appearance. The Phoenix at full strength, the Steeldogs minus Payette!
First Period: With a 4 goal cushion from the first leg the Phoenix had to keep calm and nullify the Steeldogs offence. They had to look after Ozonlins and deal with the physical play, a task the Phoenix did very well during the opening 20 minutes. The Phoenix created most of the chances in the opening session, and the first goal would come for the Phoenix on the powerplay. At 13min 13sec the puck was cycled round to Tony Hand who stepped in off the blue line and, with no options, blasted a slap shot past Ben Bowns in goal. The man can shoot! James Archer doubled the advantage less than a minute later at 14min 01sec. After that, with the aggregate scores at 8-2 the game was done and dusted. So far Sharp had not been given any ice time, but his presence was enough to keep messers Grundmanis/Bebris quiet all game!
Second Period: Not alot happened in the second period, as the game wad done the Phoenix eased off and just kept the Steeldogs chances to the minimum. Tony Hand had changed into his civvies and was coaching from the bench for the period.
Third Period: With Tony Hand on the bench, and Kristoffersson taking an early night watching from the stands the Phoenix were not taking any risks. Even Sharp was rested, more needed in Coventry than getting a needless game/match penalty in this game! With the game won and progress assured the Phoenix eased up, it was perhaps down to this the Steeldogs got on the board. Their first of the night coming after 42minutes, I must apologise I didn't catch the scorer! At 44min 33sec Huppe stepped up to restore the Phoenix 2 goal lead making it 3-1 Phoenix. Wallace scored next with some superb play from the second line he just about forced the puck over the line at 48min 07sec. As the game wound down the Steeldogs would score the final goal of the game at 52min 44sec through Phoenix old boy Ryan Johnson. Thankful an upset was avoided the game ended 4-2 Phoenix and 10-4 on aggregate.
Verdict: A very tricky pair of games negotiated comfortably and professionally. The Phoenix dealt well with the Steeldogs play and closed out the series in fine style. Sheffield could have done better, but their player coach did it for them, getting thrown out in the first game. Im more happy that the Phoenix have come out the weekend with no serious injuries and, bar a few nocks, head to Coventry at full strength!
Attendance: A good crowd in the Dome, i'd guess around 1,000.
Phoenix 4 Sheffield 2 - MEN Article
Kristoffersson Eyes a Double - CB Sport
Phoenix 4 Sheffield - CB Sport
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