Phoenix began last weekend with a tough away trip to the Peterborough Phantoms. Over the years the Phoenix have struggled in the hostile atmosphere in Peterborough, this year, that tough away trip is made even harder by a vastly improved Phantoms team. So much so, the Phantoms are riding high in the EPL table as one of those teams leading the charge behind the Telford Tigers. It looked to be a very close game with the game being tied after 65mins of hockey. That left the lottery of shootouts, in which the Phantoms scored the winner to take the extra point.
Phantoms 2 Phoenix 1 APS - Phoenix Article
Taking a point from Peterborough was a good result, now the Phoenix welcomed the MK Lighting to the Ice Dome in the hope of finishing the weekend with 3 points. After a well deserved round of applause for both teams GB u21 representatives the game got underway.
First Period: The game began and the Phoenix went off on the front foot, controlling the puck in the MK zone and cycling the puck. The early pressure told and the Phoenix took the lead before 2 minutes had been played. After Kovar and Chamberlain had dug the puck out from behind Wall's net, Kovar passed the puck to the waiting Boothroyd who rifled it past Wall. Giving the home side the lead at 1min 48sec. Despite more pressure, including the games first powerplay, Phoenix could not add to their score. MK are a dangerous team, the first line a particular standout. Blaz Emersic picked up the puck in his own zone, skated the length of the ice with no Phoenix pressure, and put a lovely deak on Ryan to level the scores, goal timed at 11min 57sec. As the period ticketed by the game began to even up and it took a freak turn of events to break the deadlock. After a big scrum in front of the MK net the puck was left free, only for Lewis Christie to put the puck in his own net. As own goals do not count, Bobby Chamberlain was credited with the goal, timed 19min 22sec.
Second Period: Despite the score it was an even game, MK showed that when, just 50sec into the second period, Emersic scored a carbon copy of his first goal. Again, coast to coast with little disruption he levelled the score at 20min 50sec. The period settled down for the next few minutes until the turn of the period. James Archer took a penalty which brought out the Phoenix penalty kill unit. It was on the penalty kill when, the Phoenix took the lead. Graham and Thomspon had worked hard to turn over the puck and their clearance found Kovar free on the wing, who's quick turn and shot beat Wall and put the Phoenix ahead, timed at 31min 45sec. The Phoenix special teams, in this second period, would win the game as it turns out. Two goals from Adam Walker, both of which were on the powerplay in the last 6/7 minutes put the Phoenix into a commanding lead. Walker's two PP efforts timed at 34min 16sec and 38min 26sec included a lovely toe drag and deak, one really worth watching Phoenix TV for!
Third Period: The early stages of the third period saw the Phoenix controlling the game comfortably, the stuffing seemingly knocked out of MK. Throughout the first 10 minutes a number of MK players, especially Jamieson, looked to be getting quite worked up and frustrated. In some ways that frustration helped and MK did find the net once more. That man Jamieson was the guy who got it, scoring MK's 3rd goal at 42min 53sec. Despite the goal no further makers were added and the game ended 5-3 Phoenix.
Verdict: A real solid win for the Phoenix, MK proved a tough test but the Phoenix special teams won the game in that second period burst. A perfect treat for Christmas and a vital 3 point weekend which helps the Phoenix climb the table.
Attendance: Slightly down on normal but, that's probably the effect of the holiday season. I will guess at 900 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 5 MK 3 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix TV:
Showing posts with label Blaz Emersic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blaz Emersic. Show all posts
Monday, 29 December 2014
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Phoenix v Milton Keynes Lightning 13th February Game Review
The Phoenix faced another tough weekend with an away trip to Slough before welcoming the MK Lightning to the Ice Dome. Saturday's away trip, sadly, resulted in a loss for the Phoenix, but it is always tough to go to Slough and get a result. Especially after the Jets signed Adam Calder, one of the best imports to play in the EPL. Next up on the tough weekend were the Lightning, another tough team to play. With the arrival of Emersic they are a potent offensive team!
The Phoenix would be without Harabin for the game as he suffered a horrible slash to the wrist which has left him in hospital for the past few days requiring surgary. Latest I heard was positive though! MK were without Nick Pooleas Kalgoum had returned from injury MK had to rest their 5th import.
First Period: Fans used to Phoenix/MK games will know they are always entertaining affairs, this one would not dissapoint. Both teams played hard from the first puck drop. The Phoenix made a good start when Tony Hand was found on the back post to score after 3min 28sec. Really chuffed with the early goal as Barry Hollyhead has single handedly denied the Phoenix on numerous occasions! Things would get better for the Phoenix at 14min 25sec when Huppe crashed the net and scored from his own rebound. The first period ended with delight for Phoenix fans as their team was, deservedly, ahead 2 goals to 0.
Second Period: More of the same during this session, both teams playing hard, but the Phoenix doing very well in keeping the MK offence quiet. In fact it took until the last minute of the first period before I notcied Emersic on the ice. This guys usually tears us apart, so that was a good thing! Anyway the Phoenix went on the powerplay early in the second and Huppe got his second of the night after 35min 35sec. The game looked to be tied up when Kristoffersson scored with just 45sec left in the period. The score now 4-0 Phoenix.
Third Period: Things got better for the Phoenix when James Neil stepped up and got a goal for the hard working third line. It was att his point that the Phoenix seemed to take their foot off the gas and get into a little penalty trouble. Though, having said that, ref Wardell had a mare! MK got themselves on the board at 46min 47sec when Emersic took advantage of a blatant hook on a Phoenix player to score an odd man rush. The Lightning then closed the game right up and made every Phoenix fan tense when they then scored three goals in about 4 minutes. Their second came on the PP through Kalgoum timed at 51min 38sec, their third then followed at 53min 34sec, and their fourth a penalty shot goal at 55min 55sec through Adam Carr. Im in two minds about the penalty shot, Ben Morgan was the last defender and dived for the puck, im sure he got it, but he got a big piece of Carr who went down. Wardell did not call it initially but after discussions with his fellow linesmen he did. Despite this the Phoenix were able to pick themselves up, survive the late pressure, and close out the win, 5-4.
Verdict: A good performance from the Phoenix, well for the first 50mins of it! for some reason going 5-0 they just switched off. Against an offence like MK's, not a wise thing to do! Im pleased it was another good performance from the boys, they really are clicking now, and Fone in net was superb! MK put up a good fight, but I though lacked a spark with Poole not icing. Given he is their Tony Hand, all their creativity comes through him, and it showed MK lacked a little without him. What made the win sweeter was the Flames loosing at home to Slough. Thus restoring the Phoenix 6 point lead at the top.
Attendance: A good crowd in the Dome, ill say it must have been around 1,100
Phoenix 5 MK 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 5 MK 4 - CB Sport Article
The Phoenix would be without Harabin for the game as he suffered a horrible slash to the wrist which has left him in hospital for the past few days requiring surgary. Latest I heard was positive though! MK were without Nick Pooleas Kalgoum had returned from injury MK had to rest their 5th import.
First Period: Fans used to Phoenix/MK games will know they are always entertaining affairs, this one would not dissapoint. Both teams played hard from the first puck drop. The Phoenix made a good start when Tony Hand was found on the back post to score after 3min 28sec. Really chuffed with the early goal as Barry Hollyhead has single handedly denied the Phoenix on numerous occasions! Things would get better for the Phoenix at 14min 25sec when Huppe crashed the net and scored from his own rebound. The first period ended with delight for Phoenix fans as their team was, deservedly, ahead 2 goals to 0.
Second Period: More of the same during this session, both teams playing hard, but the Phoenix doing very well in keeping the MK offence quiet. In fact it took until the last minute of the first period before I notcied Emersic on the ice. This guys usually tears us apart, so that was a good thing! Anyway the Phoenix went on the powerplay early in the second and Huppe got his second of the night after 35min 35sec. The game looked to be tied up when Kristoffersson scored with just 45sec left in the period. The score now 4-0 Phoenix.
Third Period: Things got better for the Phoenix when James Neil stepped up and got a goal for the hard working third line. It was att his point that the Phoenix seemed to take their foot off the gas and get into a little penalty trouble. Though, having said that, ref Wardell had a mare! MK got themselves on the board at 46min 47sec when Emersic took advantage of a blatant hook on a Phoenix player to score an odd man rush. The Lightning then closed the game right up and made every Phoenix fan tense when they then scored three goals in about 4 minutes. Their second came on the PP through Kalgoum timed at 51min 38sec, their third then followed at 53min 34sec, and their fourth a penalty shot goal at 55min 55sec through Adam Carr. Im in two minds about the penalty shot, Ben Morgan was the last defender and dived for the puck, im sure he got it, but he got a big piece of Carr who went down. Wardell did not call it initially but after discussions with his fellow linesmen he did. Despite this the Phoenix were able to pick themselves up, survive the late pressure, and close out the win, 5-4.
Verdict: A good performance from the Phoenix, well for the first 50mins of it! for some reason going 5-0 they just switched off. Against an offence like MK's, not a wise thing to do! Im pleased it was another good performance from the boys, they really are clicking now, and Fone in net was superb! MK put up a good fight, but I though lacked a spark with Poole not icing. Given he is their Tony Hand, all their creativity comes through him, and it showed MK lacked a little without him. What made the win sweeter was the Flames loosing at home to Slough. Thus restoring the Phoenix 6 point lead at the top.
Attendance: A good crowd in the Dome, ill say it must have been around 1,100
Phoenix 5 MK 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 5 MK 4 - CB Sport Article
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Phoenix v Slough Jets 28th February Game Review
It was with some worry The Angry Budgie headed back up the M1 and M6 to Altrincham for the home game against the Jets. The Jets are a team that has had the better of the Phoenix all season, bar one game, and given the hammering handed out by the Lightning saturday night my optimism was not high! The one bright light for the Phoenix would be the welcome return of Jaakko Hagelberg. Hopefully this would breath some much needed life into the Phoenix ranks.
First Period: Phew, the good Phoenix team turned up! It was clear from the off that Ton had drilled the guys hard. Given various match night comments it seems the team have had to sit through a number of video nasty sessions! While the Phoenix were not blemish free, their play was much better. More connected and some ideas being worked out on the ice. The Phoenix were finally creating chances! Not quite finishing them off, but creating chances!! Despite this Slough were first to score in the game, after just 4min 50sec Peter Poljacek scored. Thankfully Phoenix heads did not sink, and they kept plugging away. Sadly Slough would get their second on the powerplay, the excellent Blaz Emersic scoring after 15min 04sec. Phoenix efforts would be finally rewarded when Adam Walker got them on the board after 17min 32sec. The Ice Dome heaving a big sigh of relief!
Second Period: The Phoenix did not capitulate and carried on the form from the first period. More chances created and some energy out on the ice. With a big powerplay opportunity at the start of the second the Phoenix pressed hard. Adam Walker would step up and score the game tie'ing goal. Just 24sec into the second period! There would be no further goals in the period as both teams cancelled each other out.
Third Period: A few careless mistakes began to work their way into the Phoenix play in the last 20mins. This period would see the Jets take a commanding lead, one that they would not relinquish. The Jets would take the game in a frantic 1min 40sec period, with goals including another breakaway goal. Those type of goals seeming to be typical of th Phoenix at the moment. The Jets go ahead goal came at 43min 04sec when Ciaran Long score, then at 44min 47sec Andrew Monroe secured the points for the Jets.
Verdict: Disappointing to loose the game after the Phoenix performance in the first two periods. However as we all know hockey is a 60min game! The Phoenix have improved alot, however need to concentrate full the full 60min to really motor on. But lets not get too depressed, there were signs of life from the Phoenix. Hagelberg's return proving to be a big factor, and Ben Wood impressing again with his extra ice time. It seems returning him to his more natural defensive position has done wonders!
Attendance: Despite the Phoenix poor form, and the big loss in MK the previous night it wasn't too bad in terms of attendance.1,120 souls inside the Ice Dome.
Phoenix TV highlights:
Phoenix 2 Slough 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 2 Slough 4 - MEN Article
First Period: Phew, the good Phoenix team turned up! It was clear from the off that Ton had drilled the guys hard. Given various match night comments it seems the team have had to sit through a number of video nasty sessions! While the Phoenix were not blemish free, their play was much better. More connected and some ideas being worked out on the ice. The Phoenix were finally creating chances! Not quite finishing them off, but creating chances!! Despite this Slough were first to score in the game, after just 4min 50sec Peter Poljacek scored. Thankfully Phoenix heads did not sink, and they kept plugging away. Sadly Slough would get their second on the powerplay, the excellent Blaz Emersic scoring after 15min 04sec. Phoenix efforts would be finally rewarded when Adam Walker got them on the board after 17min 32sec. The Ice Dome heaving a big sigh of relief!
Second Period: The Phoenix did not capitulate and carried on the form from the first period. More chances created and some energy out on the ice. With a big powerplay opportunity at the start of the second the Phoenix pressed hard. Adam Walker would step up and score the game tie'ing goal. Just 24sec into the second period! There would be no further goals in the period as both teams cancelled each other out.
Third Period: A few careless mistakes began to work their way into the Phoenix play in the last 20mins. This period would see the Jets take a commanding lead, one that they would not relinquish. The Jets would take the game in a frantic 1min 40sec period, with goals including another breakaway goal. Those type of goals seeming to be typical of th Phoenix at the moment. The Jets go ahead goal came at 43min 04sec when Ciaran Long score, then at 44min 47sec Andrew Monroe secured the points for the Jets.
Verdict: Disappointing to loose the game after the Phoenix performance in the first two periods. However as we all know hockey is a 60min game! The Phoenix have improved alot, however need to concentrate full the full 60min to really motor on. But lets not get too depressed, there were signs of life from the Phoenix. Hagelberg's return proving to be a big factor, and Ben Wood impressing again with his extra ice time. It seems returning him to his more natural defensive position has done wonders!
Attendance: Despite the Phoenix poor form, and the big loss in MK the previous night it wasn't too bad in terms of attendance.1,120 souls inside the Ice Dome.
Phoenix TV highlights:
Phoenix 2 Slough 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 2 Slough 4 - MEN Article
Monday, 4 January 2010
Phoenix v Slough Jets 3rd January Game Review
Crikey it seems like ages since the last Phoenix game! With the Sheffield game being cancelled the week before Christmas, and no games until the new year it was a good layoff for the Phoenix. Thankfully coming into the Slough game the Phoenix welcomed back the 4 players lost to Great Britain and Steve Fone was back between the pipes. Sadly Courtenay was missing due to urgent family commitments in North America, but other than that, at full strength.
More snow and ice greeted both sets of fans and another cold night in the Ice Dome would see the Phoenix try and record their first victory against the Scimitars this season.
First Period: With that fact in mind the Phoenix made the best possible start they could have made. With just 37 seconds on the clock Tony Hand broke down the wing and slid the puck across to Walker who slotted home in the open net. It got better for the Phoenix support when after 1min 42sec Ian Bowie deflected a Greg Wood shot to double the lead. The game continued at pace with both sides creating many chances and, certainly in the case of the Phoenix, some early defensive wobbles. The Jets would not allow the Phoenix to have it all their own way and before the 5min mark halved the deficit. Blaz Emersic would get his first, of many, goals of the night at 4min 05sec. There were no further goals in the period, but worryingly for the Phoenix, some questionable reffing! To have a chance in the game the Phoenix would have to stay out the box!
Second Period: Crikey it all went off in the second period! In a 6 goal thriller Slough would take the game by the scruff of the neck! It would be the Phoenix to score first, with Tony Hand netting after just 1min 42sec of the re-start. That man Blaz Emersic would score again after 28min 12sec to reduce the deficit to one goal. The Jets pressure would payoff when at 33min 51sec Emersic popped up and grabbed his hatrick. Mr Hand would restore the Phoenix lead about a minute later and continue the back and forth wing of the game. The Jets then delivered a sucker punch to the Phoenix and scored two goals in 27sec in the final minutes of the period. Dan Davies first at 38min 11sec then Emersic again at 38min 38sec. The Phoenix went off the ice stunned and quite thankful for the break.
Third Period: With the scores at 5-4 to Slough the game was not out of the Phoenix' reach and some disciplined play would help. Sadly it seemed the Phoenix were not able to do so, and Slough extended their lead after 42min through Dan Davies second of the game. The Phoenix continued to press, and live dangerously at the back. Those efforts were rewarded with just about two minutes to go. On the powerplay Adam Walker would score the Phoenix 5th at 57min 56sec. Then, less than a minute later, the Dome erupted when Rob Lachowicz tied the game, sending us into overtime!
Overtime: 4 on 4 hockey, a situation I always think suits the Phoenix. However in a story of the game, the Phoenix struggled. Even going on the powerplay didnt seem to help. With 3min and 29sec of the overtime period gone, the Jets hero Emersic would step up and riffle the puck over Steve Fone's shoulder to grab the extra point.
Verdict: In truth the Phoenix were poor, we ran out of many attacking ideas, and the defence seemed at sea. The Phoenix did well to get a point from the game, and sadly didn't deserve to win! So the wait for the first win against the Jets continues!
Attendance: Despite the conditions outside a decent attendance in the Dome! Im going to guess at about 850.
Phoenix TV Highlights:
Phoenix 7 Slough 6 - MEN Article
More snow and ice greeted both sets of fans and another cold night in the Ice Dome would see the Phoenix try and record their first victory against the Scimitars this season.
First Period: With that fact in mind the Phoenix made the best possible start they could have made. With just 37 seconds on the clock Tony Hand broke down the wing and slid the puck across to Walker who slotted home in the open net. It got better for the Phoenix support when after 1min 42sec Ian Bowie deflected a Greg Wood shot to double the lead. The game continued at pace with both sides creating many chances and, certainly in the case of the Phoenix, some early defensive wobbles. The Jets would not allow the Phoenix to have it all their own way and before the 5min mark halved the deficit. Blaz Emersic would get his first, of many, goals of the night at 4min 05sec. There were no further goals in the period, but worryingly for the Phoenix, some questionable reffing! To have a chance in the game the Phoenix would have to stay out the box!
Second Period: Crikey it all went off in the second period! In a 6 goal thriller Slough would take the game by the scruff of the neck! It would be the Phoenix to score first, with Tony Hand netting after just 1min 42sec of the re-start. That man Blaz Emersic would score again after 28min 12sec to reduce the deficit to one goal. The Jets pressure would payoff when at 33min 51sec Emersic popped up and grabbed his hatrick. Mr Hand would restore the Phoenix lead about a minute later and continue the back and forth wing of the game. The Jets then delivered a sucker punch to the Phoenix and scored two goals in 27sec in the final minutes of the period. Dan Davies first at 38min 11sec then Emersic again at 38min 38sec. The Phoenix went off the ice stunned and quite thankful for the break.
Third Period: With the scores at 5-4 to Slough the game was not out of the Phoenix' reach and some disciplined play would help. Sadly it seemed the Phoenix were not able to do so, and Slough extended their lead after 42min through Dan Davies second of the game. The Phoenix continued to press, and live dangerously at the back. Those efforts were rewarded with just about two minutes to go. On the powerplay Adam Walker would score the Phoenix 5th at 57min 56sec. Then, less than a minute later, the Dome erupted when Rob Lachowicz tied the game, sending us into overtime!
Overtime: 4 on 4 hockey, a situation I always think suits the Phoenix. However in a story of the game, the Phoenix struggled. Even going on the powerplay didnt seem to help. With 3min and 29sec of the overtime period gone, the Jets hero Emersic would step up and riffle the puck over Steve Fone's shoulder to grab the extra point.
Verdict: In truth the Phoenix were poor, we ran out of many attacking ideas, and the defence seemed at sea. The Phoenix did well to get a point from the game, and sadly didn't deserve to win! So the wait for the first win against the Jets continues!
Attendance: Despite the conditions outside a decent attendance in the Dome! Im going to guess at about 850.
Phoenix TV Highlights:
Phoenix 7 Slough 6 - MEN Article
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