Phoenix Rolling - 22nd February Guildford Flames

Last sunday saw the last home instalment of the #PyroDerby with the Guildford Flames arriving, albeit a little late, to the Ice Dome. Flames were coming into this game in second place and on a 7 game winning run. Phoenix, while playing better, were still not finding a consistent run. That being said, games between the two sides are always good fun and a great watch. So, after a slight delay, a large crowd took their seats to enjoy some hockey. 

First Period: Phoenix got off to a great start by controlling the game and keeping Hadfield under constant pressure. The Phoenix had a number of early chances through breakaway's. Frankie Bakrlik coming close early on when he was put through on goal. Then, after the 7min mark, Bakrlik was put through once again and, after the earlier sighter, made no mistake second time round. Slotting home a lovely goal, timed at 7min 33sec. Phoenix continued to dominate the period, the Flames were eking out their own chances but were finding Fone in top form. Despite the dominance the period would end with the scores level. After some good work by the Flames in the corner the puck found its way to the net with no-one reacting. It was Longstaff who reacted first and banked the puck in off Fone's skate to level the game. The Flames goal coming at 18min 42sec. 

Second Period: The Phoenix train kept rolling in the second piling more and more pressure on Hadfield and the Flames defence. Flames working hard to keep the Phoenix out and the Phoenix were limiting the clear chances for the Flames. The period would see only one goal, it came for the home side as the Phoenix took the lead once again. The Phoenix third line has been a highlight this second half of the season, their hard work and tenacity, perhaps, not getting their rewards when they should. The only goal of the period came for the third line, after some great work by Walker and Graham, Bobby Chamberlain capped off the move with the goal. Time at 33min 01sec. 

Third Period: Began close but, around the halfway mark in the period, the game exploded into life. Guildford levelled the game once again when Danny Meyers scored a superb powerplay goal at 51min 11sec to tie the game. That situation only lasted 50sec until the Phoenix re-took the lead. Bobby Chamberlain scored his second of the night with assists from Kovar and Thompson, goal coming at 51min 01sec. Another highlight reel goal followed from the Phoenix new scoring machine, Joe Graham. Joe has really improved over the year and, his new found confidence is showing. Graham scoring the Phoenix 4th goal at 54min 12sec. The late arrival and the blitz in the third period began to take their toll on the Flames as they began to tire. So, a 5th goal followed on the powerplay. Robin Kovar getting his name on the scoresheet at 57min 02sec. The period ended with the Phoenix domination underlined, outshooting the Flames 22-8 in the final session! 

Verdict: Superb performance from the Phoenix, dominating for the majority of the game against the second best team in the EPL. Its games and performances such as this that offer a glimpse of what this season could have been for the Phoenix. Tambo mentioned, off air on the podcast, that the Phoenix have lost 65ish games to injury, that's an incredible stat! Still, going into the playoffs and, the Cup final against Telford, the Phoenix is rising! Performances are improving and, Captain Boothroyd is edging closer to a return to the ice. 

Attendance: Big crowd in the ice dome for a top game, 1,200 in. 

Phoenix 5 Guildford 2 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 5 Guildford 2 - Flames Article
Phoenix 5 Guildford 2 - Get Surrey

Phoenix TV:
 

The Phoenix Rising - Part 6 Shirt Launch and a few surprises!

The annual trip to the Cresta Court hotel in Altrincham saw the Phoenix release their new shirts for the 14/15 campaign. The event also gave the club the opportunity to announce two player signings at the same time. So, we have new League home/away shirts, Cup home/away shirts and a new warm up shirt. I like the league and warm up shirts, as they show a return to a more simple design than we have been used to from the Phoenix. The cup shirts are a bit more 'out there'. I have never considered buying a cup shirt and......I still wont get one! The home cup shirt is not good, the away is passable as the black drowns out the purple tyre mark!! For me, it'll be either the home or away league shirt again. For the first time in ages I do like the home shirt but, I do like the black/blue we now use for the away shirt alot! Again, it will depend on how they look in person. As for the player announcements, two big surprises! 

Phoenix Press Release

Shaun Thompson: 
Being based up north the Phoenix can suffer in trying to tempt southern based players to sign for up here. Thompson is a player I have admired from afar and, was genuinely surprised when his name was read out and he walked past me! Having played the past few seasons with the Bees, Thompson has always stood out as a star on that roster. So, to capture him and bring him north is a big coup for the Phoenix. Scoring at over a point per game for the Bees, going onto the Phoenix 1st or 2nd line I expect Thompson to have one of his best seasons in his career. I can also see his arrival lifting the other Brit forwards and improving the team as a whole! Welcome to Manchester Shaun! 

Joe Graham:  
This was a name Phoenix fans did not expect to return for the Phoenix. I will be honest, I was one of the Phoenix fans who thought we could improve on Joe. But, he is back for another season and, more importantly, Tony Hand saw enough in him to bring him back! His first half of the season saw him struggle and probably tarnish his overall year but, he did improve in the second half of the season. It is that improvement that Tony saw and warranted another contract. He has the tools to become a solid D man in the EPL, I just hope he irons out the odd silly mistake or dumb play that blighted his 13/14 season. The potential is there and, with Tony taking more of a back seat this year, Joe will benefit from having the extra push from him behind the bench. So, happy to see you back Joe, now go out there and prove the doubters wrong! Including me!

Phoenix v Peterborough Phantoms 15th Feb

With the disappointment of a cup exit and, the Phoenix recent run of results, the Phantoms game could be seen as just what the Phoenix needed. A game against a lower ranked team and a team already looking towards next season. Having said that, the Phantoms roster does still boast some threat, with Koulikov and Pliskauskas the visitors have two of the best players in the EPL. Saturday night games are unusual for the Phoenix and, can sometimes lead to surprising results. 

First Period: Off we went and the Phoenix looked a little more composed in their own zone than recent games. The Phantoms were struggling to put together meaningful attempts at goal but were still finding the odd shooting lane. With the Phoenix enjoying the early possession the home side were getting plenty of shots on the Phantoms net but it would be the second half of the period before the deadlock was broken. Bakrlik on the powerplay scoring a lovely goal at 12min 41sec.  Less than two minutes later the Phoenix doubled their advantage when, in some fans eyes the villain of recent games Joe Graham became here with a good shot from the blue line. His goal coming at 14min 21sec. The Phoenix continued to press the Phantoms goal but found the netminder in good form. 

Second Period: The second period can often be a tough one for Phoenix for some reason. This time the Phoenix got the perfect start when, less than 90 seconds after puck drop Richie Bentham scored the Phoenix 3rd. His goal timed at 21min 29sec. A great start for Phoenix and one which really hit home the control and advantage Phoenix were enjoying so far in the game. The Phoenix became to create some fantastic moves and pepper the Phantoms net with shots. Despite this the Phantoms did get the odd chance or two, with a Phoenix player in the penalty box the Phantoms capitalised on such an opportunity. On the powerplay Piatak scored at 34min 38sec to make it 3-1 Phoenix. The home side responded and, staying out of the penalty box, took control of the period. 

Third Period: The Phoenix had to be careful in the early stages of the third period. 3-1 against the Phantoms should be a comfortable position but, just one goal from the Phantoms and the dynamic changes completely. Thankfully the home side got the next goal. Bakrlik getting his second at 48min 29sec. His goal sparked somewhat of a goal rush. just about 45sec later the Phantoms reduced the deficit to 2 again when Luke Ferrara scored at 50min 15sec. Then, seconds later James Archer scored the home sides 5th goal at 50min 32sec to really kill the game. With the score now 5-2 with about 10 minutes to go the game was done. Both teams wound down the clock until the final buzzer sounded. 

Verdict: Not a classic game but very much a case of, 'win at any cost' type of game. The Phoenix had been struggling at home and needed a result to keep pace at the top of the EPL. The win was a very welcome one, and good to see some players get over recent disappointments. I was a little surprised with the Phantoms too, I know they are struggling and looking to next season. But I honestly forgot Pliskauskas was playing for them. He really was non existent in the game! With his quality the Phantoms need to help him out and involve him in the game! 

Attendance: Not too bad for a saturday game, i'll say 1,100 in the Ice Dome. 

Phoenix 5 Phantoms 2 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 5 Phantoms 2 - Phantoms Article

Telford 0 Phoenix 1 - Phoenix Article
Telford 0 Phoenix 1 - Tigers Article

Phoenix v MK Lightning EPL Cup 2nd Leg 13th Feb

The EPL Cup Semi Final first leg was held in the Coventry SkyDome, the temporary home of the MK Lightning. The two legged affair would be keenly contested between the two sides and  the result in the first leg would go a massive way to deciding the result. In the early stages of the third period it looked signed, sealed and delivered for MK to the final. At the time they were 5-2 up. Then, either it was a massive collapse of an amazing turnaround for the Phoenix but, in the last 3 minutes the Phoenix hauled it back to tie it up 5-5 as the buzzer sounded. Setting the tie up perfectly for the 2nd leg in Altrincham. 

First Period: The second leg in Altrincham got off to a fast start, with both sides putting some great moves together. It was obvious from the outset this would be another close game. MK got the scoring underway with a goal at 5min 55sec through Joklia. Worrying this was another poor D zone turnover for the Phoenix. Something that is becoming a bit of a habit for the Phoenix! Even though MK scored first there was not a feeling of impending doom in the stands, the Phoenix had done enough to show they could create scoring chances. The Phoenix did level it up, at 11min 16 through James Neil. Not the first name when you think of scorers on the Phoenix bench, but Neil took his goal well. About a minute later the Phoenix took the lead when Frantisek Bakrlik picked up the puck and put a lovely deke on Wall to slide home at 12min 36sec. This time the Phoenix closed out the period without conceding a late goal. End of the first period, advantage Phoenix. 

Second Period: Much like the Sheffield game, the early composure showed by the Phoenix seemed to disappear in the second period. MK came back into the game and started to pressure the Phoenix into making mistakes. It was on a Phoenix powerplay that MK would capitalise and score a short handed goal. Lascek scoring at 24min 52sec. Halfway through the period MK took the lead in the game and the tie when MK captain Carr scored at 30min 59sec. Phoenix fans had begun to loose some heart but for Luke Boothroyd to restore parity scoring at 35min 17sec on the powerplay. There was some controversy over this goal with claims of a player being in the crese, nothing was ruled and the goal stood. The Phoenix D lapses surfaced again when Carr scored again on a tight angle on Fone's nearside post, goal timed at 36min 06sec. The D failed and Fone should not have been beaten on his near post, very disappointing!  What made it worse was, shortly after, the Phoenix thought they had tied the game but, this time, the goal was washed out for a man in the crease. End of the second, advantage MK. 

Third Period: 20 minutes to save the tie the Phoenix pressed MK hard. Wall was performing heroics in goal keeping the Phoenix at bay. One goal was scored and it was that man, James Neil again. On the powerplay a strong shot trickled under Wall and the Phoenix had tied the game at 44min 46sec. As the period progressed the Phoenix began to edge the game and look the more likely to take the win. Having said that, MK did threaten and have more than enough skill to hurt a team if a mistake is forced. End of the period, no advantage, back to square one! 

Overtime: The final stanza of open hockey began with both teams pressing each other while in possession. The Phoenix were pressed back into their own zone and, awfully, yet another D zone turnover cost the home side their first crack at the EPL cup. Hero of the game James Neil suddenly became the villain when a poor clearing pass trickled out to the hash marks for Lascek to pick up and score. The game winner timed at 61min 03sec. 

Verdict:  James Neil will be the villain of the piece but, and criticism levelled at him personally is not justified. The Phoenix, through their own lapses in D cost the game. At least 3 of MK's goals were stone cold gifted by Phoenix giveaways. Of the three games I have now seen since coming back from honeymoon this trend is worrying. While being in for all three cup's, if the Phoenix cannot iron out their defencive wobbles, they could end the season empty handed. A very frustrating loss, a game which the Phoenix could have won comfortably gifted to the visitors. Ah well, next! 

Attendance: Around 700 in the Ice Dome. 

Phoenix 4 MK 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 MK 5 - MK Article

The Phoenix 09/10 Review - The Defence

Next up for the season review, is the defence...............

Number 4 - Luke Boothroyd
I will admit to being one of the Phoenix fan's who thought the captaincy a little overawed the young blue liner. But this 2009/10 season really has seen Boot's mature so fast and become, possibly, a Phoenix franchise player. Luke, never the less, has had another good season, he has continued to hold his own on the ice, despite being a small lad, and towards the end of the season really became the Captain he should be. It was evident in the early day's of the season that Luke didn't 'seam' to be the captain. He wouldn't approach the ref, didn't 'seam' to lead the team huddle. But as the season progressed he began to assert himself more and more. So much so that in the last month or so of the season he began to really take the team by the scruff of their neck in the charge to the playoffs. Luke has already signed up for the 2010/11 season with the Phoenix, and the return of the captain is a big signature for the organization. Luke is a player who could quite easily play in the EIHL, and to retain his services is a big boost to the Phoenix.

Number 10 - Joe Graham
A mixed year for youngster Joe Graham, much sentiment on the Phoenix forum was that Joe went walkabouts too much during the regular season. There may be some truth to that, as it certainly seemed there were a few games where Joe's performance was a little anonymous. There were a few occasions where the pressure of various games got to Joe and he would make one or two costly mistakes. Im sure if you listened back to many a Phoenix podcasts, comments were made. Myself I am willing to give Joe the benefit of the doubt, he is a young player who needs to gain experiences. This past year in the EPL will have aided his development alot, and as with the rest of the Phoenix, his performance really started to move up a few notches in the run up to the playoffs. Joe has yet to sort out his 2010/11 plans, I would be open to him returning to the Phoenix, alot will depend on the budget and whether Neil/Tony can afford to sign a more experienced blue line.


Number 15 - Ben Wood
2009/10 was the breakout year for the young lad from Macclesfield. For so long in the season he was forced to play up front, out of his usual position, and he struggled. After a few chats with him, he is honest enough to admit that. You can only do as good as you can, the real marker was when Tony switched Ben back into his more natural defensive position. During December/January when the switch was made Ben broke out! His stick handling improved beyond measure, his speed across the ice improved and his physical style of play carried on at the high level of intensity he has always been known for. So much so that Ben has quickly become a fan favorite for the effort he gives on the ice. The only issue I see that holds Ben back a little, is his build. Ben is a tall slim lad, and could really do with adding some muscle. While he does not get out muscled on the ice, he could do with some size to really intimidate the opposition. Im delighted that Ben is returning to the blue line next season, and 2010/11 could really be the season when Ben establishes himself as a top EPL player.

Number 2 - Andre Mattsson
Talk about a marmite kind of player! The big Swede divided the Phoenix faithful with his performances across the season. For some he is way to offense minded, and will often be found out of position leaving the Phoenix goal vulnerable. For the others he is a solid defenseman, who puts up some very useful pointage! For me, I will admit to being a fan of Andre, however I am not so naive enough not to acknowledge his shortcomings. There were many occasions on the ice where he had pressed so far forward, that when possession was lost and the opposition transitioned back to the Phoenix zone, Andre was no where to be seen. Personally I loved his big presence on the ice, his big shot and the offensive points he contributed to the cause! Andre has not re-signed for 2010-11 and there will be many who do not want to see him return. I'm undecided, while his offensive contribution was valuable, im not comfortable with how often he left our goal exposed. On that basis, I would say thank you very much Andre but good bye.

Number 25 - Ryan Johnson
The big man from Sheffield, a quite surprising signing during the season, one that caught many Phoenix fans out! Another defenceman who came in and was seemingly played up front. This really did nothing for Ryan, as he does not have the speed or tight control required of a forward. He does have the perfect aspects of a defenceman, while not being very tall, he is big! After seeing him warming up in a few games he really is a beefcake too! A very strong player with a useful shot too, Ryan really helped shore up the defencive lines when Tony sent him out onto the ice. I would be pleased to see Ryan back on the Phoenix blue line, he certainly helps to add size to our defencive corps.

Last one is the forwards!