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.

Phoenix v Sheffield 13th March Game Review

Right so after the four point weekend from the 6/7th March next up for the Phoenix was the double home weekend facing the Sheffield Scimitars and the Bracknell Bees. Saturday saw the Scimitars come to town, sadly The Angry Budgie could not attend. We had gone to the Manchester Academy to see Chimaira and Trivium. A separate review of that gig should appear some time this week!

Anyway from all accounts the Sheffield game was another corker, as games against the Scimitars usually are! In fact im more gutted about Mr Tony Hand MBE dropping the gloves! Yes you read that right, Tony had a fight! He wasn't the only one too! Andre Payette and Jaakko also get into some rough stuff!

More importantly the Phoenix got the win, as silly as it seemed less than a couple of weeks ago, and after results elsewhere in the league, 3rd place is now a possibility for the Phoenix!!

Phoenix TV Highlights:


Phoenix 4 Sheffield 1 - Phoenix Article

Phoenix 4 Sheffield 1 - Manchester Online Article

Read more about the weekend at the Triple Deake Ice Hockey Blog and The Pyre.

Phoenix v Swindon Wildcats 24th January Game Review

Saturday night saw the Phoenix travel to table topping Milton Keynes, without Jaakko Hagelberg who picked up a match penalty in the Guilford Game the previous sunday. The Phoenix did have the big man Andre Payette back on the ice so a tough game was on the cards! After one period the Phoenix were still in the game, Tony Hand even dropped the gloves in the first period! A second period collapse followed for the Phoenix, Andre Payette was thrown out on another match penalty, so it was all to do in the final period. The Phioenix nack of recovering from a 3 goal deficit was needed. The guys almost delivered too! Eventually the Phoenix could not do the come back and lost 6-4.

Anyway on to sunday's game versus Swindon, which also included the home debut of new Phoenix recruit Stephen Wallace......

First Period: Hoping the Phoenix defence would turn up the opening twenty minutes would see stand in goalie Chris Douglas stand on his head to keep the Phoenix out! The Phoenix had the better of the play and chances but Chris stood in their way! Much to the surprise of the Phoenix faithful it would be the Wildcats who scored first. After 19min 09sec on the powerplay Aaron Nell would put the Wildcats ahead.

Second Period: The main aim for the period would be to keep up the pressure and work on finishing the chances. The Phoenix duly delivered and took the lead in a hectic 1 minute! After 22min 08sec the Phoenix drew level through Ed Courtenay and then at 22min 52sec Joe Graham would put the Phoenix ahead. After the lead was established the Phoenix went about asserting their superiority, and limiting Swindon to long range chances. The lead was extended after 36min 48sec when home debutant Stephen Wallace pounced on a loose puck in front of the Swindon net. Then, with just 47sec left in the period Adam Walker score the Phoenix fourth goal, timed 39min 13sec.

Third Period: Do not let the lead slip!!!! As the Phoenix have done many times before! But thanks to some clinical finishing, and some poor play from Swindon, who seemed to give up helping Chris Douglas out in goal! Ed Courtenay would score his second of the game at 46min 43sec. Adam Walker then scored a lovely deak goal at 48min 54sec to make the scores 6-1. Finally after a near MOM performance Jaakko Hagelberg would get his goal, timed 51min 36sec. With the game now won the Phoenix lapsed and allowed Jason Cassells to score Swindon's second goal at 52min 54sec. The game then petered out but the Phoenix were deserved 7-2 winners!

Verdict: Just the sort of game the Phoenix needed! A good morale booster and some valuable points on the board! New boy Stephen Wallace played very well and was unlucky not to get the MOM himself! Quite why Sheffield released him is a mystery to me! A special mention must go to Chris Douglas in the Swindon goal, pressed into action after Woolhouse's departure (after headbutting a player in a previous game!) you could have forgiven him for walking off the ice. He really kept the Wildcats in the game in the first period, and but for him the Phoenix could have been easily into double figures!

Attendance: A good crowd in, not as many as the previous weeks 'Rock the Rink' but defiantly up on our usual crowds! Im going to say 1,100 in the Ice Dome.

Phoenix TV Highlights:


Phoenix 7 Swindon 2 MEN Article

Phoenix v Milton Keynes 06th December Game Review

Saturday night saw the Phoenix travel to Bracknell and the game was also broadcast live on BBC radio, with Ollie Williams doing the superb commentary. The Phoenix seem to be making a habit of starting games slowly, and listening in to the commentary it seemed the case in Bracknell. The Phoenix only really getting going when 4-1 down. Adam Summerfield continued in goal and by the sounds of things coped well. Sunday's game at home to MK Lightning would be a different matter. The attacking forced posed by MK far superior to anything young Summerfield had faced so far. Personally I didn't hold much hope for a victory, but being a supporter of the Phoenix conditions you for surprises! Plus this would be the last visit of the Lightning to the Dome (for a league game anyway) this season! Utter madness when you consider we haven't even played Guilford yet!

First Period: Another good crowd in the Ice Dome and a healthy contingent up from MK making a racket as usual. A typically fast and frenetic first period saw young Summerfield tested early. The Phoenix defense was not quite on the ball with helping Adam out and as a result MK would score first. The goal coming after 3min 41sec on the powerplay to Adam Brittle. Further pressure would be heaped on Summerfield (and the Phoenix') shoulders just 4 and abit minutes later, an even strength goal at 8min 6sec from Monir Kalgoum. The Phoenix managed to stem the flow of goals in the first, but could not get their own offense scoring just yet. Another feature of the first period was some questionable reffing from Goodwin, seemingly picking on the Phoenix in the first period. The star call being a misconduct penalty on Ed Courtenay for abuse of official. Those who saw the incident saw Ed dumping the puck into the MK zone, just missing Goodwin's head!

Second Period: The second would see Goodwin realize their were two teams on the ice and start calling MK for some penalties. Despite this MK would score first in the second period, after 29min 24sec Michael Farn would score un-assisted, and a goal that Adam will want back. The Phoenix would finally get into gear, and as on many previous occasions, the top line would get things going. Adam Walker on the receipt of some exquisite play from Hand and Courtenay at 30min 44sec. MK would make it 4-1 at 35min 23sec, and make the Phoenix recover from another 4-1 deficit. Monir Kalgoum scoring his second of the game. At this point it seemed MK would loose their discipline and head into penalty trouble. The Phoenix would lift home spirits with a storming end to the second period. With two goals in less than 30seconds in the dying stages of the period. The first at 38min 47sec saw Mattsson tip in a shot from Courtenay on a 5 on 3 powerplay. Then again on the powerplay Jaakko Hagelberg would send the Phoenix into the interval just one goal down when he scored at 39min 15sec.

Third Period: All set for another barnstorming finish at the Dome, the Phoenix would have to work hard to come up with the goods. More end to end action, but the Phoenix would score to tie the game, again as a result of some poor discipline from MK the game tying goal came on the powerplay.With Leigh Jamieson in the bin for tripping, then Nick Poole in for a misconduct penalty the Phoenix would capitalise when Jaakko Hagelberg would get his second of the game and send the home support into raptures, scoring after 57min 19sec. No further goals to come in the period sent us into overtime. GIven we were playing with our back up goalie, if you had offered me a point at faceoff, and when we were 4-1 down I would have bitten your arm off! Now we had a chance to go for the win!

Overtime: 4-4 would always suit the Phoenix, with such fast and skillful forwards the open ice would be an advantage. Then, with Mattsson and Towalski in the box on delay of game penalties, the Phoenix would seal the win 3 on 3. After a faceoff in Phoenix territory, the MK defence got confused on the blue line and missed the advancing Boothroyd up the wing. The one man who didn't, Tony Hand, found him with an inch perfect cross. Luke would race down the wing and score a real peach through the 5 hole to give the Phoenix the extra point.

Verdict: Wow what another cracker against MK! The game was a gem, tempered slightly by some poor reffing. Initial worries about young Adam in goal have been soothed by another good performance, in what was his most intense game yet! Another comeback win, just proves the resolve in this team. A feature that could just well win a shiny pot or two!

Attendance: Seem to be picking up now, and games of last night's standards will only help! Not the biggest of the season I think but ill guess at around 950 in the Dome.

Highlights:


Phoenix 5 - MK 4 - MEN Article

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!