That's it then, the EPL season has begun! A tough opening for the Phoenix with an away trip to the hangar in Slough before facing a much improved Bison team in Altrincham sunday night. The Phoenix set off for the south on saturday for the first league game against the Jet's, and what an opener with the Phoenix taking it 5-3. In fact the Phoenix were 4-0 up after the first period, but then lifted off the gas to allow the Jet's slowly back into the game. Going into the last 10 minutes the Jets were within one goal before Faith scored the empty netter and bag the points with the win.
So, one game, two points, with the Bison in Altrincham could the Phoenix make it a four point weekend. Going into the Ice Dome I was positive, not confident mind, as the Bison had a fantastic pre-season with a pair of wins over the Flames. This would be a tougher game than against the Steeldogs!
First Period: The Bison began strong, working hard and bringing a very physical game to the ice. Moria had devised a game plan and the Bison were executing it perfectly. The Bison had the early edge but the Phoenix were not silenced and could well have been 4 or 5 goals up were it not for Matt Colclough in goal. Even so the Phoenix were looking shaky in defence, and it would be defensive mistakes that would cost them badly. The first goal came for the Bison when the Phoenix lost possession in the Bison zone, only to be caught on the break and Heron scoring after 6min 51sec. The Phoenix hit back and brought themselves level when Martin Cingel scored after 14min 42sec. That joy was short lived as the Bison scored again just 22sec later. Ex Phoenix Joe Miller picked up a clearance by Fone and with Steve backtracking into his net deaked the puck easily round Fone to slot into an empty net. Another defense fail followed while the Phoenix were on the powerplay, the Phoenix gave up a shorthanded goal to Marek Dubec with less than two minutes to go, the goal coming at 18min 23sec. First period, 3-1 to the Bison was possibly a little harsh, other than the defensive fails that lead to the Bison goals, the Phoenix were not outdone after the first 20minutes.
Second Period: The Phoenix made the best possible start when Wallace scored just 45sec into the period, reducing the deficit to 1 goal. The Phoenix looked a little sharper in this period, the defence was working hard and the Phoenix continued to put pressure on Colclough in the Bison net. The Phoenix managed to level the game towards the end of the second period when, Wallace, again stepped up and scored, that goal timed at 37min 03sec. A few more smiling faces in the stands as the buzzer sounded!
Third Period: Those positive vibes would be tested once more when Miller came back to haunt the Phoenix once more, putting the Bison ahead at 42min 07sec. As the Bison continued their game plan it was looking tough for the Phoenix. Even though they had hauled themselves back into the game before it was not given they would do it again. The Phoenix would manage it once more, on the powerplay no less! The PP has not started well this season, but that's an argument for another day! With the man advantage Cingel scored the game leveling goal at 43min 57sec and the Dome erupted. The period ended and the game went to OT. A good result for both sides as they both deserved at least a point from the game!
Overtime: Well it was a short lived OT session! After the opening faceoff the Phoenix pushed the puck into the Bison zone and managed to get a face off. Mr Hand and Mr Moria greeted each other at the faceoff, combined age.....(insert your own joke here) what followed was joy for the Phoenix but gutting for Colclough. As the puck dropped Moria and Hand clashed, the result of which saw the puck bobble at speed towards the goal and through Matt's legs giving the win to the Phoenix. Now I am delighted the Phoenix won, but I did feel gutted for Colclough, he had been stellar in goal, it was a freakish goal really. One he cannot let get him down! He is a fine keeper!
Verdict: A tough game for the Phoenix as they faced a much sterner examination than against the Steeldogs. The Bison brought skill, physicality and a game plan to Altrincham. I am just chuffed the Phoenix were still able to soak it up and grind out the win....with a little luck and fortune it must be said! For any Bison fan reading, you have a good looking team! One I think will challenge for the EPL title, if not the league you will win something this year! This game was another great entry into the Bison/Phoenix rivalry, a rivaly which is based on great hockey! As for the Phoenix, the signs are good. Not at their best and yet a four point weekend was still secured. Possibly the biggest positive so far has been our secondary scoring, so far our second and third lines have shone. Once the first line gets going we will have a formidable offence on our books!
Attendance: A good crowd in the Dome making lots of noise as usual, i'd guess at around 1,100 to 1,200 in the Dome.
Phoenix 5 Bison 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 5 Bison 4 - CB Sport
Phoenix 5 Bison 4 - Bison Article
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Phoenix Coyotes 2011 Fixtures
As the NHL regular season is 82 games long I have decided to split this post in two! Today's post is the Coyotes fixture list for 2011. The Coyotes open their 2011/12 account with three games on the road before returning to the desert for a three game stand, starting with the return of the Winnepeg Jets, the spiritual father's of the Coyotes. That could well be a game not to miss! Not surprisingly it is scheduled to be broadcast on CBC!
October
8th @ Sharks
10th @ Stars
13th @ Predators
15th V Jets
18th V Blackhawks
20th V Kings
23rd @ Ducks
25th V Stars
27th V Devils
29th V Kings
November
2nd @ Avalanche
3rd V Predators
5th V Oilers
10th V Canadiens
12th @ Sharks
15th @ Maple Leafs
17th @ Flyers
19th @ Sabres
21st @ Capitals
23rd V Ducks
25th V Canucks
26th V Stars
29th @ Blackhawks
December
1st @ Jets
3rd V Flyers
5th @ Blackhawks
6th @ Predators
8th @ Red Wings
10th V Wild
14th @ Ducks
15th V Oilers
17th V Rangers
20th @ Panthers
21st @ Hurricanes
23rd V Blues
26th @ Kings
28th V Bruins
29th @ Avalanche
31st @ Wild
That's the 2011 list, next up, the 2012 list and the road to the postseason.
October
8th @ Sharks
10th @ Stars
13th @ Predators
15th V Jets
18th V Blackhawks
20th V Kings
23rd @ Ducks
25th V Stars
27th V Devils
29th V Kings
November
2nd @ Avalanche
3rd V Predators
5th V Oilers
10th V Canadiens
12th @ Sharks
15th @ Maple Leafs
17th @ Flyers
19th @ Sabres
21st @ Capitals
23rd V Ducks
25th V Canucks
26th V Stars
29th @ Blackhawks
December
1st @ Jets
3rd V Flyers
5th @ Blackhawks
6th @ Predators
8th @ Red Wings
10th V Wild
14th @ Ducks
15th V Oilers
17th V Rangers
20th @ Panthers
21st @ Hurricanes
23rd V Blues
26th @ Kings
28th V Bruins
29th @ Avalanche
31st @ Wild
That's the 2011 list, next up, the 2012 list and the road to the postseason.
Monday, 19 September 2011
Phoenix v Sheffield Steeldogs18th September Game Review - War of the Roses
The morning after the night before! The hockey season has well and truly begun! As is customary the Phoenix took on the Sheffield Steeldogs for the 'War of the Roses Cup' the now annual cross Pennine competition. This year would be different though, the Steeldogs have added a number of ex Phoenix players and have had a more extensive pre-season than the Phoenix. The team from Ice Sheffield had enjoyed games against Hull and the Steelers in addition to a hard training regime. The Phoenix had only been together a couple of days prior to leg one in Sheffield, so going into that game I would have been happy with a tied result or maybe a one or two goal deficit. Despite their head start I still thought the Phoenix would have enough quality over 6 periods to win.
So the usual crowd headed across to Sheffield to watch an entertaining game, filled with the usual physicality and controversy. After leaping to a 3-0 lead the Phoenix were able to fight back and took a 4-4 tie at the end of the first leg. This included an injury to Ciaran Long, and a bad slash to Harabin's arm. The incident with Long was the result of a knee from Gomeniuk which saw him assessed with a match penalty.
Sheffield 4 - 4 Phoenix - Phoenix View
Sheffield 4 - 4 Phoenix - Sheffield View
In the fading summer sun a bumper crowd packed out the Ice Dome sunday night ready to welcome the Phoenix onto home ice for the first time this season. Inside old acquaintances were renewed and old seats dusted off, everyone settled in for a cracking nights hockey.
First Period: With their extra on ice practice the Steeldogs started quickly and impressively, moving the puck quickly and giving the Phoenix a few defensive headaches! Ozonlins looking as good as before, Payette being his usual self and Morgan solid in defence. Greg Wood, captain of the Steeldogs, has seemingly morphed into a Payette Jnr unfortunately. Such a shame to see his talent wasted in such a way! The Phoenix looked ok to begin with, passes just missing to begin with and looked a little sloppy in defence, but as time went on both improved. Everyone forced to work hard, the new imports showing glimpses of their class. Bown's in goal was doing his usual one man wall impression, this season will, surely, be his last in the EPL! Fone was also in good form and both teams fought hard but were unable to score.
Second Period: The second continued where the first left off, except this time, the Phoenix were beginning to gel. The passes were sharper and the understanding on defence was getting there. After four minutes the duck was broken and it was the Phoenix who took the lead, after 24min 52sec. Koulikov, who could become my favourite player this season, took the puck up the right wing, turned in and riffled a lovely wrist shot past Ben Bowns and light the goal light. Sheffield called an immediate timeout, and Payette was seen absolutely laying into his Steeldogs players. Now I feel I must stand up for the Steeldogs players at this time. I can understand calling the time out as, the last 10mins of the first period and so far in the second it was clear the Phoenix were taking control. But that was no fault of the Steeldogs, it was just the Phoenix getting better and gelling! So I thought Payette's actions were a little un-called for! The Phoenix doubled their lead 4 minutes later when Faith got his first for the club, scoring at 28min 34sec. The newly bulked up Wallace was next on the scoresheet and gave the Phoenix a comfortable lead at 34min 55sec when he scored. Highlight move of the period which, didnt result in a goal actually, was Hand/Cingel and Faith breaking up ice 3 on 1 onyl to not score, who knows how! The buzzer sounded and capped an excellent period for the Phoenix, not only on the scoreboad, but Steeldogs heads were beginning to loose their cool, Payette and Wood in particular!
Third Period: This truly was an excellent period for the Phoenix, dominating the Steeldogs. At times it was both funny and embarrassing watching Payette loose the plot completely! Sadly for Foney the Steeldogs would break his shutout at score, after the third scrambled net attempt in the period. The Phoenix rode their luck one time too many and Sykes forced the puck through the bodies to reduce the deficit after 46min 22sec. Despite the score the Phoenix continued to dominate and it was no surprise when, with Bowns pulled, the Phoenix broke up ice and, after a few passes, Spelda was given the puck to score the empty netter at 58min 46sec. Capping a momentous day for him, news broke just before faceoff that he became a father for the first time!
Verdict: A great win, cracking atmosphere, the Dome was rocking once again! These games have been a perfect warm up for the league campaign. Early rust was long gone by the time Luke Boothroyd lifted the Roses Cup at the end. The team look to be gelling well, and after a week of training, should be read for the league campaign to begin. The new signing's look solid, and we really don't look to be missing Wood/Morgan and Gomeniuk. I know my good friend over at Banners on the Wall keeps saying that Koulikov is not import quality, but he doesn't have to be! He is a damn fine player in his own right. I think he could really be a star for the Phoenix! Spelda looks solid and intelligent in defence, a real quality partner for Harabin. Cingel looks to be re-establishing his long lost connection with Tony Hand, and Faith could well become one of the best forwards in the EPL. On the podcast Ben mentions his talk with Gomeniuk in the bar, where Pavel thinks the Phoenix have not replaced Kristoffersson. In my mind, we didnt have to! Anyone with a bit of quality on that topline could replace Kristoffersson. In Cingel/Faith I think we have a better first line than last year! There, ive said it!
Attendance: Swelled by a league championship there was a large crowd in the Ice Dome sunday night, i'll guess around 1,400. It sounded it certainly!
Phoenix 4 - 1 Sheffield - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 - 1 Sheffield - Sheffield Article
Phoenix 4 - 1 Sheffield - CB Sport
So the usual crowd headed across to Sheffield to watch an entertaining game, filled with the usual physicality and controversy. After leaping to a 3-0 lead the Phoenix were able to fight back and took a 4-4 tie at the end of the first leg. This included an injury to Ciaran Long, and a bad slash to Harabin's arm. The incident with Long was the result of a knee from Gomeniuk which saw him assessed with a match penalty.
Sheffield 4 - 4 Phoenix - Phoenix View
Sheffield 4 - 4 Phoenix - Sheffield View
In the fading summer sun a bumper crowd packed out the Ice Dome sunday night ready to welcome the Phoenix onto home ice for the first time this season. Inside old acquaintances were renewed and old seats dusted off, everyone settled in for a cracking nights hockey.
First Period: With their extra on ice practice the Steeldogs started quickly and impressively, moving the puck quickly and giving the Phoenix a few defensive headaches! Ozonlins looking as good as before, Payette being his usual self and Morgan solid in defence. Greg Wood, captain of the Steeldogs, has seemingly morphed into a Payette Jnr unfortunately. Such a shame to see his talent wasted in such a way! The Phoenix looked ok to begin with, passes just missing to begin with and looked a little sloppy in defence, but as time went on both improved. Everyone forced to work hard, the new imports showing glimpses of their class. Bown's in goal was doing his usual one man wall impression, this season will, surely, be his last in the EPL! Fone was also in good form and both teams fought hard but were unable to score.
Second Period: The second continued where the first left off, except this time, the Phoenix were beginning to gel. The passes were sharper and the understanding on defence was getting there. After four minutes the duck was broken and it was the Phoenix who took the lead, after 24min 52sec. Koulikov, who could become my favourite player this season, took the puck up the right wing, turned in and riffled a lovely wrist shot past Ben Bowns and light the goal light. Sheffield called an immediate timeout, and Payette was seen absolutely laying into his Steeldogs players. Now I feel I must stand up for the Steeldogs players at this time. I can understand calling the time out as, the last 10mins of the first period and so far in the second it was clear the Phoenix were taking control. But that was no fault of the Steeldogs, it was just the Phoenix getting better and gelling! So I thought Payette's actions were a little un-called for! The Phoenix doubled their lead 4 minutes later when Faith got his first for the club, scoring at 28min 34sec. The newly bulked up Wallace was next on the scoresheet and gave the Phoenix a comfortable lead at 34min 55sec when he scored. Highlight move of the period which, didnt result in a goal actually, was Hand/Cingel and Faith breaking up ice 3 on 1 onyl to not score, who knows how! The buzzer sounded and capped an excellent period for the Phoenix, not only on the scoreboad, but Steeldogs heads were beginning to loose their cool, Payette and Wood in particular!
Third Period: This truly was an excellent period for the Phoenix, dominating the Steeldogs. At times it was both funny and embarrassing watching Payette loose the plot completely! Sadly for Foney the Steeldogs would break his shutout at score, after the third scrambled net attempt in the period. The Phoenix rode their luck one time too many and Sykes forced the puck through the bodies to reduce the deficit after 46min 22sec. Despite the score the Phoenix continued to dominate and it was no surprise when, with Bowns pulled, the Phoenix broke up ice and, after a few passes, Spelda was given the puck to score the empty netter at 58min 46sec. Capping a momentous day for him, news broke just before faceoff that he became a father for the first time!
Verdict: A great win, cracking atmosphere, the Dome was rocking once again! These games have been a perfect warm up for the league campaign. Early rust was long gone by the time Luke Boothroyd lifted the Roses Cup at the end. The team look to be gelling well, and after a week of training, should be read for the league campaign to begin. The new signing's look solid, and we really don't look to be missing Wood/Morgan and Gomeniuk. I know my good friend over at Banners on the Wall keeps saying that Koulikov is not import quality, but he doesn't have to be! He is a damn fine player in his own right. I think he could really be a star for the Phoenix! Spelda looks solid and intelligent in defence, a real quality partner for Harabin. Cingel looks to be re-establishing his long lost connection with Tony Hand, and Faith could well become one of the best forwards in the EPL. On the podcast Ben mentions his talk with Gomeniuk in the bar, where Pavel thinks the Phoenix have not replaced Kristoffersson. In my mind, we didnt have to! Anyone with a bit of quality on that topline could replace Kristoffersson. In Cingel/Faith I think we have a better first line than last year! There, ive said it!
Attendance: Swelled by a league championship there was a large crowd in the Ice Dome sunday night, i'll guess around 1,400. It sounded it certainly!
Phoenix 4 - 1 Sheffield - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 - 1 Sheffield - Sheffield Article
Phoenix 4 - 1 Sheffield - CB Sport
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
The Road to Glory......(Hopefully!)
After much confusion, and after certain websites jumping the gun, the official EPL fixture list has been agreed and announced. The Manchester Phoenix will begin their title defence with a tough weekend, facing the Slough Jets on saturday before returning to the Ice Dome to face the Basingstoke Bison. The fixtures have also thrown up a funny last month or so, with the Phoenix having four back to back weekends against the Bracknell Bees, Swindon Wildcats, Telford Tigers and a final weekend against the Peterborough Phantoms.
The Phoenix, as usual, begin their season with a home/away series against the Sheffield Steeldogs for the 'War of the Roses' Cup. There will be added spice this year with the player movements between the clubs!
The Phoenix fixtures in full:
September
24th @ Slough
25th V Basingstoke
October
1st @ MKL
2nd V Swindon
8th V Peterborough
9th @Telford
16th V Slough
22nd @ Swindon
23rd V Bracknell
26th @ Guildford
29th @ Basingstoke
30th V Basingstoke
November
10th V Sheffield
12th V Telford
13th @ Guildford
19th @ Peterborough
20th V Peterborough
26th @ Basingstoke
27th V Slough
December
3rd @ Bracknell
4th V Basingstoke
10th V Guildford
11th @ Peterborough
17th @ Slough
18th V MKL
27th V Sheffield
30th @ MKL
January
2nd V Bracknell
7th @ Slough
8th @ Telford
14th @ Basingstoke
15th V MKL
21st V Guildford
22nd @ Guildford
26th V Sheffield
28th @ Bracknell
February
4th @ MKL
5th V Swindon
11th V Telford
12th @ Sheffield
19th V MKL
25th @Bracknell
26th V Bracknell
March
3rd @ Swindon
4th V Swindon
10th V Telford
11th @ Telford
17th @ Sheffield
18th V Slough
24th @ Swindon
25th V Guildford
31st @ Peterborough
April
1st V Peterborough
March is really a packed full month, the standout fixture for me is the visit of the Guildford Flames to the Ice Dome on the 24th March. If both sides are battling for the title that could be a real decider!
The Phoenix, as usual, begin their season with a home/away series against the Sheffield Steeldogs for the 'War of the Roses' Cup. There will be added spice this year with the player movements between the clubs!
The Phoenix fixtures in full:
September
24th @ Slough
25th V Basingstoke
October
1st @ MKL
2nd V Swindon
8th V Peterborough
9th @Telford
16th V Slough
22nd @ Swindon
23rd V Bracknell
26th @ Guildford
29th @ Basingstoke
30th V Basingstoke
November
10th V Sheffield
12th V Telford
13th @ Guildford
19th @ Peterborough
20th V Peterborough
26th @ Basingstoke
27th V Slough
December
3rd @ Bracknell
4th V Basingstoke
10th V Guildford
11th @ Peterborough
17th @ Slough
18th V MKL
27th V Sheffield
30th @ MKL
January
2nd V Bracknell
7th @ Slough
8th @ Telford
14th @ Basingstoke
15th V MKL
21st V Guildford
22nd @ Guildford
26th V Sheffield
28th @ Bracknell
February
4th @ MKL
5th V Swindon
11th V Telford
12th @ Sheffield
19th V MKL
25th @Bracknell
26th V Bracknell
March
3rd @ Swindon
4th V Swindon
10th V Telford
11th @ Telford
17th @ Sheffield
18th V Slough
24th @ Swindon
25th V Guildford
31st @ Peterborough
April
1st V Peterborough
March is really a packed full month, the standout fixture for me is the visit of the Guildford Flames to the Ice Dome on the 24th March. If both sides are battling for the title that could be a real decider!
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Phoenix Summer Update Number 5
The final piece of the jigsaw has fallen into place, the Phoenix announced their final import slot would be filled on the D by 36 year old Czech Jaroslav Spelda. Spelda joins the Phoenix from Italian side Eppan Appiano, prior to his stint in Italy Jaroslav has spent the majority of his career in the Slovak and Czech Extraliga's, icing over 530 games across both countries.
Being the final player signed in the summer guarantee's he will be amazing! Tony Hand's final signings have a tradition of being some of his best, by all accounts Spelda will be no different. Tall-ish Spelda add's some good size and weight to the Phoenix D line and replace Gomeniuk who departed to Sheffield. I would love to see Spelda and Harabin together on the ice, they would be some immovable wall! However I don't think Tony will pair the two together. Hopefully Spelda will fit in well with the team, given all the Phoenix imports are all from the, former, Czecoslovakia there should be a certain kinship there. Apologise if that thought is wide of the mark, by the way, my history knowledge is a little rusty, the Czech's and the Slovak's may hate each others guts!
With his arrival the Phoenix now have a full roster, I plan on writing a couple of posts about the full squad, you may agree, you will probably disagree, but hey it's all fun!
One final comment, I notice across on the Iceman EPL website the Phoenix have had a few comments regarding Andrew Sharp. These have been comments relating to rumors Sharpy was off to Guildford. Why is everyone interested? Why are the Phoenix even commenting on it? He was only ever signed for one season, so it was never a given that he was returning to the Phoenix. For me, I didn't want Sharpy back, he did a job for us but, as soo many people say you really need point production from every roster spot in the EPL. While Sharp did get the odd point, you did have to worry he was going to get himself thrown out of a game!
Anyway Sharpy has gone back to the LNAH and signed for the, wonderfully named, Thetford Mines Isothermic!
Being the final player signed in the summer guarantee's he will be amazing! Tony Hand's final signings have a tradition of being some of his best, by all accounts Spelda will be no different. Tall-ish Spelda add's some good size and weight to the Phoenix D line and replace Gomeniuk who departed to Sheffield. I would love to see Spelda and Harabin together on the ice, they would be some immovable wall! However I don't think Tony will pair the two together. Hopefully Spelda will fit in well with the team, given all the Phoenix imports are all from the, former, Czecoslovakia there should be a certain kinship there. Apologise if that thought is wide of the mark, by the way, my history knowledge is a little rusty, the Czech's and the Slovak's may hate each others guts!
With his arrival the Phoenix now have a full roster, I plan on writing a couple of posts about the full squad, you may agree, you will probably disagree, but hey it's all fun!
One final comment, I notice across on the Iceman EPL website the Phoenix have had a few comments regarding Andrew Sharp. These have been comments relating to rumors Sharpy was off to Guildford. Why is everyone interested? Why are the Phoenix even commenting on it? He was only ever signed for one season, so it was never a given that he was returning to the Phoenix. For me, I didn't want Sharpy back, he did a job for us but, as soo many people say you really need point production from every roster spot in the EPL. While Sharp did get the odd point, you did have to worry he was going to get himself thrown out of a game!
Anyway Sharpy has gone back to the LNAH and signed for the, wonderfully named, Thetford Mines Isothermic!
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Manchester Phoenix 2011/12 Fixture List
After much confusion, and after certain websites jumping the gun, the official EPL fixture list has been agreed and announced. The Manchester Phoenix will begin their title defence with a tough weekend, facing the Slough Jets on saturday before returning to the Ice Dome to face the Basingstoke Bison. The fixtures have also thrown up a funny last month or so, with the Phoenix having four back to back weekends against the Bracknell Bees, Swindon Wildcats, Telford Tigers and a final weekend against the Peterborough Phantoms.
The Phoenix fixtures in full (subject to the inevitable change!):
September
24th @ Slough
25th V Basingstoke
October
1st @ MKL
2nd V Swindon
8th V Peterborough
9th @Telford
16th V Slough
22nd @ Swindon
23rd V Bracknell
26th @ Guildford
29th @ Basingstoke
30th V Basingstoke
November
10th V Sheffield
12th V Telford
13th @ Guildford
19th @ Peterborough
20th V Peterborough
26th @ Basingstoke
27th V Slough
December
3rd @ Bracknell
4th V Basingstoke
10th V Guildford
11th @ Peterborough
17th @ Slough
18th V MKL
27th V Sheffield
30th @ MKL
January
2nd V Bracknell
7th @ Slough
8th @ Telford
14th @ Basingstoke
15th V MKL
21st V Guildford
22nd @ Guildford
26th V Sheffield
28th @ Bracknell
February
4th @ MKL
5th V Swindon
11th V Telford
12th @ Sheffield
19th V MKL
25th @Bracknell
26th V Bracknell
March
3rd @ Swindon
4th V Swindon
10th V Telford
11th @ Telford
17th @ Sheffield
18th V Slough
24th @ Swindon
25th V Guildford
31st @ Peterborough
April
1st V Peterborough
March is really a packed full month, the standout fixture for me is the visit of the Guildford Flames to the Ice Dome on the 24th March. If both sides are battling for the title that could be a real decider!
The Phoenix fixtures in full (subject to the inevitable change!):
September
24th @ Slough
25th V Basingstoke
October
1st @ MKL
2nd V Swindon
8th V Peterborough
9th @Telford
16th V Slough
22nd @ Swindon
23rd V Bracknell
26th @ Guildford
29th @ Basingstoke
30th V Basingstoke
November
10th V Sheffield
12th V Telford
13th @ Guildford
19th @ Peterborough
20th V Peterborough
26th @ Basingstoke
27th V Slough
December
3rd @ Bracknell
4th V Basingstoke
10th V Guildford
11th @ Peterborough
17th @ Slough
18th V MKL
27th V Sheffield
30th @ MKL
January
2nd V Bracknell
7th @ Slough
8th @ Telford
14th @ Basingstoke
15th V MKL
21st V Guildford
22nd @ Guildford
26th V Sheffield
28th @ Bracknell
February
4th @ MKL
5th V Swindon
11th V Telford
12th @ Sheffield
19th V MKL
25th @Bracknell
26th V Bracknell
March
3rd @ Swindon
4th V Swindon
10th V Telford
11th @ Telford
17th @ Sheffield
18th V Slough
24th @ Swindon
25th V Guildford
31st @ Peterborough
April
1st V Peterborough
March is really a packed full month, the standout fixture for me is the visit of the Guildford Flames to the Ice Dome on the 24th March. If both sides are battling for the title that could be a real decider!
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
The Phoenix rises in the Desert
Last season v Detroit
The Coyotes play in the tough Pacific Division in the western conference, and finished tied for second with the Anaheim Ducks 6 points off first place. This meant the Yotes would play, once again, the mighty Detroit Red Wings in the Conference quarter final. The previous meeting between the two sides at this stage saw the Wings prevail 4 games to 3. Sadly this year it was a little one sided with the Wings securing progress through a 4-0 series win. I can't sugar coat it, the Wings won well, and despite two full houses in the desert the Coyotes just couldn't do it. The extra strength in depth on the Wings bench really did it for the Yotes. Despite some outstanding goalkeeping during the regular season, and the same in the post season, Bryzgalov stat's show the cost. A GAA of 2.48 over the regular season versus a GAA of 4.36 in the post season show just how good the Wings were. Not wanting to heap it all on Bryzgalov, the Phoenix top three point scorers in the post season were all showing minus on the ice. Doan/Vrbata and Yandle were -2/-5 and -5 respectively. So the 2010/11 season ended in disappointment, the Yotes didn't deserve a 4-0 whitewash, they deserved something!
Summer murmurings in the Desert
Must of the 2011 summer in Phoenix was spent with the continuing ownership saga, often shrouded in a cloud, much like the regular dust storms that cover Phoenix! Alot of people sounded the death knell for the Coyotes early on in the season, but something was different for me. As covered in my blog post 'Atlanta Thrashoff' there has always been a desire the keep the Coyotes in Phoenix. So it was no surprise to me that the True North organisation moved quickly onto the Atlanta Thrashers. With the NHL running the Coyotes and the City of Glendale backing the club the Phoenix look set to remain in the desert. I was never worried...........much!
Roster Changes
With the club staying in the desert the Coyotes turned their attention to the roster. with Bryzgalov's performances throughout the season and post season attracting attention the Coyotes acted and dealt him to the Philadelphia Flyers, clearing $5.6million of cap space. The Coyotes also got rid of some decent players who I will miss in the desert, mainly Jovanovski, Belanger, Fiddler and Lee Stempniak. On the flip side those departures, amongst others, allowed the Coyotes to make some key signing's and extensions. In comes Raffi Torres from the Vancouver Canucks to add some physicality and aggression, Alexandre Bolduc adds some good two-way skills, Patrick O'Sullivan brings an impressive wrist shot and a point-every other-game type production and in Daymond Langkow the Coyotes have added over 1,000 games of NHL experience to their center position. The other new arrival of note comes in the form of Mike Smith from the Tampa Bay Lightning. I remember watching Smith backstop the Lightning a number of times during the post season just gone. In fact in 3 appearances during the post season Smith had a GAA of 1!
New season hope
With the many new faces the Coyotes acted to re-sign some of their star players. Joining Mike Smith in the goaltending department, with a new contract, is Jason LeBarbera. Often Bryzgalov's understudy, LeBarbera has impressed in his own right. Prior to Smith's arrival I would have had LeBarbera down as the Coyotes started, but im not so sure now! Healthy competition will only help the Coyotes! The next three players are all franchise players in my eyes, three guys who make me think Coyotes. Those are, Radim Vrbata, Lauri Korpikoski and Keith Yandle. Vrbata and Korpikoski are reliable guys who will always put up points. Keith Yandle and Shane Doan are two big stars of the Coyotes franchise, two big earners and two players who will fight to be the franchise top point scorers each season. Yandle at 24 years will become a Phoenix legend. His 5 year $26.5mil contract will ensure he remains in Phoenix and was possible the most important contract signature of the summer.
Shane Doan is someone who amazes me 64 points from 86 games off the blue line are damn impressive numbers, and his 6ft 2in presence makes him an imposing presence on the ice. Having joined the Phoenix in 1995 Doan is the current face of the Coyotes, and a player who has stuck with the Yotes through thick and thin! You don't often get loyalty like that in profession sports anymore!
The Coyotes have a real blend of experience and youth this coming season, and I for one really think the Coyotes can get deeper in the post season this year, even if they meet the Wings!
The Coyotes play in the tough Pacific Division in the western conference, and finished tied for second with the Anaheim Ducks 6 points off first place. This meant the Yotes would play, once again, the mighty Detroit Red Wings in the Conference quarter final. The previous meeting between the two sides at this stage saw the Wings prevail 4 games to 3. Sadly this year it was a little one sided with the Wings securing progress through a 4-0 series win. I can't sugar coat it, the Wings won well, and despite two full houses in the desert the Coyotes just couldn't do it. The extra strength in depth on the Wings bench really did it for the Yotes. Despite some outstanding goalkeeping during the regular season, and the same in the post season, Bryzgalov stat's show the cost. A GAA of 2.48 over the regular season versus a GAA of 4.36 in the post season show just how good the Wings were. Not wanting to heap it all on Bryzgalov, the Phoenix top three point scorers in the post season were all showing minus on the ice. Doan/Vrbata and Yandle were -2/-5 and -5 respectively. So the 2010/11 season ended in disappointment, the Yotes didn't deserve a 4-0 whitewash, they deserved something!
Summer murmurings in the Desert
Must of the 2011 summer in Phoenix was spent with the continuing ownership saga, often shrouded in a cloud, much like the regular dust storms that cover Phoenix! Alot of people sounded the death knell for the Coyotes early on in the season, but something was different for me. As covered in my blog post 'Atlanta Thrashoff' there has always been a desire the keep the Coyotes in Phoenix. So it was no surprise to me that the True North organisation moved quickly onto the Atlanta Thrashers. With the NHL running the Coyotes and the City of Glendale backing the club the Phoenix look set to remain in the desert. I was never worried...........much!
Roster Changes
With the club staying in the desert the Coyotes turned their attention to the roster. with Bryzgalov's performances throughout the season and post season attracting attention the Coyotes acted and dealt him to the Philadelphia Flyers, clearing $5.6million of cap space. The Coyotes also got rid of some decent players who I will miss in the desert, mainly Jovanovski, Belanger, Fiddler and Lee Stempniak. On the flip side those departures, amongst others, allowed the Coyotes to make some key signing's and extensions. In comes Raffi Torres from the Vancouver Canucks to add some physicality and aggression, Alexandre Bolduc adds some good two-way skills, Patrick O'Sullivan brings an impressive wrist shot and a point-every other-game type production and in Daymond Langkow the Coyotes have added over 1,000 games of NHL experience to their center position. The other new arrival of note comes in the form of Mike Smith from the Tampa Bay Lightning. I remember watching Smith backstop the Lightning a number of times during the post season just gone. In fact in 3 appearances during the post season Smith had a GAA of 1!
New season hope
With the many new faces the Coyotes acted to re-sign some of their star players. Joining Mike Smith in the goaltending department, with a new contract, is Jason LeBarbera. Often Bryzgalov's understudy, LeBarbera has impressed in his own right. Prior to Smith's arrival I would have had LeBarbera down as the Coyotes started, but im not so sure now! Healthy competition will only help the Coyotes! The next three players are all franchise players in my eyes, three guys who make me think Coyotes. Those are, Radim Vrbata, Lauri Korpikoski and Keith Yandle. Vrbata and Korpikoski are reliable guys who will always put up points. Keith Yandle and Shane Doan are two big stars of the Coyotes franchise, two big earners and two players who will fight to be the franchise top point scorers each season. Yandle at 24 years will become a Phoenix legend. His 5 year $26.5mil contract will ensure he remains in Phoenix and was possible the most important contract signature of the summer.
Shane Doan is someone who amazes me 64 points from 86 games off the blue line are damn impressive numbers, and his 6ft 2in presence makes him an imposing presence on the ice. Having joined the Phoenix in 1995 Doan is the current face of the Coyotes, and a player who has stuck with the Yotes through thick and thin! You don't often get loyalty like that in profession sports anymore!
The Coyotes have a real blend of experience and youth this coming season, and I for one really think the Coyotes can get deeper in the post season this year, even if they meet the Wings!
Thursday, 1 September 2011
The Dog's of the Desert
coyotes_uk, that's my sign in on so many forums on the internet I really should explain where it came from! Way back when, I was sat in an internet cafe in Wilmslow to set up my first email account. At the time I was still playing hockey, attended games at the old Devonshire Road ice rink in Altrincham and was a Trafford Metro's fan. Players like Oleg Sinkov, Ari-Peka Mikkola, Rick fera, Igor Yurchenko and future Telford Tiger legend Claud Dumas graced the old aircraft hangar ice. I was into hockey, i loved it, the old ice rink in Altrincham had no plexi, just boards and netting. You were really up close with the action and I was converted, a hockey die hard.
At the same time I regularly watched the NHL on the telly and for some, irrational reason, became a fan of the Phoenix Coyotes. I think my affinity with the Yotes as I see my growth in hockey along side the Yotes establishing themselves in the desert, ive almost grown up at the same time as the Coyotes. Thus, being a Coyotes fan living in the UK you can see where my sign in comes from! I really thought long and hard about that one! All that, of course, bears no relation to the naming of this blog, but my love affair with the Yotes continues!
Everyone knows about the current issues regarding the Coyotes and their future, but throughout it all I have never seen any concrete moves to take the Yotes from the desert. The fan support and passion is there, just look at the, now legendary, white out's! Look at the post season atmosphere's in the arena. The fans are there in the desert, they just need to come out a little more often. A while ago I did some stats based on average attendances, and I believe since their inception the Coyotes have always averaged in the bottom 5 in the NHL. I firmly believe the past to season appearance in the post season, and the Coyotes youthful team will help build the fan base. I will be interested to see how attendances go this coming season.
Anyway the 2011/12 season will see a bit more Coyotes coverage on this blog, @theangrybudgie has been getting more coverage and connections with hockey fans in Arizona (thanks to @azvibesports) and as a result a few more hits for the blog. Plus being the Manchester branch of the Coyotes fanclub I feel it is only right to do my bit!
So this is just an introductory blog but I plan on writing a bit more about last season's, now seemingly regular date with the Wings in the postseason. exploits, this summer's fun and the things to look forward to in 2011/12!
Now if the Phoenix ever played Phoenix, I think I would literally explode!
At the same time I regularly watched the NHL on the telly and for some, irrational reason, became a fan of the Phoenix Coyotes. I think my affinity with the Yotes as I see my growth in hockey along side the Yotes establishing themselves in the desert, ive almost grown up at the same time as the Coyotes. Thus, being a Coyotes fan living in the UK you can see where my sign in comes from! I really thought long and hard about that one! All that, of course, bears no relation to the naming of this blog, but my love affair with the Yotes continues!
Everyone knows about the current issues regarding the Coyotes and their future, but throughout it all I have never seen any concrete moves to take the Yotes from the desert. The fan support and passion is there, just look at the, now legendary, white out's! Look at the post season atmosphere's in the arena. The fans are there in the desert, they just need to come out a little more often. A while ago I did some stats based on average attendances, and I believe since their inception the Coyotes have always averaged in the bottom 5 in the NHL. I firmly believe the past to season appearance in the post season, and the Coyotes youthful team will help build the fan base. I will be interested to see how attendances go this coming season.
Anyway the 2011/12 season will see a bit more Coyotes coverage on this blog, @theangrybudgie has been getting more coverage and connections with hockey fans in Arizona (thanks to @azvibesports) and as a result a few more hits for the blog. Plus being the Manchester branch of the Coyotes fanclub I feel it is only right to do my bit!
So this is just an introductory blog but I plan on writing a bit more about last season's, now seemingly regular date with the Wings in the postseason. exploits, this summer's fun and the things to look forward to in 2011/12!
Now if the Phoenix ever played Phoenix, I think I would literally explode!
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