Number 4 - Luke Boothroyd (GP54 Pts 21)Still only 25, it seems Luke has been
around forever! Since his debut for the Hull Stingrays in the old BNL Luke
has now played over 360 professional games of hockey. Captain fantastic
over half of those for the Phoenix. Like is an elder statesman of the Phoenix
roster and the past season has been one of his best. Despite his size he
is one of the best defenceman on the EPL and one of the few EPL players
who could easily hold his own in the import heavy EIHL. The great thing
with Luke is, you know he will play his best every game and, when he does,
you don't notice it! He does his job without fanfare he just gets on and
does it! The 2011/12 season is a high for him with 4 goals, including one
special shot from the red line! I posed the question last year, on whether
the Phoenix should retied the number 44 shirt for Harabin, on reflection
the number 4 is probably the next shirt retirement for the Phoenix.
Season rating: 9/10
Number 10 - Ryan Johnson (GP53 Pts 8)
Ryan is a veteran of the EPL and has
divided his recent seasons between the Phoenix and the Steeldogs. Ryan
is a simple kind of player, he's not the tallest but he's one of the toughest.
Build like the proverbial brick outhouse Ryan is one hell of a player to
try and move. He will never light up the scoring charts but he will work
hard and make life for the opposition difficult. The past season had seen
him play in the utility role playing, primarily on D, but helping out the
forwards where necessary. Would I have him back next year? Depends on our
budget and who we have signed up, I would take Ryan back but, with the
caveat that I would try and upgrade his position.
Season rating: 6/10
Number 12 - James Neil (GP54 Pts 20)
One of the best loved players on the
Phoenix roster James is a player who arrived as a forward but has become
an intelligent defenceman. The past year has seen James come on along way
in his development, learning from the likes of Spelda/Boothroyd he is no
longer a weak link. Despite only being 22 James has played nearly 340 professional
games of hockey, astonishing for such a young guy. Much like Luke Boothroyd
James is not a big guy, but uses his mind with great effectiveness. Which
more experience and help from the older guys on D he could become a great
EPL defenceman. The 2011/12 season saw James put up his best points total
for the Phoenix so I would expect next season to be even better!
Season rating: 7.5/10
Number 15 - Ben Wood (GP53 Pts 9)
Ben Wood is a prime example of why the
Phoenix moved to the EPL. He is a guy who has progressed through the ranks
of the Phoenix since joining from the Flintshire Freeze. Jake Nurse will
be hoping to emulate Ben as he begins his Phoenix career next season. Ben's
game is based on confidence and the past year will have done wonders for
him. A tall and very strong player Ben is played in the utility role like
Ryan. More often on offence Ben is, and has always been, a defenceman.
But the past year has seen his hockey sense develop so much. He car read
the game better now, place himself on the ice more effectively and is more
than willing to get into the corners and battle for the puck. He is also
more than happy to take a shot when he can, most of his 6 goals from last
season were shots taken through traffic. I really enjoy watching Ben play
the game, his enthusiasm is infectious and he is a player I would have
back every year! The 2012/13 season will be his fourth full season and
should see him pass 200 games for the Phoenix.
Season rating: 7/10
Number 26 - Jaroslav Spelda (GP41 Pts31)
He's got the #moveslikespelda
Jaro came to the Phoenix from Italian side Eppan/Appiano the big Czech
defenceman excelled in his first season in England. Partnering Harabin
as the Phoenix second import D Spelda exploded into the EPL with big hits
and mahoosive slap shots! Having a career year Spelda has become a fan favorite and, I may even say this, in my opinion a better player than
Ladislav Harabin. I would be delighted for Spelda to come back for a second
season in Manchester. He was brilliant for the Phoenix and, when he had
his injury mid season, it really affected the club and derailed our title
push. I genuinely believe he could play in any EPL team and improve them
which, is a big reason I hope he returns to the Phoenix!
Season rating: 9/10
Number 44 - Ladislav Harabin (GP51 Pts44)
Returning for his second season in Manchester
Ladislav has had a good year but, possibly overshadowed a little by Spelda.
That being said the Phoenix are a better team when he is on the ice. Where
Spelda is the stay at home D man, Harabin likes to get forward and has
a wicked shot. The past year has seen his best point production in his
career and, at the age of 31, he has many more to come. The past year was
blighted a little, opposition fans will say this, by Harabin's tendency
to embellish calls. Of his 54 penalty minutes im sure most were for diving
or clipping. If he returns I hope he can work on this side of his game
as everything else is excellent. He is another tough D man and possesses
an awesome shot. I would have Harabin back in a heart beat.....unless we
can get a second Spelda! If he does return, I just hope he can have an
injury free season for us as neither of his past two has seen him play
the full compliment of games! Like Spelda, the Phoenix miss his presence
on the ice.
Season rating: 8/10
Number xx - John Connolly (GP4 Pts 0)
Very much a journey man kind of player,
Connolly came to the Phoenix from the Slough Jets and really helped out
the Phoenix defence at a time we were struggling for bodies. A small player
John is much in the mould of Luke Boothroyd. An intelligent player who
can use his stick to play defence and a player who is willing to mix it
up in the corners. John only player 4 games for the Phoenix but I remember
being impressed by him!
The Phoenix went into the weekend just gone with a freekishly halloweeny injury list! More specifically the Phoenix were down both import defencemen due to injuries! With Spelda gone to an ankle injury Ladislav Harabin took a shot to the face abd will be out for a few weeks with a facial injury! To help cover Phoenix drafted in former Slough defenceman John Connolly. So a patched up Phoenix headed into one of the toughest weekends of the season with a pair of games against the Bison.
Against all odd's, and with a standout performance from Steve Fone the Phoenix went in and came out with a 5-2 victory. A result that I defiantly did not predict! To be honest, with the injuries, i did not expect the Phoenix to get anything from the weekend!
Basingstoke 2 Phoenix 5 - CB Sport
Basingstoke 2 Phoenix 5 - Bison Report
With many fan's dressed in their finest halloween costumes the faithful re-united at the Ice Dome for the second game of the weekend series. Would the Phoenix injury ravaged roster start to tire, or would the backs against the wall mentality see them through? Would the Bison avenge saturday's loss? All valid questions and those in the Ice Dome would see answered!
First Period: According to some in the home support, a trait of recent Phoenix performances has been the lack of physical presence on the ice. That could not be said of the Phoenix in the first period. For the most part the depleted Phoenix defence coped well with the Bison, the Phoenix were hungry and pressed Colclough into action between the pipes. Around the 10min mark the Phoenix went on the powerplay, in what would become a theme of the game, this was not a good thing for the Phoenix! The Bison scored a short handed goal after 10min 16sec. While the Phoenix struggled to set up in the Bison zone, the Bison broke up the ice quickly and Joe Miller scored. Despite the goal the period continued and both teams battled intensely. As the buzzer......well the whistle, as the long suffering Phoenix scoreboard decided to stop honking, went the Phoenix went into the locker room just a goal down.
Second Period: The second carried on where the first left off really. both teams battling hard. The Bison began to up the physicality and without retribution from the Phoenix or the referee began to really disrupt the Phoenix play. The Phoenix powerplay continued to frustrate too, be it a combination of the Bison's disruptive play or the Phoenix lack of ideas, over the course of the game the Phoenix only ever set up on the powerplay for 20sec or so! Rubbish! Towards the end of the period the Phoenix would pick up a penalty that would, effectively, end the game! Down on the near corner Ryan Johnson and Joe Miller went into the boards, with Johnson the only one to skate out. Johnson was assessed a 5 plus match (later downgraded to game) penalty for accidental high sticks. The most ridiculous call in the history of the world! You can go and injure someone with intent and be assessed a lower penalty than an accidental high stick! The Phoenix, now down to 3 defenceman would have to kill off a 5 minute penalty! This would decide the course of the game!
Third Period: As the third began the Bison scored! Steve Moria, of all people, stepped up and scored the Bison's second goal just 34sec into the period. For many people, myself included that was it! It was tough seeing the Phoenix scoring one goal let alone three to win! The Phoenix battled on but the lack of defencemen began to take it's toll. The atmosphere fell flat and it was disappointing to see, im sure the Phoenix were not far off in this game, it just needed a spark, it needed one of our star's to work a bit of magic and everything would explode into life! Sadly this didn't happen and, on another powerplay, things got worse! After another woeful attempt at a PP, the Bison grabbed the puck and went up ice. James Neil rushing back to assist Foney, Stephen saved the shot but the rebound, went directly at Neil who watched helplessly as the puck rebounded off his leg into the open Phoenix net. 3-0 and an absolutely killer goal, scored at 51min 09sec. Game over im afraid!
Verdict: Not quite the apocalypse as some on the Phoenix forum are saying! But not a vintage Phoenix performance either! The result down in Basingstoke was a surprise, and it was obviously too much to expect another! The Phoenix worked hard, but with depleted defensive corps, and then loosing Ryan Johnson at the end of the second really hurt the Phoenix! Yes the Phoenix top line lacked a little spark, but the Phoenix were not far off the pace and could have won the game had a little luck fell to the Phoenix! Nevermind, the Phoenix got through another weekend with some points! While the team is hurting, it is good to see the point totally ticking over!
Attendance: Quite a few ghouls and zombies in the Ice Dome helping create a decent atmosphere, i'd say a crowd of 1,100 turned up.
Phoenix 0 Basingstoke 3 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 0 Basingstoke 3 - Bison Article
Phoenix 0 Basingstoke 3 - CB Sport
Following on from my new season post last year, version1.2010 may I present version 2.2011 Championship Edition! This summer has been one to enjoy if you were a Phoenix fan. Despite the blip experienced in Coventry the Phoenix ended the 2010/11 season as EPL champions. A league championship that has been a long time coming to Manchester. I believe the last league championship was brought to the city by the Manchester Storm in 1999. So it's only taken 12 years, one bankruptcy, two mothballed seasons but we have a new shiny league trophy to show for it!
Coventry weekend was a little bittersweet for many a Phoenix fan, the elation and pride that came with winning a league title was dampened somewhat by the team not quite showing up 100% in the game against MKL. Credit to MKL though, they had a game plan, stuck to it and shut the Phoenix potent offence down. Still, we had a right royal time in the Phoenix blocks. Largest fan base there, a whole end of the SkyDome filled and one massive banner to show off, good times! There was even the seeds of an unholy alliance formed with the Guildford fans next door! I was disappointed to loos to MKL but, I had a great time in Coventry, finally managed to meet up with Anthony (off of Banners on the Wall fame) and form a new hockey friendship!
So the league finished, Coventry happened and everyone left the midlands and went there separate ways for the summer. Holiday's were had, forums went into their scheduled rumor overdrive and now, well into September, hockey gear is being dusted off and rituals prepared.
Oh it's hockey time alright!
After the normal roster explosion the summer is spent rebuilding that which went before. This summer for Tony was even tougher, how do you improve a championship roster with the same budget as last year? With difficulty, Kristoffersson/Huppe departed for pastures new, Gomeniuk/Morgan and G Wood departed for their spiritual home in Sheffield and Adam Summerfield departed for a career with the RAF. The Phoenix did manage to retain a core group of players and have brought in some quality experienced new faces. With the roster finalised im going to split the squad preview in two, today we have the Goaltending and Defence, then the forwards will follow!
The Goaltending
Number 31 Stephen Fone
BT returns for his third year between the pipes for the Manchester Phoenix, last season he backstopped the club to the EPL title. I always thought if BT had an injury free year he could be immense for the Phoenix. Thankfully 2010/11 proved to be that year, not the most conventional of goalkeepers Steve Fone continued his improvement. He is a quick goalie round the crease and is flexible enough to pull out some show reel saves. His stats alone show how far he has come, over the two full seasons he has had in Altrincham his GAA has come down from 3.67 to 2.75 and his save % increased from .882 to .906. Granted the defence/team in front improved but he has also. Going with an import net minder carries to many negatives for me, so a brit between the pipes is a must. A quality Brit goalie is hard to find, so I am very happy BT is back for another year.
Number 35 Jorge El-Hage
A product of the Phoenix youth setup Jorge fills the void created by Adam Summerfield's departure to the RAF. Many thanks must be given to Summerfield, he had reached a point in his development where he had to be making regular starts, rather than warming the bench. This was unlikely at the Phoenix, that in addition to his career calling, meant he had to leave. Im right in saying all Phoenix fan's wish him the best! So Jorge comes in to fill the back up position, i'll admit here and now, I know nothing about him! However, if Tony has enough faith to promote him and have him as backup he must be good! He will learn alot training with the EPL side and learning from BT, it will be interesting to see if he is trusted with minutes this season!
The Defence
Number 4 Luke Boothroyd
Another season back for Luke Boothroyd, another season carrying the captaincy I would have thought! Luke is Mr Dependable, Mr Manchester, you could argue he is one of the first names on the match sheet every time. His point production dropped last season and he didn't register a goal. Now I want my defencemen to be just that...defencemen first and foremost, so I wouldn't expect Luke to be lighting up the scoring charts. But I would like him to offer up some more points next season. That is probably the only area of his game he needs to improve, he is a good captain, he is a brilliant defenceman. He reads the play well, can deliver a great check and despite his size, is one tough cookie!
Number 10 Ryan Johnson
This was a surprising signing for some, Ryan Johnson is no stranger to the Phoenix. I do wonder if, sticking to the same budget, has brought about Ryan's arrival to the Phoenix. But I am not going to complain, Ryan is a big strong fellow who isn't afraid to get rough. Last season he split his time between the Steeldogs and Steelers and managed a 20 point haul from his 54 games. A decent return for a second/third line defenceman. He will add size to the Phoenix blue line, while not the tallest, anyone who has seen him up close will agree, he is built like the proverbial! Another aspect to his game, Ryan can play forward which, like the next two players in this list could give the Phoenix a fourth forward line! Though pig's may fly before the Phoenix run with 4 lines! Another plus side will be the continuation of the 'Ryan Johnson plays for Phoenix, he has a porno tash' ditty!
Number 12 - James Neil
The second in the Phoenix triumvirate of utility players, James Neil has worked his way backwards onto the Phoenix blue line after beginning his career in Altrincham as a center. James is a quick player who has adapted to life on the blue line well. For me, James is a little small and needs to bulk up, but otherwise, like Luke Boothroyd, James is another guy who is becoming a fixture at the Phoenix. For 2011/12 i'd like to see James up his point production please!
Number 15 - Ben Wood
The big man from Macclesfield returns for his fourth year on the Phoenix blue li....err wait! Ben Wood practically invented the utility role at the Phoenix. Played as a forward early on, Ben is most comfortable on defence. He had another frustrating season last year, and it all comes down to Tony's trust in him. In my opinion Ben has the skill to be played, he makes mistakes on the odd occasion, but so do all players. In fact when he had a good run of ice time his play improved considerably. My hope for this new season is, Tony has faith and plays the guy! He is good enough!
Number 44 Ladislav Harabin
Defenceman of the year for many, Harabin played a blinder during his debut EPL season. Part man, part machine, the guy just wouldn't be held down. Most fans across the league will remember his horrible injury sustained one faitful night in Slough, us Phoenix fans will remember reports of his determination to carry on playing in that game, then his hard work to get back on the ice as soon as possible. After the 2010/11 season, a career year for Ladislav, most of the Phoenix faithful were resigned to loosing him. But he surprised us all be re-signing for the Phoenix. Possibly the signing of the summer! Good friend Gomeniuk gone, Harabin will look to his fellow import D man, Spelda, to shoulder much of the Phoenix D responsibility. With a full, healthy, season I see Harabin having another career year and becoming a Phoenix icon!
Number 26 Jaroslav Spelda
The un-known quantity on this seasons defensive corps is the 36 year old from the Czech Republic. Standing at 6ft Spelda is slightly bigger than Harabin and with over 530 games in the top leagues in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Jaroslav has the pedigree to be just as good as the Phoenix number 44. I can't comment much more on Jaroslav until iv'e seen him on the ice, but safe to say, im excited!
Who wants to look at some forwards?
We've got Wood......well one at least!
Signing up for his third full season in Phoenix colours Ben Wood returns to the Ice Dome to fill in as one of a number of utility players the Phoenix will have this coming season. To be fair to Ben, he has been the Phoenix utility player all his career. Naturally a defenceman Ben was played as a forward for much of his time, before reverting back to his more natural defensive position during the latter stages of the season. I do like Ben as a player, he is tall, a good skater and uses his stick intelligently, being one of the best poke-checkers on the ice. However I will admit to being surprised he has signed up for this season. While he knew his ice time would be limited I really got the impression last season he was getting really frustrated with the lack of ice time he was getting. Plus he has now set up his own gym I naturally thought he may wish to leave and concentrate on that. But fair do's to the guy, he has committed to returning, working hard, and forcing his way onto the ice for more shift's. I am pleased he has returned, as are many Phoenix fan's. If Ben can continue to grow, and bulk up a little, he will become a great EPL defenceman.
Ryan Johnson plays for Phoenix, he has a porno tash.......
The Ryan Johnson chant will be back and sung from the Phoenix stands once more as Ryan Johnson is returning to the Phoenix. A surprising addition to the club, as the Sheffield native would have been an obvious target for Andre Payette's 'made in sheffield Steeldogs'. Johnson split his 10/11 season between the Steeldogs and Steelers playing 52 games for 20 points, including 4 points in 13 games for the EIHL side. I remember Ryan being a stocky lad, not tall but a solid player. Not the most spectacular on the ice, but he will make things difficult for opposition forwards. He add's much needed bulk to the Phoenix blue line and looks to be the Phoenix 3rd utility signing giving the roster much more flexibility that in previous seasons.
Tonight Matthew I will be mostly on the blue line!
James Neil becomes the latest returnee for the Phoenix signing on for his 3rd full season with the Phoenix James will be played predominantly as a defenceman. Round off the triumvirate of utility players James is comfortable playing both sides of the puck. James is a firm fan favorite and a thoroughly nice guy, he always has time for the fans and will stay and chat for hours if you want! He gives 100% on the ice too, which is a must at EPL level, he works hard, sees the ice well and is capable of looking after himself when involved in the rough stuff! James infections personality endears himself with fans and players alike, in fact James has often appeared on the Phoenix podcast and Phoenix TV and looked at ease. James Neil is another player who is quickly becoming Mr Manchester and I can guarantee most Phoenix fans would be only too happy to see James return year on year!
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!
