Having finally caught up with the game reviews for the Phoenix games over the festive period, now is a good time to turn and take a look at the Telford Tigers action over christmas and new year. Fair to say, its been one hell of a rollercoaster period for the lads from Shropshire! In the space of 16 dayes, they had lost a game to snow, lost their player coach for five games, sadly not gained a point, released one player, lost another to retirement and regained the released player. So a period of madness for the Tigers, hopefully 2011 will bring a more settled look to the lineup and with Tom Watkins back in the line up, a push for the playoffs!
18th Dec Tigers @ Swindon - called off due snow. Amongst the many games of many sports called off due to the bad snow the Tigers away game to Swindon fell victim. A shame this as, with their upturn in form the Tigers would have fancied the trip down the M5 to the link centre. This would have been a winable game for the Tigers, but in a way could be a blessing, as the Tigers would have been without Tom Watkins for the game. The Tigers should be back at full strength for the re-scheduled game.
19th Dec Tigers v Flames - 3-5 Loss. A tough loss to take at home to the Flames. The Tigers are a difficult team to beat on home ice and made life hard for the Flames. Sadly it seems the short bench took it's toll and Guildford's extra class just saw them come away with the two points.
Shropshire Star - Telford 3 Guildford 5
Shropshire Star - Telford 3 Guidlford 5
29th Dec Tigers @ Phantoms - 6-1 Loss. This loss would be difficult for the Tigers, especially as the Phantoms are catcheable for the Tigers. Frustrations getting the better of one Tigers player who kicked open a fire door which ended the game prematurely. The scoreline would make you think the Tigers had a but of a mare in this one, but best forget this result and move on.
Shropshire Star - Peterborough 6 Telford 1
Shropshire Star - Peterborough/Telford
2nd Jan Tigers @ Steeldogs - 6-1 Loss. A return to south yorkshire and a return to the scene of Tom Watkins ejection and subsequent 5 match ban. It was at the previous Steeldog's/Tigers game Watkins was ejected for abuse of official. His loss and a combined team fail lead to a pretty emphatic win for the Steeldogs. A valuable two points lost to a playoff chasing rival. As mentioned in previous posts, its series against the likes of the Steedogs the Tigers must win if they want to progress into the post season.
3rd Jan Tigers v Phoenix - 7-8 Loss. Tigers didnt deserve to loose this game, my thoughts on it can be found in this post made yesterday. So far, the two worst performances by the Phoenix have come against the Tigers, dont know why!
Telford 7 Phoenix 8 - Telford Tigers
Away from all the game's It's been a topsy turvy time for the Tigers, first Andres Maslovskis leaves, then Marek Hornak retires, The Tigers have to come to terms with this and finally: Andres Maslovskis returns.
So, a nice quiet period over christmas and new year for the Tigers all in all!
Showing posts with label Marek Hornak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marek Hornak. Show all posts
Friday, 7 January 2011
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Telford Tigers v Manchester Phoenix 3rd January Game Review
The last game of the festive holiday period was a late night face-off in Telford against the Tigers. So far the Phoenix have a perfect record against the Tigers, and there was no real reason why this should not continue monday night. However of that perfect record the Tigers did manage to push the Phoenix all the way to a penalty shootout, so they are an opposition not to be taken lightly! I would even say that the games are, generally, alot tighter than some of the scorelines suggest. For this game the Phoenix would be back to full strength with Sharp o the ice and Harabin returning after his one match suspension. A good crowd filled the Telford Ice Rink and off we went!
First Period: Shock, I think is the one word to sum up the first 20mins if you were a Phoenix fan! Putting in easily the worst period performance I have seen from the Phoenix this season, the Tigers leapt to a deserved 3-0 lead. Despite the Phoenix starting well, the Tigers early pressure began to find holes in the defense, and the Tigers creating numerous odd man rushes, and shot's through traffic. Early on the Phoenix found Martin Clarkson in fine form. So the first goal came after 11min 58sec and it was Scott McKenzie who ignited the home fans. This guy has an annoying knack of scoring against the Phoenix! The lead was doubled at 16min 38sec through Luke Brittle. Most Phoenix fan's looking a little nervous now, but comforted that there was still much hockey to be played. That belief was tested further when Josh Bruce scored the Tigers 3rd at 18min 22sec. As the buzzer went there were not many Phoenix fan's clapping their team off the ice, most (myself included) sat there in shock. I must admit at this point, I did not see us getting anything from this game!
Second Period: Things got worse in the second period as the Tigers took just 2mins to score again, Tim Burrows scoring at 22min 18sec to make it 4-0 Telford. Still, don't panic, still over half the game to go! As ever in these occasions, Tony Hand step's up and really earns his wage. It would fall to Tony to get the Phoenix scoring machine moving. Mr Hand stepping up to score a superb skillful goal at 29min 37sec to get the Phoenix on the board. Before the period was out the Phoenix would close the gap to two, when Marcus Kristoffersson scored his first of the night at 37min 39sec. This time as the team skated off, there was more belief and enthusiasm up in the away section, a revival was sensed!
Third Period: Loopy, is the word I would use to describe the last 20minutes! After the belief had been built towards the end of the second, it was quickly crushed! Telford scoring their 5th goal just 54sec into the period. Marek Hornak scoring his first of the night and setting off ecstatic scenes on and off the ice. So 3 goals to make up with most of the period left? A tall order even for the Phoenix! A 90sec brace from Kristoffersson would see the Phoenix fans on their feet and dreaming of the impossible. Kristoffersson's goals coming at 45min 31sec and 47min 16sec to bring (also his hattrick goal) the Phoenix to within one, scores at 5-4. Telford would once again extend their lead to 3 goals, and leave Phoenix fans wondering, could the Phoenix get close again? A real rollercoaster this game! Telford's 6th goal came at 47min 49sec when Scott Mckenzie got his second. The 7th goal coming just 40odd sec later, when Marek Hornak got his second at 48min 31sec. So scores now 7-4, 12 minutes to go, not good for the heart of a Phoenix fan! Thankfully the Phoenix got a goal soon after, just 13seconds in fact, this time Curtis Huppe stepping up to score at 48min 44sec. What followed was truly incredible, the real Phoenix decided to play and utterly own the last 10 minutes of the game. Adam Summerfield came on to replace Fone, no reflection on Fone as he had been hung out to dry by the Phoenix defense badly in this game, but putting Adam on, really helped focus the team. a 3 minute period in the latter stages broke Telford hearts and capped an epic comeback. Kristofferson scored his 4th and the Phoenix 6th at 52min 03sec and celebrated in major style, it showed how much it meant! So within two now, the Phoenix game tieing goal came at 53min 48sec when Gomeniuk weaved his way through the Telford zone to slide the puck under Clarkson. The away fans would explode in disbelief when the Phoenix go ahead goal followed less than 2min later. James Archer the hero scoring at 55min 02sec, im pretty sure this was his goal he batted into the goal from mid air! This totally killed the Tigers, the belief had gone and their tired legs caught up, apart from one breakout opportunity the game was done.
Verdict: Relief, roller coaster, epic, despair...just some of the words i'd use to describe that game! I will admit and hold my hands up I didn't think the Phoenix could, or deserved to win this game. They played poorly for the majority of the game. Against the Tigers you have to be at your best as they will come at you hard and fast from the first puck drop! Therein lies their problem for me, the go so fast so soon that they have nothing left at the business end of the game. The last period, in particular the last 10minutes, the Phoenix found their gears, and with the Tigers tiring turned the game in its head! The Tigers deserved to win that game, but hockey is a 60minute game! The final whistle doesn't sound after 20 or 40minutes, it happens at 60! Credit to Tony and the Phoenix for mounting the comeback as it could have been easier to give up and not bother! But this type of result could be massive come the end of the season, and also shows the difference in version 10/11 Phoenix over version 09/10 Phoenix! Last seasons squad would not have come back in this game!
In the end the result was harsh on Telford, and difficult for me as I have a soft spot for them! There was disbelief in the rink come the final buzzer too! Phoenix fan's, that their team had just pulled off a comeback of epic proportions, and Telford fans, that their team had just run out of steam and lost a game they lead 4-0 and 7-4 in! Either way they can take alot from this performance, I will predict now that Telford will be in the play-offs, and I for one hope the Phoenix do not draw them!
Attendance: Not as big as the Phoenix first visit to Telford, sadly the late face-off time of 8pm put off many a Phoenix fan making the trip! Even so I would guess at maybe 550 fans in the building, 120 of them being Phoenix fans.
Shropshire Star Highlights:
Telford 7 Phoenix 8 - CB Sport
Tony Hand stating the obvious! :) - CB Sport
Telford 7 Phoenix 8 - Telford Tigers
Marek Hornak retires - Telford Tigers
First Period: Shock, I think is the one word to sum up the first 20mins if you were a Phoenix fan! Putting in easily the worst period performance I have seen from the Phoenix this season, the Tigers leapt to a deserved 3-0 lead. Despite the Phoenix starting well, the Tigers early pressure began to find holes in the defense, and the Tigers creating numerous odd man rushes, and shot's through traffic. Early on the Phoenix found Martin Clarkson in fine form. So the first goal came after 11min 58sec and it was Scott McKenzie who ignited the home fans. This guy has an annoying knack of scoring against the Phoenix! The lead was doubled at 16min 38sec through Luke Brittle. Most Phoenix fan's looking a little nervous now, but comforted that there was still much hockey to be played. That belief was tested further when Josh Bruce scored the Tigers 3rd at 18min 22sec. As the buzzer went there were not many Phoenix fan's clapping their team off the ice, most (myself included) sat there in shock. I must admit at this point, I did not see us getting anything from this game!
Second Period: Things got worse in the second period as the Tigers took just 2mins to score again, Tim Burrows scoring at 22min 18sec to make it 4-0 Telford. Still, don't panic, still over half the game to go! As ever in these occasions, Tony Hand step's up and really earns his wage. It would fall to Tony to get the Phoenix scoring machine moving. Mr Hand stepping up to score a superb skillful goal at 29min 37sec to get the Phoenix on the board. Before the period was out the Phoenix would close the gap to two, when Marcus Kristoffersson scored his first of the night at 37min 39sec. This time as the team skated off, there was more belief and enthusiasm up in the away section, a revival was sensed!
Third Period: Loopy, is the word I would use to describe the last 20minutes! After the belief had been built towards the end of the second, it was quickly crushed! Telford scoring their 5th goal just 54sec into the period. Marek Hornak scoring his first of the night and setting off ecstatic scenes on and off the ice. So 3 goals to make up with most of the period left? A tall order even for the Phoenix! A 90sec brace from Kristoffersson would see the Phoenix fans on their feet and dreaming of the impossible. Kristoffersson's goals coming at 45min 31sec and 47min 16sec to bring (also his hattrick goal) the Phoenix to within one, scores at 5-4. Telford would once again extend their lead to 3 goals, and leave Phoenix fans wondering, could the Phoenix get close again? A real rollercoaster this game! Telford's 6th goal came at 47min 49sec when Scott Mckenzie got his second. The 7th goal coming just 40odd sec later, when Marek Hornak got his second at 48min 31sec. So scores now 7-4, 12 minutes to go, not good for the heart of a Phoenix fan! Thankfully the Phoenix got a goal soon after, just 13seconds in fact, this time Curtis Huppe stepping up to score at 48min 44sec. What followed was truly incredible, the real Phoenix decided to play and utterly own the last 10 minutes of the game. Adam Summerfield came on to replace Fone, no reflection on Fone as he had been hung out to dry by the Phoenix defense badly in this game, but putting Adam on, really helped focus the team. a 3 minute period in the latter stages broke Telford hearts and capped an epic comeback. Kristofferson scored his 4th and the Phoenix 6th at 52min 03sec and celebrated in major style, it showed how much it meant! So within two now, the Phoenix game tieing goal came at 53min 48sec when Gomeniuk weaved his way through the Telford zone to slide the puck under Clarkson. The away fans would explode in disbelief when the Phoenix go ahead goal followed less than 2min later. James Archer the hero scoring at 55min 02sec, im pretty sure this was his goal he batted into the goal from mid air! This totally killed the Tigers, the belief had gone and their tired legs caught up, apart from one breakout opportunity the game was done.
Verdict: Relief, roller coaster, epic, despair...just some of the words i'd use to describe that game! I will admit and hold my hands up I didn't think the Phoenix could, or deserved to win this game. They played poorly for the majority of the game. Against the Tigers you have to be at your best as they will come at you hard and fast from the first puck drop! Therein lies their problem for me, the go so fast so soon that they have nothing left at the business end of the game. The last period, in particular the last 10minutes, the Phoenix found their gears, and with the Tigers tiring turned the game in its head! The Tigers deserved to win that game, but hockey is a 60minute game! The final whistle doesn't sound after 20 or 40minutes, it happens at 60! Credit to Tony and the Phoenix for mounting the comeback as it could have been easier to give up and not bother! But this type of result could be massive come the end of the season, and also shows the difference in version 10/11 Phoenix over version 09/10 Phoenix! Last seasons squad would not have come back in this game!
In the end the result was harsh on Telford, and difficult for me as I have a soft spot for them! There was disbelief in the rink come the final buzzer too! Phoenix fan's, that their team had just pulled off a comeback of epic proportions, and Telford fans, that their team had just run out of steam and lost a game they lead 4-0 and 7-4 in! Either way they can take alot from this performance, I will predict now that Telford will be in the play-offs, and I for one hope the Phoenix do not draw them!
Attendance: Not as big as the Phoenix first visit to Telford, sadly the late face-off time of 8pm put off many a Phoenix fan making the trip! Even so I would guess at maybe 550 fans in the building, 120 of them being Phoenix fans.
Shropshire Star Highlights:
Telford 7 Phoenix 8 - CB Sport
Tony Hand stating the obvious! :) - CB Sport
Telford 7 Phoenix 8 - Telford Tigers
Marek Hornak retires - Telford Tigers
Monday, 8 November 2010
Phoenix v Telford Tigers 7th November Game Review
The Phoenix had secured a win in Bracknell saturday night, so it was back to Altrincham to entertain the Telford Tigers. A large group, of say 30 Telford fans made the trip north, the home fans expecting a win and another 4 point weekend would be surprised, the puck dropped 15minutes late and battle commenced. Adam Summerfield started the game in-between the pipes for the Phoenix.
First Period: The game began at the usual fast pace we have come to expect in the Ice Dome, however tonight, something was different. This Tigers team was a completely different....err.....animal! They prevented the Phoenix settling into their usual rhythm and kept the shooting lanes close forcing the Phoenix to play down the boards. While Adam Summerfield was turning all shots away, so was the excellent Declan Ryan in the Tigers net. As the period progressed, nerves crept into the crowd as the home fans became frustrated and worried no goals had been scored. Despite pressurizing throughout the period the Phoenix just could not score, not helped by their poor performance.
Second Period: The second 20mins began much like the first! The Phoenix would have long spells of pressure, coming up against Ryan standing on his head, while Telford had the odd breakaway to worry the Phoenix fans. Even so the first goal of the game did come in the second period, Curtis Huppe scoring after 26min 21sec on a 4 on 4 situation. The sense of relief around the Dome was huge, so imagine the disappointment when Telford equilised just 41seconds later! Again on a 4 on 4 situation Andy McKinney came back and scored the Tigers first, sending the away fans delirious with joy. The Phoenix would go into the break ahead, however, when Ben Morgan scored a superb solo effort on the powerplay at 28min 11sec. The Phoenix finally clicked and started to accelerate, Marcus Kristoffersson would finally get his goal on the powerplay after 30min 48sec. The Phoenix would make it 4-1 after 38min 13sec when Ladislav Harabin got his rewards for some excellent work scoring even handed after 38min 13sec. Just to make sure Phoenix fans could not settle for the final period the Tigers would score 40sec later when Tom Watkins lead by example to score. The latter 10mins of the period were a much improved performance from the Phoenix, hopefully this would continue in the third!
Third Period: The third carried on when the second left off, with the Phoenix peppering Ryan in the Telford net, and yet, much like the rest of the game, finding him a more than equal opponent. Then with 5mins to go things started to go wrong for the Phoenix. With how poorly the Phoenix were playing, we should have seen this coming. While shorthanded the excellent Marek Hornak raced up the ice, on his second breakout attempt and scored, 4-3 after 55min 45sec. In to the final two minutes the Tigers call a time out, the home fans expecting their team to hang on for the win, the Tigers fans sensing OT and a point at least. In a proper movie style ending the Tigers would tie the game at 58min 48sec through Scott McKenzie. The last 78sec saw the Phoenix try and pressure for the win, but in the end the Tigers deserved to force the game into OT.
Overtime: In the story of the game the Phoenix piled on the pressure, creating great chances, but the Phoenix forwards just unable to score. The crowd were really on edge as penalty shots approached, as either team could take the extra point irrespective of who deserved the win over the previous 65mins.
Penalty Shots: The Phoenix decided to put Steve Fone in for the shootout, which created some interesting comments on the Phoenix forum, more on that later. The game went down to the shootout, and at least three rounds of penalty shots before the Phoenix emerged winners and claimed the extra point. My only stand out memory was Stephen Wallace, he scored two very nice penalty shots.
Verdict: Some have argued that selecting your back up netminder, showed a) disrespect to your opponent and b) you underestimating your opponent. Personally, you have two goalies at your disposal so have every right to start who you want! Adam once again showed he is a very capable keeper, and is showing more confidence out on the ice. As for underestimating the opposition, I think the Phoenix did that massively. I think we had the mindset that we had won the game before we even got on the ice. Also this Telford team is defiantly not the one sitting at the foot of the table, they worked hard, created chances, disrupted the Phoenix play, and fully deserved their point. Tony must now work to ensure this doesn't happen again, the Phoenix came very close to a Romford type result from last season. No team can be treated lightly! I have to give credit to the Tigers, they played well, but the Phoenix also missed a hell uva lot of chances. Realistically if our shooting boots were sharp we could have been out of sight after the first period. But a combination of excellent goal keeping and sloppy play in front of net made the game harder than it should! There has also been alot of comment on the Phoenix changing to Fone for the start of the penalty shootout, mainly on the Phoenix forum. My take is, Tony made the right choice! Summers has said himself that Fone is better at the penalty shoot out than him, plus Fone is the more experienced keeper. There is no disrespect to Adam, he will get there but he is not an experienced starting keeper. The Phoenix are in this game to win, so why not play your best keeper in that situation?
Anyway the Phoenix got the win, I do not think the Phoenix will take Telford lightly again! It wasn't a pretty win, but as everyone always says about championship winning teams, they are able to grind out the ugly wins!
Attendance: I'd say around 1,000 in the Dome, helped by one of the biggest away turn outs seen at the Dome this season!
Phoenix 5 Telford 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 5 Telford 4 - CB Sport Article
First Period: The game began at the usual fast pace we have come to expect in the Ice Dome, however tonight, something was different. This Tigers team was a completely different....err.....animal! They prevented the Phoenix settling into their usual rhythm and kept the shooting lanes close forcing the Phoenix to play down the boards. While Adam Summerfield was turning all shots away, so was the excellent Declan Ryan in the Tigers net. As the period progressed, nerves crept into the crowd as the home fans became frustrated and worried no goals had been scored. Despite pressurizing throughout the period the Phoenix just could not score, not helped by their poor performance.
Second Period: The second 20mins began much like the first! The Phoenix would have long spells of pressure, coming up against Ryan standing on his head, while Telford had the odd breakaway to worry the Phoenix fans. Even so the first goal of the game did come in the second period, Curtis Huppe scoring after 26min 21sec on a 4 on 4 situation. The sense of relief around the Dome was huge, so imagine the disappointment when Telford equilised just 41seconds later! Again on a 4 on 4 situation Andy McKinney came back and scored the Tigers first, sending the away fans delirious with joy. The Phoenix would go into the break ahead, however, when Ben Morgan scored a superb solo effort on the powerplay at 28min 11sec. The Phoenix finally clicked and started to accelerate, Marcus Kristoffersson would finally get his goal on the powerplay after 30min 48sec. The Phoenix would make it 4-1 after 38min 13sec when Ladislav Harabin got his rewards for some excellent work scoring even handed after 38min 13sec. Just to make sure Phoenix fans could not settle for the final period the Tigers would score 40sec later when Tom Watkins lead by example to score. The latter 10mins of the period were a much improved performance from the Phoenix, hopefully this would continue in the third!
Third Period: The third carried on when the second left off, with the Phoenix peppering Ryan in the Telford net, and yet, much like the rest of the game, finding him a more than equal opponent. Then with 5mins to go things started to go wrong for the Phoenix. With how poorly the Phoenix were playing, we should have seen this coming. While shorthanded the excellent Marek Hornak raced up the ice, on his second breakout attempt and scored, 4-3 after 55min 45sec. In to the final two minutes the Tigers call a time out, the home fans expecting their team to hang on for the win, the Tigers fans sensing OT and a point at least. In a proper movie style ending the Tigers would tie the game at 58min 48sec through Scott McKenzie. The last 78sec saw the Phoenix try and pressure for the win, but in the end the Tigers deserved to force the game into OT.
Overtime: In the story of the game the Phoenix piled on the pressure, creating great chances, but the Phoenix forwards just unable to score. The crowd were really on edge as penalty shots approached, as either team could take the extra point irrespective of who deserved the win over the previous 65mins.
Penalty Shots: The Phoenix decided to put Steve Fone in for the shootout, which created some interesting comments on the Phoenix forum, more on that later. The game went down to the shootout, and at least three rounds of penalty shots before the Phoenix emerged winners and claimed the extra point. My only stand out memory was Stephen Wallace, he scored two very nice penalty shots.
Verdict: Some have argued that selecting your back up netminder, showed a) disrespect to your opponent and b) you underestimating your opponent. Personally, you have two goalies at your disposal so have every right to start who you want! Adam once again showed he is a very capable keeper, and is showing more confidence out on the ice. As for underestimating the opposition, I think the Phoenix did that massively. I think we had the mindset that we had won the game before we even got on the ice. Also this Telford team is defiantly not the one sitting at the foot of the table, they worked hard, created chances, disrupted the Phoenix play, and fully deserved their point. Tony must now work to ensure this doesn't happen again, the Phoenix came very close to a Romford type result from last season. No team can be treated lightly! I have to give credit to the Tigers, they played well, but the Phoenix also missed a hell uva lot of chances. Realistically if our shooting boots were sharp we could have been out of sight after the first period. But a combination of excellent goal keeping and sloppy play in front of net made the game harder than it should! There has also been alot of comment on the Phoenix changing to Fone for the start of the penalty shootout, mainly on the Phoenix forum. My take is, Tony made the right choice! Summers has said himself that Fone is better at the penalty shoot out than him, plus Fone is the more experienced keeper. There is no disrespect to Adam, he will get there but he is not an experienced starting keeper. The Phoenix are in this game to win, so why not play your best keeper in that situation?
Anyway the Phoenix got the win, I do not think the Phoenix will take Telford lightly again! It wasn't a pretty win, but as everyone always says about championship winning teams, they are able to grind out the ugly wins!
Attendance: I'd say around 1,000 in the Dome, helped by one of the biggest away turn outs seen at the Dome this season!
Phoenix 5 Telford 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 5 Telford 4 - CB Sport Article
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