Coming into sunday nights game against the Phantoms the Phoenix were without Frankie Bakrlik who had picked up a nasty injury against the same opponents a few games earlier. With one import down the game would be tougher but, the Phoenix should still have enough quality to see off the Phantoms on home ice. A good crowd in the Ice Dome, buoyed by the festive holidays and, possibly, some returnees from the Groupon offer from the Flames game previously, the last game of 2013 got underway.
First Period: The game got off to a quick start with the Phoenix scoring after just 66seconds. The Phoenix gained the zone on the powerplay and Hand took the puck behind the net, rolled out to the far corner and centred the puck. The puck deflected off a Phantoms D man and through King's legs. A great start for the home side and a bit of luck going the home side's way. The Phoenix found controlling the puck easy in the early stages, the domination continued as the Phoenix scored their second at 8min 58sec when Kovar continued his rich vein of scoring. The Phoenix made it 3-0 on another powerplay when James Archer tucked away a lovely flowing move at 13min 15sec. Not to be outdone this goal sparked the Phantoms into some chances and, about a minute and a half later Piatak got the visitors on the board. Scoring at 14min 41sec. The final goal of the game came for the home side, this time on a penalty kill. Michal Psurny picking up the puck taking it up ice and pulling a lovely move on King to open up the goal. The Phoenix 4th coming at 16min 48sec.
Second Period: Most home fans would have been forgiven for thinking the game would head the way of the Phantoms last visit to Altrincham. In a comprehensive home win. The second period certainly felt like the result was a foregone conclusion! The atmosphere was a bit flat and, the Phantoms offered little going forward. Having said all that, it would be the visitors who would get the only goal of the period. Midway through Koulikov found some space in the hash marks and slotted a great shot past Fone to make it 4-2.
Third Period: The Phoenix found their mojo early in the third period and, on another powerplay, Kovar got his second of the game. That goal coming at 43min 26sec. The home side were in control but the Phantoms were still giving the home side things to think about. Midway through the period the Phoenix extended their lead through a booming shot from Schanbel, goal timed at 50min 16sec. The Phantoms managed to make the scoreline a bit more respectable and capitalise on some Phoenix mistakes when, James Ferrara scored two goals in the last 5 minutes. The Phantoms 3rd coming at 56min 31sec and the 4th at 59min 35sec.
Verdict: Not a classic by any stretch. After the high of the Guildford game this was a bit of a low when compared. The hockey fan would not have liked the game, the atmosphere was flat the Phoenix were below par buy any newbie, or returnee tempted back after their Groupon game, would probably have enjoyed it. 10 goals and a fight? Good value! So, a poor game by Phoenix standards but, another win, another win at home and a win while playing badly bodes well for the future!
Attendance: A good one again, i'll say 1,500 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 6 Peterborough 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 6 Peterborough 4 - Phantoms Article
Phoenix 6 Peterborough 4 - Bolton News
With the injury to Frankie the Phoenix looked to fill that gap with the announced signing of former Phantom Cesky, a fellow Czech winger coming in as injury cover.
An EPL veteran, while not putting up the same sort of numbers as Frankie, he is used to the EPL and a player I have always fancied seeing in a Phoenix jersey since we moved to the EPL.
Showing posts with label Jaroslav Csesky. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jaroslav Csesky. Show all posts
Monday, 6 January 2014
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Phoenix v Swindon Wildcats 2nd October Game Review
Another weekend gone, another pair of games in the relentless EPL season ticked off! The Phoenix went into the weekend joint top with the Sheffield Steeldog's, who's start to the season is surprising alot of people! After the War of the Roses clashes I can see the Steeldog's doing well this year! They won't challenge for the title, but they will give every team a hard time in Sheffield! The Phoenix had a tough away game to Milton Keynes saturday night before entertaining the Swindon Wildcats sunday in Altrincham. Sadly the Phoenix struggled in MK loosing 5-2, still no shame in loosing to the Lightning in MK, they are a damn good side!
Sunday saw the Wildcats and their fans make the journey north up the M5 and M6 to Altrincham, Swindon are a much improved side, retaining Jonas Hoog was a coup for Aldridge and now, with the ex-Bracknell pair of Cesky and Pinc, and ex Jets coach Peter Russel on board the Wildcats are no pushovers!
First Period: After reports of the Phoenix being outmuscled in MK the Phoenix had to stamp their authority on the game. They did so and were able to restrict Swindon to a handful of early chances. Meanwhile Murdy in the Cats goal was 'doing a Bowns' turning away the Phoenix numerous attempts on goal. At times when the Phoenix got past Murdy Swindon were saved by the pipework. One particular chance fell to Faith who lasered a wrister high past Murdy only for the puck to hit the underside of the cross bar, bounce down, then out of the blue paint. The boisterous crowd in the Dome so close to celebrating a goal, and yet by the end of the first 20mins, none showed where it counts, on the scoreboard.
Second Period: Continued much like the first, with the Phoenix dominating the play and the few chances falling to the Wildcats being dealt with by Steve Fone, who was on another blinder of a performance! The Phoenix would break the deadlock in the second period when, Harabin went on one of his mazy forays up ice to combine with Mr Hand to find Martin Cingel on the back post, and with an authoritative whack, sent the Phoenix into the lead. That goal coming after 22min 57sec. The Phoenix doubled their lead on the powerplay just over two minutes later. The Phoenix moved the puck around the Swindon zone creating plenty of traffic in front of Murdy, as the puck cycled to Spelda on the blue line he unleashed a boomer of a slapshot which flew into the net. What a shot! One for the highlight reel certainly! The Phoenix made it 3-0 when Cingel got his second of the game at 28min 18sec on the powerplay. Swindon were struggling but they made sure the Phoenix were not going into the final period in a comfortable position. They broke Fone's shutout at 38min 40sec when Richardson scored their first of the game.
Third Period: Swindon really ramped up the pressure and tension in the third period when they scored 3 minutes into the period when Jan Melichar scored their second, to make the scores 3-2 Phoenix. The third period continued with both sides creating chances, the Phoenix still with the better of the play. Steve Fone outstanding in goal to keep the Cats out. Swindon called a timeout in the remaining few minutes and pulled Murdy for the last 60sec. The Phoenix were able to keep a high forecheck which limited Swindon's time in the Phoenix zone, and with less than 10sec left the puck broke to Spelda who sent the puck up ice, only to miss the goal by a fraction. Confusion follows as the buzzer sounds, and everyone prepares to leave. Only for 3 seconds to be put back on the clock as the puck was iced. Cue massive anti-climax as the puck was dropped and the 3 seconds wasted.
Verdict: So no 4 point weekend, but a home win secured for the Phoenix against an improved Swindon Wildcats. The Phoenix performances are slowly improving and the imports are beginning to find their feet. Harabin and Fone have continued their great start to the season, and Faith is gaining confidence in this league. Spelda, has truly announced his arrival with his booming slapshot! I was very happy with how the Phoenix managed to dominate the Cats for the majority of the game. Swindon, while they have improved, look to rely on their first line too much. I think most EPL sides will find them a tougher nut to crack, but if you shut that top line down, their is little else Swindon can hurt you with, famous last words eh?
Attendance: A decent crowd in the Dome, maybe a little less than against Basingstoke the week before, so i'll guess at around 1,100 in the Dome!
Phoenix 3 Swindon 2 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 Swindon 2 - CB Sport
Phoenix 3 Swindon 2 - Swindon Article
Sunday saw the Wildcats and their fans make the journey north up the M5 and M6 to Altrincham, Swindon are a much improved side, retaining Jonas Hoog was a coup for Aldridge and now, with the ex-Bracknell pair of Cesky and Pinc, and ex Jets coach Peter Russel on board the Wildcats are no pushovers!
First Period: After reports of the Phoenix being outmuscled in MK the Phoenix had to stamp their authority on the game. They did so and were able to restrict Swindon to a handful of early chances. Meanwhile Murdy in the Cats goal was 'doing a Bowns' turning away the Phoenix numerous attempts on goal. At times when the Phoenix got past Murdy Swindon were saved by the pipework. One particular chance fell to Faith who lasered a wrister high past Murdy only for the puck to hit the underside of the cross bar, bounce down, then out of the blue paint. The boisterous crowd in the Dome so close to celebrating a goal, and yet by the end of the first 20mins, none showed where it counts, on the scoreboard.
Second Period: Continued much like the first, with the Phoenix dominating the play and the few chances falling to the Wildcats being dealt with by Steve Fone, who was on another blinder of a performance! The Phoenix would break the deadlock in the second period when, Harabin went on one of his mazy forays up ice to combine with Mr Hand to find Martin Cingel on the back post, and with an authoritative whack, sent the Phoenix into the lead. That goal coming after 22min 57sec. The Phoenix doubled their lead on the powerplay just over two minutes later. The Phoenix moved the puck around the Swindon zone creating plenty of traffic in front of Murdy, as the puck cycled to Spelda on the blue line he unleashed a boomer of a slapshot which flew into the net. What a shot! One for the highlight reel certainly! The Phoenix made it 3-0 when Cingel got his second of the game at 28min 18sec on the powerplay. Swindon were struggling but they made sure the Phoenix were not going into the final period in a comfortable position. They broke Fone's shutout at 38min 40sec when Richardson scored their first of the game.
Third Period: Swindon really ramped up the pressure and tension in the third period when they scored 3 minutes into the period when Jan Melichar scored their second, to make the scores 3-2 Phoenix. The third period continued with both sides creating chances, the Phoenix still with the better of the play. Steve Fone outstanding in goal to keep the Cats out. Swindon called a timeout in the remaining few minutes and pulled Murdy for the last 60sec. The Phoenix were able to keep a high forecheck which limited Swindon's time in the Phoenix zone, and with less than 10sec left the puck broke to Spelda who sent the puck up ice, only to miss the goal by a fraction. Confusion follows as the buzzer sounds, and everyone prepares to leave. Only for 3 seconds to be put back on the clock as the puck was iced. Cue massive anti-climax as the puck was dropped and the 3 seconds wasted.
Verdict: So no 4 point weekend, but a home win secured for the Phoenix against an improved Swindon Wildcats. The Phoenix performances are slowly improving and the imports are beginning to find their feet. Harabin and Fone have continued their great start to the season, and Faith is gaining confidence in this league. Spelda, has truly announced his arrival with his booming slapshot! I was very happy with how the Phoenix managed to dominate the Cats for the majority of the game. Swindon, while they have improved, look to rely on their first line too much. I think most EPL sides will find them a tougher nut to crack, but if you shut that top line down, their is little else Swindon can hurt you with, famous last words eh?
Attendance: A decent crowd in the Dome, maybe a little less than against Basingstoke the week before, so i'll guess at around 1,100 in the Dome!
Phoenix 3 Swindon 2 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 Swindon 2 - CB Sport
Phoenix 3 Swindon 2 - Swindon Article
Monday, 6 December 2010
Phoenix v Bracknell Bees 5th December Game Review
Saturday night's game in Slough was a close one for the Phoenix! Scores finished 1-1 after regulation and overtime so the extra point was decided on penalty shots. Sadly it sounds like the Phoenix attempts were poor and Slough won the shootout 2-0 giving the final score as 2-1 to Slough. While im disappointed with the loss im happy to get a point from a, usual, tough away game at the hangar. I'd certainly have taken the point if offered before hand!
Slough 2 Phoenix 1 - After Penalty Shots
Sunday nights home game against the Bees should be a simple two points for the Phoenix, but as a fair few results have shown, any team can beat any other team in this league! So a professional performance was required from the Phoenix. A hardy bunch of fans made the trip to Altrincham, braving freezing fog and a skating rink of a car park to watch the Phoenix take on the Bees.
First Period: It was clear from the early stages that the Phoenix would spend most of the time in possession of the puck and raining shots in on Marashi in the Bees net. Through a combination of excellent goaltending and less than sharp finishing the Phoenix struggled to find the first goal. Bracknell offered little in terms of offence, in fact most opportunities came from Phoenix defensive mistakes! The Phoenix third line shone early for me with both Tom Duggan and James Neil working very hard and creating a few chances. In fact I would go so far as to say, during the first period, the third was our best line. Sharp included! The eventual Phoenix first goal did come during the first twenty minutes, and it was the top line that scored it. After Tony Hand went coast to coast the first line clicked with some clinical passing around the Bees zone, Curtis Huppe putting the puck into the net after 16min 41sec. The scores ended 1-0 Phoenix.
Second Period: After scrabbling round the gear box during the first period, the second was where the Phoenix engaged gear and began to pull away. Harabin, who was on a mission in this game, showed off some lovely skill to score his first of the night five minutes into the period at 25min 39sec. By now the first line had shook off its early rustiness and really began to turn it on, Huppe scored his second of the night at 27min 04sec. even at this stage the game as a contest was over, the only variables would be: How many could the Phoenix get? Would Huppe get a hatrick? and would someone finally stand up to Andrew Sharp? No further goals came in the period despite the dominant display from the Phoenix.
Third Period: The Phoenix went through the gears in the final period and put the game to bed. Killing off the Bees attack the Phoenix were able to double their score in the last session and put the game beyond the Bees. Harabin stepped in from the wing and put a low shot on goal, which must have squeaked past Marashi's left pad into the goa. His second goal of the game coming after 44min 05sec. So far the Phoenix 4 goals all coming from the top line. Huppe's hatrick came under two minutes later. The Phoenix had the puck in the Bees zone and as the play began to break down the puck broke free at the top of the slot for Huppe, who swung his stick and buried it into the top corner. His hatrick goal coming at 46min 55sec. So, would that be the last goal of the game? Would Harabin get his hatrick? No and No to both questions! The Phoenix 6th and final goal came at 49min 04sec of the game, Harabin and Archer broke free, shorthanded, and went up the ice for Harabin to assist Archer in scoring. With the game now over, both teams played out the final 10mins with little incident.
Verdict: A potentially tricky game negotiated with ease. It was important to get the win and finish the weekend picking up three points. While the Flames also won, the Jets and Lightning faltered sunday allowing the Phoenix to open up a gap to those teams. Now the Phoenix have the dangerous Bison breathing on their necks! As for the game, as soon as the Phoenix went through the gears the game was over. The Bees have a good team, but too much talent is taken up in the first line. Once you shut Cesky and Pinc down you can deal easily with the Bees. But a win is a win, Huppe with a another hat full of goals, and Harabin with 4 points from the game. Who do you give man-of-the-match to? Hatrick Huppe? Shutout Fone? or Four point Harabin? In the end, it went to Harabin, and I doubt you would find many a Phoenix fan who would disagree. This game saw Harabin get some reward for a string of great games for the big man!
Attendance: A little disappointing for me, but I guess the cold, icy and snowy weather will have taken its toll. Plus we are now in December which is never a great month for attendances! I'd guess at maybe 7-800 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 6 Bracknell 0 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 6 Bracknell 0 - CB Sport Article
Phoenix 6 Bracknell 0 - Bees Article
Slough 2 Phoenix 1 - After Penalty Shots
Sunday nights home game against the Bees should be a simple two points for the Phoenix, but as a fair few results have shown, any team can beat any other team in this league! So a professional performance was required from the Phoenix. A hardy bunch of fans made the trip to Altrincham, braving freezing fog and a skating rink of a car park to watch the Phoenix take on the Bees.
First Period: It was clear from the early stages that the Phoenix would spend most of the time in possession of the puck and raining shots in on Marashi in the Bees net. Through a combination of excellent goaltending and less than sharp finishing the Phoenix struggled to find the first goal. Bracknell offered little in terms of offence, in fact most opportunities came from Phoenix defensive mistakes! The Phoenix third line shone early for me with both Tom Duggan and James Neil working very hard and creating a few chances. In fact I would go so far as to say, during the first period, the third was our best line. Sharp included! The eventual Phoenix first goal did come during the first twenty minutes, and it was the top line that scored it. After Tony Hand went coast to coast the first line clicked with some clinical passing around the Bees zone, Curtis Huppe putting the puck into the net after 16min 41sec. The scores ended 1-0 Phoenix.
Second Period: After scrabbling round the gear box during the first period, the second was where the Phoenix engaged gear and began to pull away. Harabin, who was on a mission in this game, showed off some lovely skill to score his first of the night five minutes into the period at 25min 39sec. By now the first line had shook off its early rustiness and really began to turn it on, Huppe scored his second of the night at 27min 04sec. even at this stage the game as a contest was over, the only variables would be: How many could the Phoenix get? Would Huppe get a hatrick? and would someone finally stand up to Andrew Sharp? No further goals came in the period despite the dominant display from the Phoenix.
Third Period: The Phoenix went through the gears in the final period and put the game to bed. Killing off the Bees attack the Phoenix were able to double their score in the last session and put the game beyond the Bees. Harabin stepped in from the wing and put a low shot on goal, which must have squeaked past Marashi's left pad into the goa. His second goal of the game coming after 44min 05sec. So far the Phoenix 4 goals all coming from the top line. Huppe's hatrick came under two minutes later. The Phoenix had the puck in the Bees zone and as the play began to break down the puck broke free at the top of the slot for Huppe, who swung his stick and buried it into the top corner. His hatrick goal coming at 46min 55sec. So, would that be the last goal of the game? Would Harabin get his hatrick? No and No to both questions! The Phoenix 6th and final goal came at 49min 04sec of the game, Harabin and Archer broke free, shorthanded, and went up the ice for Harabin to assist Archer in scoring. With the game now over, both teams played out the final 10mins with little incident.
Verdict: A potentially tricky game negotiated with ease. It was important to get the win and finish the weekend picking up three points. While the Flames also won, the Jets and Lightning faltered sunday allowing the Phoenix to open up a gap to those teams. Now the Phoenix have the dangerous Bison breathing on their necks! As for the game, as soon as the Phoenix went through the gears the game was over. The Bees have a good team, but too much talent is taken up in the first line. Once you shut Cesky and Pinc down you can deal easily with the Bees. But a win is a win, Huppe with a another hat full of goals, and Harabin with 4 points from the game. Who do you give man-of-the-match to? Hatrick Huppe? Shutout Fone? or Four point Harabin? In the end, it went to Harabin, and I doubt you would find many a Phoenix fan who would disagree. This game saw Harabin get some reward for a string of great games for the big man!
Attendance: A little disappointing for me, but I guess the cold, icy and snowy weather will have taken its toll. Plus we are now in December which is never a great month for attendances! I'd guess at maybe 7-800 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 6 Bracknell 0 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 6 Bracknell 0 - CB Sport Article
Phoenix 6 Bracknell 0 - Bees Article
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