The Angry Budgie Live

Showing posts with label Ian Bowie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ian Bowie. Show all posts

Monday, 5 July 2010

The Phoenix 09/10 Review - The Forwards Part 2

So sorry for the lack of blog type updates, but the hockey off season is a particularly barren period. Also for forgetting to post part two of my forwards review, and now out of sequence! Anyhoo, without much further ado, here is part 2:

Number 14 - Stephen Wallace
The Phoenix shocked most of the EPL when they announced the signing of Stephen Wallace a few months after the start of the season. Coming across from the Sheffield Scimitar's it seemed the Sheffield side wanted to cut some salary from their books and Stephen was the one to go. Ah well, what was the Scimitar's loss was the Phoenix gain. Stephen is a brilliant player, fast, skill full, and a much bigger player than say Rob Lachowicz or Adam Walker. Stephen came in and quickly settled, putting up some decent numbers straight away. Absolutely no complaints from this blogger, I would have Stephen down as one of my 'must re-sign' players from the 09/10 roster.

Number 27 - Ed Courtenay
Possibly the player with the most illustrious CV who has ever taken to the ice in the EPL. The ex NHL Ed 'bignose' Courtenay shocked the EPL by signing as assistant coach for the Phoenix. Personally I was surprised by this signing, but couldnt complain. Despite his ever advancing years, Ed still had as much skill as Sir Tony Hand, and lead the EPL in scoring for most of the season. However this amazing offensive production was alwas tempered by his 'percieved' lack of effort on the ice. Often he could be seen gliding around, far from the puck waiting to be found, at no time was this not highlighted when the Phoenix suffered during December/January,, when 100% effort was needed, Ed would often be found missing! Ultimately his sweet and sour relationship with the Phoenix would end a month before the climax of the EPL season, with a job offer back in his native land for Coca-Cola, Ed had to go. I will always thank Ed for the points and goals he scored for the Phoenix, but that admiration will always be tempered by the lack off effort, and the number of games he missed. But, having said all that, I will finish by saying, at least I got to see him playing for my team!! Plus that picture above really shows the general position Ed held himself while on the ice!

Number 29 - Adam Walker
A career year for Adam Walker, though lets face it, when your on a line with Tony Hand, you really should be! No, honestly, Adam has had a breakout season in the EPL during 09/10, finishing the clubs leading goal scorer, though had Ed not left a month early I doubt Adam would be at the top of the tree. Adam continued his progression and flourished with the extra ice time growing into the top line player he should be in the EPL. The only thing now he needs to work on, is his physical conditioning and play, Adam is not a big lad, and on a few occasions he would be too easily pushed of the puck. Nothing that couldn't be solved with a summer down the gym! After the aforementioned career year, it will not come as a surprise that Adam has chosen not to return to the Phoenix for 10/11 but sign for the EIHL's new club the Braehead Clan. Much like Robert Lachowicz, I think now is the time for Adam if he is going to make it as an EILH player, but again I worry he will not get enough ice time in the import driven top flight. I guess the choice Adam had, and one he has stated, would be either stay in the more comfortable setting of the EPL, or really try to push on in his development and go for the EIHL. I hope he has made the right choice, but I do worry!

Number 33 - Ian Bowie
Along with James Neil, Ian is a small guy but a potent small ball of fury. Ian exploded into his season notching up an impressive number of goals early in the campaign. This, along with his wrecking ball style of play, endeared him to the Phoenix faithful quickly. His season seemed to be blighted by a patch of indiscipline, as Ian had to sit out a couple of games, and never looked the same player on his return. Such a shame, Ian reminded many fans of previous ball's of hate such as Luke Stauffacher and Kyle Bruce, and looked set to have a great season. Ian is a player I would have back at the Phoenix, however doubts about discipline seem to have ended such hopes! Along with some comments from the Phoenix manager Andy C really seem to have shut the door on that one

Number 44 - Jaakko Hagelberg
aakko Hagelberg you are the love of my life, oh Jaakko Hagelberg I want you as my wife, oh Jaakko Hagelberg' Or so the words from the Choir Boys sort of go, the song highlighting the relationship Jaakko has had with the Phoenix faithful. The explosive Finn quickly became a fan's favourite with his no holds barred, skill full and never say die attitude. He sum's up everything this blogger wants in a player, skill, passion and someone who will live and die for the team. Jaakko was never going to lead the team in points, however he did still put up the numbers and would often score at crucial times. I think you would be hard pressed to find an Ice Dome resident who would not have him back. However a couple of issues could prevent his return. It seems Jaakko is after a raise to come back to Manchester, having a job offer back in his native Finland has tempted him to stay, (and I wouldn't begrudge him that, lets face it hockey is not a sport for life!), and secondly, his style of play seemed to be excessively penalised in the EPL. Im sure the most frequent penalty he got was just for 'Being Jaakko Hagelberg on the ice'. So much so that towards the end of the season, im sure Jaakko was not the same player he was at the start of the season, he almost had to tone himself down, just so he could stay on the ice. Jaakko, along with Stephen Wallace, is a player on my 'Must Re-sign list' however I don't think he will. I would be delighted to be proved wrong though!!

Anyway, that's it for my player by player review, next up for the blog will be a couple of the 'Angry Budgie on Tour' posts, one from The Netherlands last year and a recent trip to Singapore. Once they are out of the way, I will start to look ahead to the new season, and a look at the Phoenix 10/11 roster.

Wednesday, 24 March 2010

Phoenix v Romford Raiders 21st March Game Review

After the superb win away in Sheffield the Phoenix return to the Altrincham Ice Dome for a home match against bottom club Romford Raiders. So far this season the Phoenix have thrashed the Raiders on home ice, while suffering two away defeats as it seemed the Phoenix struggled to adapt to the Raiders home venue. The Raiders are having an awful season, bottom of the league, not even in double figures for wins. Every game, seemingly a damage limitation exercise! Despite this the Raiders never give up in a game, they always fight to the finish, and, in Frankie Sabine, they have a hot goaltending prospect for the future!

First Period: Even though the Phoenix were 99% sure to win this game, there is always going to be a little unease until that first goal goes in. Just like the Sheffield game the previous night, the Phoenix were ahead in the first minute. After just 32sec Ian Bowie slotted the puck past Charlie Kaylor in the Romford net. It really was one way traffic for most of the first period, the Raiders getting the odd break away opportunity, only to find Stephen Fone in fine form. The inevitable second goal came after 9min 11sec when Jaakko Hagelberg got his first of the night. The final goal of the period came for the Phoenix with just 20sec to go in the first session. Jaakko Hagelberg scoring to make the scores 3-0 to the Phoenix. If anything we could have called a halt to the game their and then, it was obvious the Phoenix were going to secure the points! But still, the Raiders did not give up!

Second Period: The Phoenix had visibly eased up the pace, but even so were out of sight when compared to the Raiders. A sign of this was how long it took for the next goal to go in! Ian Bowie got his second of the game at the 28min 37sec mark in the second session. Adam Walker came next on the Phoenix scoresheet scoring on the powerplay after 30min 54sec. It always seems like Adam needs a few shots to really get his eye in! This game being much like the Scimitar game for Adam, scoring after a few attempts. Something strange was also happening in this game, Tony Hand Was taking shots!!! In fact it was Tony who scored the Phoenix 6th goal of the night, coming after 38min 27sec. The Raiders did break the potential Shutout for Fone by scoring even handed through the Raiders top line. Darius Pliskauskas scoring at 39min 39sec.

Third Period: With Adam Summerfield in goal for the Phoenix, the home side looked to close out the win and not take any stupid penalties or injuries. even with a much reduced level the Phoenix still managed to score just after the re-start. James Neil stepping up and scoring just 54sec into the period. Step up Ian Bowie, the young Scot got his hatrick goal at the 43min 27sec mark, this would also signal the end for Charlie Kaylor in the Romford goal. In goal for the remaining 15 minutes was young Frankie Sabine. All 17 years old and 5ft of him! The young lad played out of his skin, pulling off some damn fine saves, including deflecting a bullet of a shot from Tony Hand with his face! This young lad's performance instantly endeared himself to the Phoenix faithful, with his name ringing out from the stands almost immediately! Unfortunately he could not stop the goals! Stephen Wallace pulling off some nice skill to score after 47min 05sec, and 57min 16sec to close out the game. Making the final scores 10-1 to the Phoenix.

Verdict: Despite the score, as soon as the first goal went in for the Phoenix it was a case of how many can we score? The Raiders are a poor team, but what they lack in terms of skill is made up by sheer effort. All their visits to the Dome, despite the scores, have been characterized by their never say die attitude. They always work for the full 60minutes. You could sum up their commitment in young Frankie Sabine. If their is one bright spot to their season, it is in their back up netminder. A hot prospect for the future. As for the Phoenix, they never needed to move into top gear, sundays game was about securing the two points and not making any silly mistakes. Ben Wood looked to be loving the ice time, I think that game saw him on the ice more than ever! It was also good to see young Mr Summerfield get an extended run out, and Max Drakley getting a fair bit of ice time himself! He is another Ben Wood in the making. Very strong, fast and willing to throw himself around! He is pretty much where Ben was last season in terms of his development. Hopefully he can return next season and, as Ben has, push for more time on the ice!

Attendance: A decent crowd in the Dome, ill say around 800

Phoenix TV Highlights:


Phoenix 10 - Romford 1 - Phoenix Article

Phoenix 10 - Romford 1 - MEN Article

Keep your eyes glued to these pages, hopefully tomorrow will see The Angry Budgie's first weekend preview go up. Great timing I know, it being the last regular season weekend!

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Scimitars v Phoenix 20th March Away Game Review


The Angry Budgie travelled across the peninnes for the last visit of the Phoenix to Ice Sheffield and the Scimitars. So far this season the Phoenix have been able to beat the Scims and take the points. However each game has been tough, and the Scims usually give the Phoenix a run for their money, and the games are usually entertaining affairs. The fixture gods obviously had an off day last saturday, the Scims v Phoenix game coinciding with 'The Most Over hyped Rivalry in Sport' taking place across the way in the tin shed and Doncaster playing at home at the stadium next door. Consequently the Scim's home support was shockingly low, and parking was a nightmare! Even the home announcer had to explain due to Ron Shudra's shirt retirement taking place before the Steelers/Panthers game 'That's where everyone is'! Even so the Phoenix faithful travelled in force, taking up at least two thirds of one side of seating. I'd guess around 150 fans made the trip.

First Period: The Phoenix opened the scoring within the first minute, after winning the opening faceoff and moving the puck in the Sheffield zone, Greg Wood found Robert Lachowicz in front of goal, who slotted home a neat backhand, putting the Phoenix 1-0 up with just 32sec on the board. After the shock of conceding so early, the Scimitars regrouped and began to exert some pressure of their own. They tied the game up on the powerplay after 10min 14sec when the excellent James Archer scored in front of the away support. Despite having most of the pressure and chances, the Phoenix were being kept at bay by the excellent Ben Bowns in goal. So it was against the run of play when the Scimitar's took the lead, Stuart Brittle scoring after 18min 26sec.

Second Period: Ben Bownes continued to frustrate the Phoenix in the second period, as the Phoenix looked to tie the game. It would take at least 14minutes of the second period to break through the stubborn Scimitars defence. However once they did, the game was won. In a superb 4 minute spell the Phoenix raced into a lead, from which they would not look back. Rob Lachowicz would get his second of the game at 34min 12sec. Under two minutes later Stephen Wallace would return to haunt his old club, scoring at the 36min 08sec mark. The Phoenix went 4-2 up when Adam Walker finally scored, prior to this he had at least three opportunities when alone in front of Bowns. Adam's goal coming after 38min 28sec on the powerplay.

Third Period: With the game effectively won, the Phoenix just had to remain composed and not allow any easy opportunities for the Scim's to creep back into the game. Visibly easing off the Phoenix were still much the better team, and a quick one minute brace from Ian Bowie would ensure the points heading back across the Pennines to Manchester. Bowie's first goal came at 45min 53sec and his second at 46min 57sec. With the game won, it was time for the fans in the stands to enjoy them selves!

Verdict: A good win, against a very sticky Sheffield side. Even though the Phoenix have taken all the points available against the Scim's they have not been easy games. The Scimitar's have some quality players and play with alot of passion. With the hunt for third place looking like coming down to the last weekend of the season, points like these become immensely valuable. Sheffield are a team that can beat anyone in this league if they are at their best! A special mention must go to the travelling Phoenix support, wow! What a turn out! Given the official match attendance was 502, I would say at least 150 of that were Phoenix fans!

Sheffield 2 - Phoenix 6 Phoenix Article

Monday, 23 November 2009

Phoenix v Milton Keynes 22nd November Game Review

Sunday saw the visit of the 2nd ranked team in the EPL to the Ice Dome, for what would become a scintillating clash. Both teams having won in each other's barns it was up to the Phoenix to break that cycle.

First Period: The game kicked off in front of another healthy crowd at the dome and quickly got up to top speed. The break neck pace would not drop for the full 60 minutes. You could tell early on that this was a game between two top teams. Each side creating early chances but both teams finding the opposing goaltenders in top form! The deadlock was broken after 7min 36sec when Lachowicz was put through by Jaakko Hagelberg. The Ice Dome explodes! With such a tight game there were no further goals in the first period. But each defence and goaltender was being tested to the max!

Second Period: After such a fast paced first period, you would be forgiven for thinking the second would be a little flat. After a well needed interval both teams came out and kept the frenetic pace up. More end to end hockey and more superb stops from each nettie. This period also saw some strange reffing, with many non-calls, and fair bit of 'making calls even'. Very puzzling for those in the stands!

Third Period: It was all set up for a barn storming third period, the Phoenix up by one and both teams going right at it. After some top class saves from Hollyhead and Fone, it was the Phoenix who scored next! Jaakko Hagelberg getting on the scoresheet after 46min 26sec. This helped ease the minds of the Phoenix faithful...but not too much as MK could quite easily turn the game on its head. Throughout the game Payette and even Hagelberg had been looking after the younger Phoenix players and Fone in net by reminding various MK players that they did not appreciate what they were doing. So far no MK player had dropped the gloves, so imagine the surprise in the Dome when Ian Bowie and Grant McPherson dropped gloves centre ice and went at it. A fairly even scrap but Bowie just edged it! MK ratcheted up the tense atmosphere when Adam Carr was found on the back post and made the scores 2-1 at 55min 45sec to go. MK then upped the pressure but the Phoenix defence held firm, and with just 5sec on the clock, and on the third attempt Courtenay slotted in the empty net goal.

Verdict: Wow what a game, the newbies im the crowd will be hooked on hockey! That game was an amazing advert for EPL hockey, and would put many EIHL games to shame! More and more, and with this game indeed, I am sure Neil made the right move for the Phoenix. Both sets of supporters were treated to a great game! The Phoenix deserved the victory but the MK players skated off the ice their heads held high!

Attendance: I would say biggest of the season, 1,024 in the Dome!

Phoenix TV highlights:


Phew what a corker, I do hope the atmosphere from the game translates into the highlights above! It really was a cracker!

Monday, 9 November 2009

Phoenix v Bracknell 07th November Game Revie

The Bees came to town last at the weekend for a rare saturday night game at the Ice Dome, the only previous game between the clubs seeing the Phoenix take the points in Bracknell.

First Period: For the first 10 minutes the game was pretty even, both sides working hard but not many clear cut chances. The Bees then shocked the Phoenix by taking control, the first goal coming at 9min 47sec for Jaroslav Cesky. The Phoenix continued to struggle and the Bison extended their lead after 13min 49sec through Michal Pinic. Worrying times for the Phoenix, while they had restricted the chances for the Bees, the Bees had at least taken them. The Phoenix had yet to make any clear cut opportunities.

Second Period: What ever Tony Hand said in the interval worked, it took just 1min 10sec of the period for the Phoenix to get on the board. Ed Courtney scoring for the Phoenix with the assist to Tony Hand. Phoenix' second of the night summed up the frustration that is Ed Courtney, a sublime pass cross ice found Ian Bowie on the back post to even the scores. Now 2-2 after 23min 21sec. The Phoenix mini-revolution would be short lived as the Bees would get the next goal. Ryan Watt scoring the Bees third at 23min 35sec. Ed Courtney would level the scores once again at 28min 50sec.

Third Period: With some questionable refereeing this game really could go any team's way at the beginning of the third. By no the Phoenix had the bit between their teeth, and perhaps the extra quality on the Phoenix bench began to shine through. The final 20 minutes would see the Phoenix score 5 goals to take the game away from the Bees. The first would be the Phoenix third powerplay goal of the game. Ian Bowie netting his second of the game at 43min 04sec. Bowie would go on and get his hatrick at 44min 44sec. With the Bees goalie visibly shaken, and with the Phoenix support unsettling him the Phoenix really took control. Phoenix 6th goal would come at 45min 47sec through Robert Lachowicz. James Neil would be next to get on the score sheet, his goal coming at 47min 34sec. Lachowicz would pop up and get his second and the Phoenix last of the game at 52min 02sec. With the scores now 8-3 to the Phoenix, Adam Summerfield would get a valuable 8 minutes of ice time. The Bees also taking the opportunity to send their back up nettie out on the ice.

Verdict: After the first period you did start to worry whether the Bees would cause an upset at the Ice Dome. But an improved second period and a stunning third underlined the quality in the Phoenix locker room.

Attendance: A combination of a saturday night game and bonfire night affected crowd numbers. I'll guess at around 850 in the Ice Dome.

Highlights:


After the battling back from the first period and getting the win, the Phoenix traveled to Milton Keynes for a top of the table clash. It would turn out to be a close game, but the Phoenix skated away with a 3-2 victory and a place at the top of the table. So a great weekend for the Phoenix!!

Monday, 2 November 2009

Phoenix v Swindon 01st November Game Review

Last night the Wildcats came to visit, the Phoenix had pulled off a fine win in Basingstoke the previous night so had some good momentum going into the game. Not that that filled me with much confidence as the previous weekend the Phoenix had won saturday, only to produce an absolutely bilge performance sunday! Any way this was a new weekend, so roll on face off!

First Period: All memories of that performance were dismissed in the first 10 minutes. The Phoenix came out and controlled the game. Pressing Swindon hard and creating a fair few chances. It was no surprise that the Phoenix would light the goal lamp first! After 5min 47sec Adam Walker got the first with the assist going to Tony Hand. After the first 10 minutes something switched off in the Phoenix camp. Worryingly the performance reverted to match the previous sunday's effort against Slough. During the last 10mins of the period Swindon exposed the Phoenix mistakes. The home crowd were stunned into silence whe, in the space of 1min the Wildcats took the lead. Both goals the result of some pretty sloppy Phoenix defending. The first fell to Aaron Nell after 12min 12sec when the Phoenix D failed to clear a routine rebound. Worse was to follow, at 13min 16sec Raimonds Danilics fought with Luke Boothroyd in front of the net and forced a backhand high above Fone's left shoulder.

Second Period: Every Phoenix fan's thoughts would now turn to which team would appear for the second period! Thankfully the Phoenix came out fighting, they began to get the basics right which then enabled them to mount the pressure. As it would turn out the Phoenix won this game in the second period! In a 4 minute period the Phoenix would score 5 unanswered goals in the space of 6 minutes. First up, Ian Bowie scored at 24min 22sec, with both teams subject to a powerplay Bowie got on the board. Next, Swindon allowed Tony Hand to get in on Woolhouse with the great one lifting the puck over Geoff with the back hand, timed 25min 10sec. Ian Bowie got his second of the night after 26min 24sec, I think it was after this goal that Swindon called a time out to regroup. It didn't seem to do much as the Phoenix scored again at 28min 13sec when Tony Hand found Andre Mattsson directly from the blue line, for the big Sweede to rifle home an awesome shot. The only downer on the period came after 29min 56sec, the Phoenix were on the penalty kill when they allowed Jozef Kohut to skate in on Steven Fone and score. Steven would not be happy with that one, allowing Kohut to score through the five-hole. With the game effectivly won, the main threat to the Phoenix would be complacency, the Phoenix would have the last laugh in the period, when Ed Courtney got in on the act scoring at 30min 38sec.

Third Period: The main worry for the Phoenix in the third was complacency, however Swindon came out and evidently didn't have the will to fight in the third. Nothing much happened in the final 20 mins except for Adam Summerfield getting a good 4mins at the end of the game to stretch his legs.

Verdict: A big game for the Phoenix, to try and banish thoughts of last sunday's game against the Jets. Also important to regain some points on the teams around them in the league. Barring the last 10mins of the first period, this was a good performance from the team.

Attendance: Slightly larger crowd than against Slough, ill say 950 in.

Phoenix TV Highlights:


Phoenix 6 - Swindon 3 - MEN Article

Monday, 19 October 2009

Phoenix v Basingstoke 18th September Game Review

Last sunday saw the first visit to the Ice Dome of the Bison this season, not the first time as both teams have dueled on many occasions in the EIHL. It was also a battle of two of the top teams in the EPL and a good chance for each side to measure themselves against similar opponents. For both teams sunday's game was a good chance to bounce back after sustaining losses the previous night. The Phoenix having lost to Slough and with most of the team suffering from the flu, it was to be 'challenging' match.

First Period: It was the Bison who came out flying, the Phoenix looking very tired and lethargic. It was no surprise when the Bison got themselves on the scoreboard first. Andy Hemmings got the scoring underway after 5min 18sec to silence the home support. It was to get worse for the Phoenix when Hemmings was on hand to score his second of the night at 11min 14sec. This seemed to stir the Phoenix and after 14min 47sec the Phoenix reduced the arrears, though a superb back hand goal. The Bison restored their two goal lead with just 9 sec left in the period, as Sam Zajac scored past Stephen Fone.

Second Period: The fightback began in the second for the Phoenix, almost jolted into action after a terrible first period. Adam Walker scored his second of the night after 23min 54sec, joy restored. But no the Bison struck back less than two minutes later through Joe Ciccarello at 25min 22sec. The rather depressed Phoenix faithful were stunned into joy when Tony Hand scored, yes you read that correctly Tony Hand scored! With 27min 47sec the Phoenix were back within one goal of the Bison.

Third Period: More of the same needed from the Phoenix, now showing some commendable fighting spirit. Ed Courtney would tie the scores after 50min 12sec to give the home support something to cheer for. Hearts were then crushed when Ciccarello popped up again to restore the Bison lead, scoring at 55min 19sec. Up until now Ian Bowie had been having a quiet game, all that changed when he scored the game tying goal at 57min 32sec, the Phoenix faithful now sensing something! More pressure from the Phoenix followed but neither team could produce a winning score.

Overtime: With a point secured, and to be honest a point that the Phoenix didn't necessarily deserve from their performance as a whole! 4 on 4 for 5 minutes was on the cards before penalties! Things seemed to go well for the Phoenix when the Bison took a slashing penalty, giving the Phoenix a 4 on 3 opportunity. After moving the puck around the Bison zone well, Mattsson parked on Annetts in goal, a shot from the blue line from Courtney was tipped by Mattsson for the game winning goal!

Verdict: The Phoenix were not good last night, the flu bug had obviously taken alot out of the team. The Bison were superb and showed why they are up the top of the league. But a win is a win and prevented the Phoenix from suffering back to back losses! Hopefully with a fully fit team, the Phoenix can resume normal service!

Attendance: Better than expected and a larger crowd that came for the Scimitars game the previous weekend. 977 in the Dome!

Phoenix TV Highlights:


Phoenix 6 Bison 5 - MEN Article.

Monday, 5 October 2009

Phoenix v Romford 04th October Game Review

Sunday's game saw the first visit of the Raiders to the Ice Dome, having not won any of their previous games I hoped the Phoenix would not be their first! The previous night saw the Phoenix travel to Swindon for a potentially tricky away game. Thankfully the Phoenix turned it on and skated away with a fine 5-1 victory. On to sunday nights game.....

First Period: Rather uncharacteristically the Phoenix got into the scoring ways with a power play goal! Shock horror! It was to come with 2min 13sec gone in the game and with Payette and Walker combining to set up Greg Wood on the far post for the score. More surprise was to follow when the Phoenix added to the earlier score with another PP goal. This time with 6min 01sec gone Ian Bowie with his first of the game piling on the misery for Romford. With the Raiders offering little by way of offensive force the Phoenix scored their third of the period, When with 12min 55sec gone Robert Lachowicz scored his first of the game.

Second Period: After the blitz of goals in the first period the Phoenix chose to rest Steve Fone and let Adam Summerfield play the remaining two periods. The Phoenix had noticeably eased up in the game, as the second saw only one goal. Again for the Phoenix, scored at 21min 10sec, Hagelberg fround Ian Bowie who scored his second of the game.

Third Period: Sensing the will of the Raiders just about gone the Phoenix pressed home their advantage. Three minutes after Mattsson had rung the post Adam Walker broke his duck and scored his first of the season, coming after 43min 32sec. Ed Courtney showed once again his silky skills and accuracy, scoring the Phoenix sixth after 46min 22sec, with a wicked shot through the 5 hole. The best goal was saved for the last, after 49min 50sec the Phoenix put the game to bed, when Roberth Lachowicz went the length of the ice to score a fantastic goal!

Verdict: A much better performance from the Phoenix, the full effect hidden by Romford being so poor! Also another game where the Phoenix Brit's shone! Even though it was a fairly simple game, the Phoenix still had a team in front of them!

Attendance: 1,000 in the Dome.

Phoenix TV Highlights:


Phoenix 7 Romford 0 - MEN Article