Its been a tough October, a record of 2 wins and 7 losses meant the Phoenix had slipped down the table and the fans were...a little bit....glass half empty! The run of results did coincide with the loss of Stan Gron and Mark Thomas to injury for the most part, the short bench made even shorter. Add in a little bad luck and games were being lost on the odd bad bounce, a call not going their way and a bit of frustration. November arrived, Gron and Thomas came back from injury and results began to improve. First an OT loss to MK brought a point then, saturday saw the Phoenix travel along the M62 to take a superb 6-1 win from the Hull Pirates.
This all set up the visit of the Telford Tigers to the West Manchester Municipal swimming pool.....sorry Deeside. The Red Hockey brothers would also help to christen, at least in the EPL, the new plexi glass having been installed at the rink. Sadly trading away the EPL's highest assist machine.....the netting! Given the results during October, most Phoenix fans were not predicting a good result for the short benched Phoenix against the 4 lines of Telford but, you can only have 6 players on the ice at a time, you never know!
Hard work, determination and concentration would be needed for the full 60 minutes!
First Period: The puck dropped and, with a roar of noise from the stands the game got underway. The game was played at a high pace both Steve Fone and Sam Gospel had to be in top form from the first second. Both teams putting the pressure on, Gospel coming up big to deny Trent Hope and Jacob Corson-Heron it quick succession. The visiting Tigers began to exert some control on the game and their slick passing and well drilled moves came to the fore. It was impressive to watch just how quick they could break up Phoenix play in their own zone, then transition up ice into the Phoenix zone in about 3 passes! Stretching the Phoenix legs, already looking daunting for the rest of the game. We had to wait until the final two minutes for the games first goal, with Stan Gron in the penalty box on a hooking call the Tigers PP unit took to the ice. After seeing the Phoenix draw a black on two earlier PP opportunities it was frustrating to see the Tigers score about 30sec into their first advantage. Weaver scoring a peach of a shot from the blue line at 18min 14sec, assists going to Silverthorn and Szabo. The buzzer went with the visitors ahead and, perhaps, the Phoenix a little hard done by in terms of the scoreboard!
Second Period: The second session usually signals a little wobble from the Phoenix but, we couldn't have been more wrong! The home side came out the traps flying, pressing Telford high and disrupting their play. It was a marked difference to the first period, the Phoenix were hounding and harrying and the Tigers play began to breakup and become a little sloppy. Approaching the halfway point and the game really burst to life. With the Phoenix pressing Gospel's goal, Luke Boothroyd put a clever shot in on Gospel, who gave up a rebound and much hell broke lose in the crease. After a few attempts Nico Aaltonen was free on the back post as the puck bounced through to him, Nico scoring the game levelling goal at 27min 23sec and the crowd erupted. A well deserved goal lifted the rink and, that joy was doubled less than a minute later when the Phoenix scored again. Almost a carbon copy when, Luke again with a shot from the point, Gospel again giving up the rebound, this time it was Michal Satek who was on hand and un marked to give the Phoenix the lead. The Phoenix second goal timed at 28min 17sec. Both sides were really up for the game as Gron had another good opportunity for the home side while, Silverthorn was denied by the pipework for the visitors.
Third Period: The final session proved to be a barn stormer, Phoenix deservedly ahead while the Tigers still had one of (if not the) most talented roster in the league. The hockey gods obviously decided to make that W hard to get for the Phoenix. The home side totting up a total of 16 penalty minutes to Telford's 0. That meant putting the lethal Tigers on the PP. Despite many people's fears (mine included) the Phoenix stood tall, worked hard and denied the Tigers on their PP opportunities. Especially as the Phoenix picked up one 2 minute penalty at 55min and then another at 58min meaning they would be short handed to the buzzer to claim the win. Tigers were 5 on 4, then for the last 100sec they were 6 on 4 with the empty net. Phoenix held their shape well in their own zone, Fone stood tall, the fans made the noise and, but for two inches the wrong way, Kovar could have had the empty netter to top off the win. It hit the post but it didn't matter, Phoenix held on for a superb win on home ice.
Verdict: Against MK a few weeks ago I though the Phoenix deserved the W but got the OT loss, last night, Phoenix deserved the W and got it! Tigers still have the better roster on paper but, on the ice, they only showed it for 20mins at most. The Phoenix competed and bettered the Tigers for the majority of the game and got the win to show for it. The Phoenix has been down and battered for recent weeks......now.....the Phoenix is rising once again!
http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2697/phoenix-hit-hull-six
http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2698/back-back-wins-phoenix
http://www.tigershockeyuk.com/2015/11/tigers-target-return-to-form-after-phoenix-loss/
Showing posts with label Telford Tigers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Telford Tigers. Show all posts
Monday, 9 November 2015
Sunday, 13 September 2015
Pre-Season Hype
The road to the 15/16 season has been an interesting ones for Phoenix fans and for fans of hockey in Manchester it has to be said. Much has been said on various forum's/blog's and twitter, I said my piece in my previous post so, from now on its hockey only on the blog! Famous last words I know!
This post is going to round up the last few players who were added to the roster and the two 'home' preseason games against the Swindon Wildcats and the Telford Tigers. So, onto the remaining players to join the Phoenix roster:
Back up Netminder - Phil Spanswick. Last season Phoenix had one of the strongest netminding tandems in the league with Fone and Declan Ryan. During the summer Ryan announced via twitter that he was taking time away from hockey to pursue a phd. Fair enough, at EPL level hockey is not a full time profession for Brit's so you have to get set for your future away from the sport. So, with the back up netminder spot free the Phoenix announced Phil Spanswick who would fill the role for this coming season. I will concede I do not know much about Phil and his Elite Hockey Prospects page is quite sparse. Anyone out there know much/anything about him?
Forward - Trent Hope. Hope is a name familiar to hockey fans across the UK. Shannon Hope was a defenceman for the Cardiff Devils playing nearly 400 games for the Cardiff side. No surprise then that his son, Trent, has played his career to date in south Wales. So far he has performed nicely in the ENL and ENL 2 and this season will be his first in the top level of English Ice Hockey the EPL. Another player I know little about but am looking forward to seeing out on the ice!
Forward - Stanislav Gron. Or MecaGron is how i'll be referring to him this coming season is a big Slovak forward drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 1997. Playing the majority of his career in his home country he also had signifcant stints in Italy, the WHL and the AHL putting up nearly a point every other game. His past couple of seasons in Italy have seen him scoring at over 1.5 points per game.He looks to have the size, he has the experience hopefully MecaGron will fill the points gap left by Tony Hand's retirement.
Forward - Nico Aaltonen. Phoenix dont usually sign finnish players so Nico joins quite a small list! Nico will be another top lforward who the club will hope replaces some of the points lost through player departures. Like MecaGron, Nico has spent most of his career in his homeland and, played one game shy of 200 in the Liiga in Finland.
Forward - Michal Satek. Another new arrival at the Phoenix, he joins Aaltonen and MecaGron making their debut seasons with the Phoenix in England in the EPL. Having spent just one season outside Slovakia Satek comes to England for a new challenge. His career in Slovakia has seen him score roughly a point every 2 or 3 games and, coming off the back of a good year in Romania. Satek looks exciting on paper, hopefully that will translate onto the ice.
Along with the main roster the Phoenix have also signed two Deeside youngsters on two way contracts for the coming season, makes sense given the year long residency the Phoenix have in north Wales.
Youngsters playing on a two way with the Deeside Dragons, Ross Kennedy on Defence and Ryan Jones on forward. Give the Phoenix tendancy to ice with a shorter roster and, our luck (or lack thereof) with injuries, I think the two youngsters will see a fair amount of ice time!
So thats the roster, how about some games? Continuing the strange summer we've had as Phoenix fans, it was August and we were on the M56 heading for North Wales! Hockey can be a strange and unusual sport sometimes but, its why we all love it! It was good fun driving across to Deeside, this coming season will feel like an adventure each weekend! For those of you who will come to Deeside as an away fan I would recommend arriving a little earlier or, build in a trip to Chester Zoo or Cheshire Oaks at the same time. Both are only about 20 minutes away from the Ice Rink!
Cats enter the Dragons Lair:
Swindon Wildcats were the first visitors to the Phoenix new home and the first with Stevie Lyle as player coach. The Cat's have retianed the majority of their 14/15 roster, the significant changes coming in their imports. Hoog and Kana were not retained, placed by Miroslav Zalasak and Sami Ryhanen. The game really was fun to watch, Swindon and Phoenix have similarities in the way they play. Swindon, for me, looked very solid if a little un-inspiring at times. Throughout the game the main players just didnt seem to catch fire. Im really looking at Nell and Kostal. They seemed to huff and puff but not really get anywhere. The Phoenix, while looking a bit more kamikaze in defence had pace to burn and would often get in behind the Wildcats defence. In the end the Phoenix were able to capitalise on that pace while doing just enough in defence to keep the Wildcats at bay. Plus, Steve Fone was in outstanding form!
Reality check from the Champions:
After the weekends optimism playing the Wildcats and, a 4-3 win in Telford the night before sunday was set up to be a cracker. The Tigers come into the 15/16 which a largely unchanged roster. Well, they are champions so, why change something that isn't broken? The only new blood coming from two new players, Joe Graham and Phil Hill. When the game got going the Phoenix looked good in the early stages and took the lead. But, the quality on the Tigers roster began to come through. The Tigers took quick hold of the game and ran away with it. Really no issues with the scoreline for me, the Phoenix looked tired and, coupled with the Tigers depth, just couldn't match up. Best team in the league last year and, on that showing, they will be the ones to beat again!
This post is going to round up the last few players who were added to the roster and the two 'home' preseason games against the Swindon Wildcats and the Telford Tigers. So, onto the remaining players to join the Phoenix roster:
Back up Netminder - Phil Spanswick. Last season Phoenix had one of the strongest netminding tandems in the league with Fone and Declan Ryan. During the summer Ryan announced via twitter that he was taking time away from hockey to pursue a phd. Fair enough, at EPL level hockey is not a full time profession for Brit's so you have to get set for your future away from the sport. So, with the back up netminder spot free the Phoenix announced Phil Spanswick who would fill the role for this coming season. I will concede I do not know much about Phil and his Elite Hockey Prospects page is quite sparse. Anyone out there know much/anything about him?
Forward - Trent Hope. Hope is a name familiar to hockey fans across the UK. Shannon Hope was a defenceman for the Cardiff Devils playing nearly 400 games for the Cardiff side. No surprise then that his son, Trent, has played his career to date in south Wales. So far he has performed nicely in the ENL and ENL 2 and this season will be his first in the top level of English Ice Hockey the EPL. Another player I know little about but am looking forward to seeing out on the ice!
Forward - Stanislav Gron. Or MecaGron is how i'll be referring to him this coming season is a big Slovak forward drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 1997. Playing the majority of his career in his home country he also had signifcant stints in Italy, the WHL and the AHL putting up nearly a point every other game. His past couple of seasons in Italy have seen him scoring at over 1.5 points per game.He looks to have the size, he has the experience hopefully MecaGron will fill the points gap left by Tony Hand's retirement.
Forward - Nico Aaltonen. Phoenix dont usually sign finnish players so Nico joins quite a small list! Nico will be another top lforward who the club will hope replaces some of the points lost through player departures. Like MecaGron, Nico has spent most of his career in his homeland and, played one game shy of 200 in the Liiga in Finland.
Forward - Michal Satek. Another new arrival at the Phoenix, he joins Aaltonen and MecaGron making their debut seasons with the Phoenix in England in the EPL. Having spent just one season outside Slovakia Satek comes to England for a new challenge. His career in Slovakia has seen him score roughly a point every 2 or 3 games and, coming off the back of a good year in Romania. Satek looks exciting on paper, hopefully that will translate onto the ice.
Along with the main roster the Phoenix have also signed two Deeside youngsters on two way contracts for the coming season, makes sense given the year long residency the Phoenix have in north Wales.
Youngsters playing on a two way with the Deeside Dragons, Ross Kennedy on Defence and Ryan Jones on forward. Give the Phoenix tendancy to ice with a shorter roster and, our luck (or lack thereof) with injuries, I think the two youngsters will see a fair amount of ice time!
So thats the roster, how about some games? Continuing the strange summer we've had as Phoenix fans, it was August and we were on the M56 heading for North Wales! Hockey can be a strange and unusual sport sometimes but, its why we all love it! It was good fun driving across to Deeside, this coming season will feel like an adventure each weekend! For those of you who will come to Deeside as an away fan I would recommend arriving a little earlier or, build in a trip to Chester Zoo or Cheshire Oaks at the same time. Both are only about 20 minutes away from the Ice Rink!
Cats enter the Dragons Lair:
Swindon Wildcats were the first visitors to the Phoenix new home and the first with Stevie Lyle as player coach. The Cat's have retianed the majority of their 14/15 roster, the significant changes coming in their imports. Hoog and Kana were not retained, placed by Miroslav Zalasak and Sami Ryhanen. The game really was fun to watch, Swindon and Phoenix have similarities in the way they play. Swindon, for me, looked very solid if a little un-inspiring at times. Throughout the game the main players just didnt seem to catch fire. Im really looking at Nell and Kostal. They seemed to huff and puff but not really get anywhere. The Phoenix, while looking a bit more kamikaze in defence had pace to burn and would often get in behind the Wildcats defence. In the end the Phoenix were able to capitalise on that pace while doing just enough in defence to keep the Wildcats at bay. Plus, Steve Fone was in outstanding form!
Reality check from the Champions:
After the weekends optimism playing the Wildcats and, a 4-3 win in Telford the night before sunday was set up to be a cracker. The Tigers come into the 15/16 which a largely unchanged roster. Well, they are champions so, why change something that isn't broken? The only new blood coming from two new players, Joe Graham and Phil Hill. When the game got going the Phoenix looked good in the early stages and took the lead. But, the quality on the Tigers roster began to come through. The Tigers took quick hold of the game and ran away with it. Really no issues with the scoreline for me, the Phoenix looked tired and, coupled with the Tigers depth, just couldn't match up. Best team in the league last year and, on that showing, they will be the ones to beat again!
Wednesday, 21 January 2015
Phoenix Rolling - 11th Jan Telford Tigers
I apologise for getting behind on my match reports, the next couple of games, I will admit, I have left quite a while until posting.
With that in mind I wont go into the usual level of detail except, to direct you to each teams match report and, Phoenix TV for highlights/interviews of all the goal action. As for the stats, below is a run down of when each goal went in and the scorers:
Phoenix PP, 3.31 Kovar
Telford PP, 12.17 Salem
Telford, 14.18 Novak
Phoenix, 25.27 Neil
Telford PP, 31.48 Zajac
Telford 41.21 McKenzie
Phoenix, 50.55 Watkins
Telford, 53.30 Miller
As for the game overall, it was always going to be a huge huge mountain for the Phoenix. I think, during the anthems, I counted 16 players for the Phoenix and 22 for the Tigers. Add in that the Tigers roster is so much stronger to begin with you get a picture of how tough this game would be. In the end a 5-3 loss to the Tigers I could not argue with. Their penalty kill and powerplay unit's are so good, you just cant give them the edge. With that said, the Phoenix played really really well and, in fairness, should have got a point from the game. It wasn't to be though....onwards and upwards!
Phoenix 3 Telford 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 Telford 5 - Tigers Article
With that in mind I wont go into the usual level of detail except, to direct you to each teams match report and, Phoenix TV for highlights/interviews of all the goal action. As for the stats, below is a run down of when each goal went in and the scorers:
Phoenix PP, 3.31 Kovar
Telford PP, 12.17 Salem
Telford, 14.18 Novak
Phoenix, 25.27 Neil
Telford PP, 31.48 Zajac
Telford 41.21 McKenzie
Phoenix, 50.55 Watkins
Telford, 53.30 Miller
As for the game overall, it was always going to be a huge huge mountain for the Phoenix. I think, during the anthems, I counted 16 players for the Phoenix and 22 for the Tigers. Add in that the Tigers roster is so much stronger to begin with you get a picture of how tough this game would be. In the end a 5-3 loss to the Tigers I could not argue with. Their penalty kill and powerplay unit's are so good, you just cant give them the edge. With that said, the Phoenix played really really well and, in fairness, should have got a point from the game. It wasn't to be though....onwards and upwards!
Phoenix 3 Telford 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 Telford 5 - Tigers Article
Saturday, 10 January 2015
Phoenix Rolling - 27th December Telford Tigers
Hey everyone, sorry for the slow posting of match reports!
I shall try and do better for 2015!
The weekend in question saw the Phoenix play the Tigers in a home/away series across 48hours. The games so far against the Tigers have been close on the ice and on the scoreboard.
First Period: The puck dropped and from the very beginning the game was played at a fast pace. The Phoenix competing but, The Tigers superiority was beginning to show, the Tigers press all over the Ice, including a high and effective forecheck. They crowd the centre ice so it is difficult to get through, with the early pressure it was no surprise that the visitors took the early lead. Jason Silverthorn tipping a shot from Ondrej to deceive Declan Ryan, goal scored at 3min 19sec. The period continued with the end to end flow but no further goals were scored. The Phoenix really struggling to spend extended periods in the Tigers zone.
Second Period: The Phoenix came out the traps in the second period with speed and intent, that drive was rewarded when the home side pulled level. After 22min 26sec Tony Hand passed to Psurny who lifted the puck over Thomas Murdy to light the lamp for the home team. The next 10mins or so the Phoenix really began to ratchet up their own pressure and controlled the Ice. That pressure did not result in another goal and, a 6min period of madness saw the Phoenix give up three goals and the initiative in the game. Jason Silverthorn completed yet another hattrick against the Phoenix with a quick double, goals coming at 32min 19sec and 36min 34sec. Then the vast experience of Weaver added to the lead with a superb blue line shot at 38min 28sec.
Third Period: 4-1 down and the home side looking deflated, it was no surprise that the Tigers quickly added to their tally and killed the game off in the first two minutes of the final period. Just 50sec into the period Novak extended the Tigers lead at 40min 50sec and about a minute later Nathan Salem made it 6-1 at just 41min 58sec. Sadly that killed the game and the atmosphere with the home crowd a little stunned by the Tigers demolition of their own team. A solitary consolation goal by Bakrlik at 52min 03sec roused the crowd but, little more than a small cheer to be honest!
Verdict: The Phoenix competed for about 30minutes before the Tigers superior roster finally tolled. The 10min period in the second session was crucial and killed off the game. The Phoenix just did not look to have the fire to get back in it in the third period. A poor night for the Phoenix, but I cannot lay all the blame on the Phoenix. It is true that some players did not perform as they can but, the Tigers were just better! With the money they have, they have assembled an awesome roster. Not just the depth but the quality! You can argue they are just buying the league, they are and they can! No issue with that for me! Take the Tigers out the table and the EPL is competitive! It's just it's comparative between everyone else!
Attendance: A subdued post christmas crowd in the Ice Dome, i'll guess at 900 in.
Phoenix 2 Tigers 6 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 2 Tigers 6 - Tigers Article
The weekend of pain continued unfortunately for the Phoenix, they were once again soundly beaten by the Tigers. Again 6-2, this time in Telford.
Tigers 6 Phoenix 2 - Phoenix Article
Tigers 6 Phoenix 2 - Tigers Article
Phoenix TV:
I shall try and do better for 2015!
The weekend in question saw the Phoenix play the Tigers in a home/away series across 48hours. The games so far against the Tigers have been close on the ice and on the scoreboard.
First Period: The puck dropped and from the very beginning the game was played at a fast pace. The Phoenix competing but, The Tigers superiority was beginning to show, the Tigers press all over the Ice, including a high and effective forecheck. They crowd the centre ice so it is difficult to get through, with the early pressure it was no surprise that the visitors took the early lead. Jason Silverthorn tipping a shot from Ondrej to deceive Declan Ryan, goal scored at 3min 19sec. The period continued with the end to end flow but no further goals were scored. The Phoenix really struggling to spend extended periods in the Tigers zone.
Second Period: The Phoenix came out the traps in the second period with speed and intent, that drive was rewarded when the home side pulled level. After 22min 26sec Tony Hand passed to Psurny who lifted the puck over Thomas Murdy to light the lamp for the home team. The next 10mins or so the Phoenix really began to ratchet up their own pressure and controlled the Ice. That pressure did not result in another goal and, a 6min period of madness saw the Phoenix give up three goals and the initiative in the game. Jason Silverthorn completed yet another hattrick against the Phoenix with a quick double, goals coming at 32min 19sec and 36min 34sec. Then the vast experience of Weaver added to the lead with a superb blue line shot at 38min 28sec.
Third Period: 4-1 down and the home side looking deflated, it was no surprise that the Tigers quickly added to their tally and killed the game off in the first two minutes of the final period. Just 50sec into the period Novak extended the Tigers lead at 40min 50sec and about a minute later Nathan Salem made it 6-1 at just 41min 58sec. Sadly that killed the game and the atmosphere with the home crowd a little stunned by the Tigers demolition of their own team. A solitary consolation goal by Bakrlik at 52min 03sec roused the crowd but, little more than a small cheer to be honest!
Verdict: The Phoenix competed for about 30minutes before the Tigers superior roster finally tolled. The 10min period in the second session was crucial and killed off the game. The Phoenix just did not look to have the fire to get back in it in the third period. A poor night for the Phoenix, but I cannot lay all the blame on the Phoenix. It is true that some players did not perform as they can but, the Tigers were just better! With the money they have, they have assembled an awesome roster. Not just the depth but the quality! You can argue they are just buying the league, they are and they can! No issue with that for me! Take the Tigers out the table and the EPL is competitive! It's just it's comparative between everyone else!
Attendance: A subdued post christmas crowd in the Ice Dome, i'll guess at 900 in.
Phoenix 2 Tigers 6 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 2 Tigers 6 - Tigers Article
The weekend of pain continued unfortunately for the Phoenix, they were once again soundly beaten by the Tigers. Again 6-2, this time in Telford.
Tigers 6 Phoenix 2 - Phoenix Article
Tigers 6 Phoenix 2 - Tigers Article
Phoenix TV:
Thursday, 27 March 2014
Phoenix v Telford Tigers 23rd March
The final weekend of the regular season had arrived, the Phoenix came into the weekend already confirmed as champions. In that sense the weekend was a dead rubber but, the team will still want to win to maintain form going into the playoff's. The final weekend of the season would still be tough for the Phoenix, an away trip saturday to the Peterborough Phantoms was followed by a home game versus the Telford Tigers.
Peterborough has not been an easy place for the Phoenix to go. Results have been mixed over the past season. The game would prove to be another tough one and close throughout. Though, the Phoenix were able to take the win scoring in overtime taking a 3-2 win. More worrying were reports, by Phoenix players no less, of the home fans throwing coins. James Neil being the unfortunate one who was hit by coins thrown by Phantoms fans. Not cool Peterborough, not cool!
With the win secured the Phoenix returned home to face up the Tigers in their last regular season game. A large contingent of Tigers fans joined the large home support to create a wonderful atmosphere for the last game of the season. A win for the Phoenix and they would end the season on 80 points and perfect momentum into the playoffs. A loss would see the season end on a damp squib and, possibly, hand the Tigers a slight mental advantage should the two sides meet in Coventry.
First Period: The puck dropped and off we went, the game was played at a fast pace with both sides putting pressure on the net minders. The Tigers and Phoenix putting together some great moves which kept the fans in attendance entertained. Telford opened the scoring when Davies lit the lamp with 7min 44sec gone sending the visiting fans crazy. The Tigers have some momentum about them and can be considered challengers for the post season crown. The game carried on at a high level, the intensity was great to watch. The Phoenix kept in the game putting more shots in on Ryan but had to wait until 14min 08sec before James Archer equalised for the home side.
Second Period: Tigers got the jump on in the second period when Timo Kuulivainen scored at 23min 12sec. Timo showing some of the skill that the Phoenix had hoped for before his injury. The period carried on with both teams playing end-to-end hockey, the Phoenix began to control the puck a bit more but it was the Tigers who would score next. Rose scoring at 38min 59sec with a superb shot from the blue line. Fone just didn't see it with the screen in front. The end of the period came and, despite creating more chances, the Phoenix headed into the break 3-1 down.
Third Period: A big big period needed for the Phoenix and they got one! Just 80sec into the period James Archer grabbed his second of the night. The Phoenix really upped the pressure looking for the equaliser but found Telford in resolute form. The Phoenix did find their way back into the game, on the penalty kill! With a man sat out the Phoenix levelled the game midway through the third period with the hattrick goal for James Archer, timed at 50min 50sec. The go-ahead goal came 30sec later, again on the penalty kill, when Tony Hand was found clear up ice, who skatyed in and unleashed a breathtaking shot to beat Ryan. The Phoenix ahead and the home fans going wild. Despite the lead Telford were still in the game and Kiviranta would force the extra session when he tapped in a great moved at 54min 27sec to tie the game.
Overtime: With the point secured and, with it the Phoenix would finish on at least 79 points the teams would fight it out for the extra point. Phoenix lost the faceoff but were able to regain possesion early on. The game would be decided quickly though, Michal Psurny, so often the hero this season, would do it again. The Phoenix broke up ice, with Psurny driving the net, who then pulled off a lovely move to make Ryan spread across the goal opening up the gap. Psurny scoring at 61mins to give the Phoenix the win.
Verdict: A fantastic game to cap off an excellent season for the Phoenix. Credit to the Tigers fans for clapping the Phoenix onto the Ice and for sticking around after the final whistle. Both teams played their part in the game and will both take the positives from it into the post season. The Phoenix will be pleased to have the edge over the Tigers should they meet in Coventry.
Attendance: Another big crowd in the Ice Dome, 1,800.
Phoenix 5 Telford 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 5 Telford 4 - Tigers Article
Phoenix 5 Telford 4 - The Bolton News
Peterborough has not been an easy place for the Phoenix to go. Results have been mixed over the past season. The game would prove to be another tough one and close throughout. Though, the Phoenix were able to take the win scoring in overtime taking a 3-2 win. More worrying were reports, by Phoenix players no less, of the home fans throwing coins. James Neil being the unfortunate one who was hit by coins thrown by Phantoms fans. Not cool Peterborough, not cool!
With the win secured the Phoenix returned home to face up the Tigers in their last regular season game. A large contingent of Tigers fans joined the large home support to create a wonderful atmosphere for the last game of the season. A win for the Phoenix and they would end the season on 80 points and perfect momentum into the playoffs. A loss would see the season end on a damp squib and, possibly, hand the Tigers a slight mental advantage should the two sides meet in Coventry.
First Period: The puck dropped and off we went, the game was played at a fast pace with both sides putting pressure on the net minders. The Tigers and Phoenix putting together some great moves which kept the fans in attendance entertained. Telford opened the scoring when Davies lit the lamp with 7min 44sec gone sending the visiting fans crazy. The Tigers have some momentum about them and can be considered challengers for the post season crown. The game carried on at a high level, the intensity was great to watch. The Phoenix kept in the game putting more shots in on Ryan but had to wait until 14min 08sec before James Archer equalised for the home side.
Second Period: Tigers got the jump on in the second period when Timo Kuulivainen scored at 23min 12sec. Timo showing some of the skill that the Phoenix had hoped for before his injury. The period carried on with both teams playing end-to-end hockey, the Phoenix began to control the puck a bit more but it was the Tigers who would score next. Rose scoring at 38min 59sec with a superb shot from the blue line. Fone just didn't see it with the screen in front. The end of the period came and, despite creating more chances, the Phoenix headed into the break 3-1 down.
Third Period: A big big period needed for the Phoenix and they got one! Just 80sec into the period James Archer grabbed his second of the night. The Phoenix really upped the pressure looking for the equaliser but found Telford in resolute form. The Phoenix did find their way back into the game, on the penalty kill! With a man sat out the Phoenix levelled the game midway through the third period with the hattrick goal for James Archer, timed at 50min 50sec. The go-ahead goal came 30sec later, again on the penalty kill, when Tony Hand was found clear up ice, who skatyed in and unleashed a breathtaking shot to beat Ryan. The Phoenix ahead and the home fans going wild. Despite the lead Telford were still in the game and Kiviranta would force the extra session when he tapped in a great moved at 54min 27sec to tie the game.
Overtime: With the point secured and, with it the Phoenix would finish on at least 79 points the teams would fight it out for the extra point. Phoenix lost the faceoff but were able to regain possesion early on. The game would be decided quickly though, Michal Psurny, so often the hero this season, would do it again. The Phoenix broke up ice, with Psurny driving the net, who then pulled off a lovely move to make Ryan spread across the goal opening up the gap. Psurny scoring at 61mins to give the Phoenix the win.
Verdict: A fantastic game to cap off an excellent season for the Phoenix. Credit to the Tigers fans for clapping the Phoenix onto the Ice and for sticking around after the final whistle. Both teams played their part in the game and will both take the positives from it into the post season. The Phoenix will be pleased to have the edge over the Tigers should they meet in Coventry.
Attendance: Another big crowd in the Ice Dome, 1,800.
Phoenix 5 Telford 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 5 Telford 4 - Tigers Article
Phoenix 5 Telford 4 - The Bolton News
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
Phoenix v Guildford Flames 8th March
The Phoenix came into their second 3 game weekend in some good form as the race for the title really heats up! The Flames had dropped away a little leaving the Phoenix and Bison the favourites to duke it out for the league crown. The second tough weekend for the Phoenix began with a trip to Peterborough to take on the Phantoms before, returning home to face the Flames then a sunday away day to the resurgent Telford Tigers. When chasing a league title the Phoenix don't have a good record in Peterborough. On this occasion the Phoenix would come away empty handed again, the Phantoms skating to a 6-4 win. The Phoenix do have one more trip to Peterborough before the end of the season, I only hope the fate of the title is decided before then!
Phantoms 6 Phoenix 4 - Phoenix Article
Phantoms 6 Phoenix 4 - Phantoms Article
With one of the games in hand played in Peterborough, the Phoenix faced the Guildford Flames before playing the second game in hand at Telford on sunday. The Flames game on saturday would be a cracker, as they usually are between the two sides but, with the added carrot's of vital league points and the opportunity to put the Flames further out of the running. A large crowd turned up and off we went.
First Period: The game began at quite a pace with both sides creating chances and speeding about the ice. The Phoenix had most of the puck in the early stages but were not getting many/if any quality shots in on Mark Lee. Even the first period would make Phoenix TV viewing essential. The Flames would get the scoring started when Opatovsky stepped out the box, picked up a looping puck through centre ice, exchanged a one-two with Melicherik to put the puck past a prone Fone. The goal really was fantastic and great to watch, even though it was the visitors who scored it! That was the only goal of the period, while the Phoenix were behind, they had done enough to suggest they could get back in the game.
Second Period: The second period saw the Phoenix frustrated, having lots of the puck just wasn't turning into chances. The Flames playing a disciplined road game which kept the home side out. Phoenix did finally get going on the powerplay when Bakrlik unleashed a canon of a shot to leave Lee no chance, the Phoenix on the board at 26min 04sec. Parity only lasted around 3 minutes when the Flames capitalised on some lax defending to re-take the lead at 29min 11sec through Hemmings. The Phoenix tried hard through the latter half of the period but could not find a way through.
Third Period: A big effort was needed in the third period and, it couldn't have started worse for the Phoenix! Just 53sec into the period former Phoenix man Kristoffersson put the Flames 3-1 up. 2 goals back would be tough and, it was easily one of those, title challenge rests on the next 19 minutes type of moments! Thankfully, the Phoenix got going just as the Flames discipline deserted them. On the powerplay the Phoenix got one back at 44min 36sec through Michael Psurny who had, up until that point, looked a little quiet. Kristoffersson hit back with another for the Glames about 30sec later the restore the 2 goal advantage, his goal at 45min 03sec. A big effort was needed, the crowd were up for it, creating one of the best atmospheres I think I have ever experienced at the Ice Dome. This lifted the home side and, again on the powerplay, Frankie Bakrlik scored to reduce the deficit, his goal at 46min 43sec. The Phoenix momentum continued to build as did the noise, the roof almost blew off at 47min 57sec when Bakrlik scored again. If the roof didnt blow off then, it did with 3 minutes to go. Once more on the Powerplay, with Kvetan in for a stupid high sticks penalty, Robin Kovar scored a beut of a goal at 57min 24sec to put the Phoenix ahead. The Ice Dome exploded as the home fans saw the potential of this result. With the Bison losing a win here would put the Phoenix clear at the top of the table. The noise level rose as the seconds ticked by until the final buzzer went. Phoenix win 5-4.
Verdict: It makes a difference when your team wins a game like this but, what a game! Fans of both sides said it was an epic. The game, the noise, the importance of the win all added up to a night to remember. The Phoenix had to dig deep to get back in this one but deserved the points in the end. The Flames will wonder how they didn't get anything from it but, quite simply, it was their frequent trips to the sin bin which did it! What a game! Tune in to Phoenix TV you won't be disappointed!
Attendance: Really good crowd in the Ice Dome, i'll say 1,400 in.
Phoenix 5 Flames 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 5 Flames 4 - Flames Article
Phoenix TV, a good one to watch:
)
The weekend was completed with the Phoenix making the short trip to Telford. Another tough game in an already tough weekend. The Phoenix dug deep again and stayed in front throughout the game, heading back north with a 5-4 win and a clear 4 point lead at the top of the EPL table.
)
Tigers 4 Phoenix 5 - Tigers Article
Tigers 4 Phoenix 5 - Phoenix Article
Tigers 4 Phoenix 5 - Shropshire Star
Phantoms 6 Phoenix 4 - Phoenix Article
Phantoms 6 Phoenix 4 - Phantoms Article
With one of the games in hand played in Peterborough, the Phoenix faced the Guildford Flames before playing the second game in hand at Telford on sunday. The Flames game on saturday would be a cracker, as they usually are between the two sides but, with the added carrot's of vital league points and the opportunity to put the Flames further out of the running. A large crowd turned up and off we went.
First Period: The game began at quite a pace with both sides creating chances and speeding about the ice. The Phoenix had most of the puck in the early stages but were not getting many/if any quality shots in on Mark Lee. Even the first period would make Phoenix TV viewing essential. The Flames would get the scoring started when Opatovsky stepped out the box, picked up a looping puck through centre ice, exchanged a one-two with Melicherik to put the puck past a prone Fone. The goal really was fantastic and great to watch, even though it was the visitors who scored it! That was the only goal of the period, while the Phoenix were behind, they had done enough to suggest they could get back in the game.
Second Period: The second period saw the Phoenix frustrated, having lots of the puck just wasn't turning into chances. The Flames playing a disciplined road game which kept the home side out. Phoenix did finally get going on the powerplay when Bakrlik unleashed a canon of a shot to leave Lee no chance, the Phoenix on the board at 26min 04sec. Parity only lasted around 3 minutes when the Flames capitalised on some lax defending to re-take the lead at 29min 11sec through Hemmings. The Phoenix tried hard through the latter half of the period but could not find a way through.
Third Period: A big effort was needed in the third period and, it couldn't have started worse for the Phoenix! Just 53sec into the period former Phoenix man Kristoffersson put the Flames 3-1 up. 2 goals back would be tough and, it was easily one of those, title challenge rests on the next 19 minutes type of moments! Thankfully, the Phoenix got going just as the Flames discipline deserted them. On the powerplay the Phoenix got one back at 44min 36sec through Michael Psurny who had, up until that point, looked a little quiet. Kristoffersson hit back with another for the Glames about 30sec later the restore the 2 goal advantage, his goal at 45min 03sec. A big effort was needed, the crowd were up for it, creating one of the best atmospheres I think I have ever experienced at the Ice Dome. This lifted the home side and, again on the powerplay, Frankie Bakrlik scored to reduce the deficit, his goal at 46min 43sec. The Phoenix momentum continued to build as did the noise, the roof almost blew off at 47min 57sec when Bakrlik scored again. If the roof didnt blow off then, it did with 3 minutes to go. Once more on the Powerplay, with Kvetan in for a stupid high sticks penalty, Robin Kovar scored a beut of a goal at 57min 24sec to put the Phoenix ahead. The Ice Dome exploded as the home fans saw the potential of this result. With the Bison losing a win here would put the Phoenix clear at the top of the table. The noise level rose as the seconds ticked by until the final buzzer went. Phoenix win 5-4.
Verdict: It makes a difference when your team wins a game like this but, what a game! Fans of both sides said it was an epic. The game, the noise, the importance of the win all added up to a night to remember. The Phoenix had to dig deep to get back in this one but deserved the points in the end. The Flames will wonder how they didn't get anything from it but, quite simply, it was their frequent trips to the sin bin which did it! What a game! Tune in to Phoenix TV you won't be disappointed!
Attendance: Really good crowd in the Ice Dome, i'll say 1,400 in.
Phoenix 5 Flames 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 5 Flames 4 - Flames Article
Phoenix TV, a good one to watch:
)
The weekend was completed with the Phoenix making the short trip to Telford. Another tough game in an already tough weekend. The Phoenix dug deep again and stayed in front throughout the game, heading back north with a 5-4 win and a clear 4 point lead at the top of the EPL table.
)
Tigers 4 Phoenix 5 - Tigers Article
Tigers 4 Phoenix 5 - Phoenix Article
Tigers 4 Phoenix 5 - Shropshire Star
Wednesday, 5 February 2014
Phoenix v Telford Tigers 2nd Feb
Time to dust this blog off and get the hockey juices flowing again! I apologise the lack of updates on this blog over the past few weeks, I blame myself! Been off on my own honeymoon visiting far away lands! Anyway it was back with a bang, arriving back saturday morning it was back to the Ice Dome and my regular sunday engagement with the Phoenix. The visitors tonight were the Telford Tigers version 2.0! Much has been said of the Tigers recent transformation and the switch in ethos that seems to have happened, from fan ownership to wealthy benefactor. Im sure many of you have read and, even participated in those discussions in the EPL hockey community.
For me, Tigers fans just have to be careful. Much goodwill was afforded their club when they rose from the ashes and, it seems that goodwill is eroding quite quickly! Anyway, enough about that, the game!
First Period: This new look Tigers team is very impressive. Even from the early minutes of this game they have skill, strength in depth and desire. The Tigers took it to the Phoenix from the off and got their reward after just 2 minutes. Scott McKenzie getting the visitors on the board first. The Phoenix slowly began to get their act together and get into the game, as Telford were dominating the early stages. The Phoenix did get on the board midway through the first session with Michal Psurny getting the goal at 11min 37sec. After the shaky start the Phoenix began to exert some control over the period but Telford were still in the game.
Second Period: The second period would turn out to be the key in the game, Telford got the first goal on the powerplay at 22min 26sec from Rick Plant. A few minutes after the goal the games controversial moment happened. With Ryan's stick behind the goal and no player to assist the referee took the stick and handed it to him. To the fans this was unfair but, according to the officials there is no rule against it. Make of that what you will! The Phoenix fans anger was not helped when the Tigers went 2 clear with another powerplay goal at 29min 18sec when Miller made it 1-3. With the game beginning to slip the Phoenix needed to get something working. They were handed an opportunity on the powerplay and Robert Schnabel 'did a Boother' and scored on the back post. Really nice finish, at 35min 35sec. The Phoenix then had another PP opportunity but could not capitalise, then, in the last 30sec the Tigers killed the game. At 39.34 Rick Plant made it 2-4 then, a real killer goal as the buzzer sounded Adam Walker sliding the puck under Fone to make it 2-5. Game over!
Third Period: For me the game was over, the second period was horrible for the Phoenix and, with the Tigers looking so good and confident it would be tough, nigh on impossible, to rescue the game. That being said, the Phoenix made a game of it and competed, Tony Hand even scoring a PPG at 46min 34sec to create a slight glimmer of hope. Just after the halfway mark that glimmer was extinguished. With the Phoenix on the PPG, the Tigers scored a short handed goal to close out the game. The puck taking a freak bounce leaving Fone stranded and Kirinvanta free to score. The goal coming at 51min 32sec.
Verdict: The Tigers v2 will be challenging for the title next year if their bigger budget remains. They were skilful, confident and had that strength in depth you need to be challenging at the top. For the Phoenix it was a weekend to forget, they were not far off the game but it was not a good all round performance either. Absolutely no issues with the result or scoreline for me!
Attendance: A good crowd in, i'll say 1,200
Phoenix 3 Tigers 6 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 Tigers 6 - Trafford Messenger
Phoenix 3 Tigers 6 - The Bolton News
Phoenix 3 Tigers 6 - Tigers Article
For me, Tigers fans just have to be careful. Much goodwill was afforded their club when they rose from the ashes and, it seems that goodwill is eroding quite quickly! Anyway, enough about that, the game!
First Period: This new look Tigers team is very impressive. Even from the early minutes of this game they have skill, strength in depth and desire. The Tigers took it to the Phoenix from the off and got their reward after just 2 minutes. Scott McKenzie getting the visitors on the board first. The Phoenix slowly began to get their act together and get into the game, as Telford were dominating the early stages. The Phoenix did get on the board midway through the first session with Michal Psurny getting the goal at 11min 37sec. After the shaky start the Phoenix began to exert some control over the period but Telford were still in the game.
Second Period: The second period would turn out to be the key in the game, Telford got the first goal on the powerplay at 22min 26sec from Rick Plant. A few minutes after the goal the games controversial moment happened. With Ryan's stick behind the goal and no player to assist the referee took the stick and handed it to him. To the fans this was unfair but, according to the officials there is no rule against it. Make of that what you will! The Phoenix fans anger was not helped when the Tigers went 2 clear with another powerplay goal at 29min 18sec when Miller made it 1-3. With the game beginning to slip the Phoenix needed to get something working. They were handed an opportunity on the powerplay and Robert Schnabel 'did a Boother' and scored on the back post. Really nice finish, at 35min 35sec. The Phoenix then had another PP opportunity but could not capitalise, then, in the last 30sec the Tigers killed the game. At 39.34 Rick Plant made it 2-4 then, a real killer goal as the buzzer sounded Adam Walker sliding the puck under Fone to make it 2-5. Game over!
Third Period: For me the game was over, the second period was horrible for the Phoenix and, with the Tigers looking so good and confident it would be tough, nigh on impossible, to rescue the game. That being said, the Phoenix made a game of it and competed, Tony Hand even scoring a PPG at 46min 34sec to create a slight glimmer of hope. Just after the halfway mark that glimmer was extinguished. With the Phoenix on the PPG, the Tigers scored a short handed goal to close out the game. The puck taking a freak bounce leaving Fone stranded and Kirinvanta free to score. The goal coming at 51min 32sec.
Verdict: The Tigers v2 will be challenging for the title next year if their bigger budget remains. They were skilful, confident and had that strength in depth you need to be challenging at the top. For the Phoenix it was a weekend to forget, they were not far off the game but it was not a good all round performance either. Absolutely no issues with the result or scoreline for me!
Attendance: A good crowd in, i'll say 1,200
Phoenix 3 Tigers 6 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 Tigers 6 - Trafford Messenger
Phoenix 3 Tigers 6 - The Bolton News
Phoenix 3 Tigers 6 - Tigers Article
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Phoenix v Telford Tigers 20th October
Another weekend gone, many many more to go. The next set of challenges for the Phoenix would see them make their first trip to Basingstoke to take on the Bison. Then, sunday would see the Tigers make their first trip north to try and avenge the loss in Telford, against the Phoenix. The Bison had lost Stevie Lyle over the summer but, they still have a damn good roster and will be hard to break down. The first meeting between the two sides seemed to hinge on the second period. The Phoenix spent most of it on the penalty kill which handed the Bison the advantage. Head on over to Banners on the Wall (@84russell) for an in depth run down of the game.
Turning to sundays game against the Tigers, I will apologise for taking a while to post this. Part of it has been me being lazy but, after what happened, I didn't want to write this while still mightily p****d off! With a few days to simmer and calm down I will dive right in as always!
First Period: One thing we know of the Tigers, they work hard and Ryan is bloody good! The first period began with both teams trying to take control. The Phoenix were able to control the puck but, the Tigers were moving well and organised in their own defensive zone. They held their shape well and protected Ryan, forcing the Phoenix to take long shots which Ryan found easy to turn away. The Phoenix were struggling to settle into their flowing speedy game, mainly due to the Tigers hard work. The home side could not get many chances or rebounds in and around Ryan to create scoring chances. Tigers looked to sit back, marshal their own zone and hit Phoenix on the break. A few warnings came the Phoenix way with a few turn overs leading to goals so, there was not much surprise when the Tigers took the lead. The Tigers forced a turnover down the side boards then broke fast up-ice with a 2 on 1. After a great cross ice pass Mikusovic put the Tigers ahead, goal timed at 11min 40sec. The rest of the period was much of the same, Phoenix trying hard to settle and get some chances but, The Tigers denying the Phoenix quality puck in the offensive zone.
Second Period: Something had to change for the Phoenix and, it looked like the first intermission team talk from Sir Tony had done the trick. Just under two minutes into the period the Phoenix pulled level. It was Sir Tony himself with a strong shot through the 5 hole, goal timed at 21min 50sec. The routine of the first period continued as the Phoenix pressed for more goals. The Tigers were standing firm however and, would hit the Phoenix again on the break, this time Callum Bowley putting the visitors in front at 27min 35sec. As the second period approached its half way point the Phoenix began to hit some form and make some passes connect. Andy McKinnie scored a lovely top shelf goal at 38min 19sec to, once again, bring the Phoenix level. The Phoenix then looked to take the game by the scruff of the neck and, come the end of the period, were in a commanding 4-2 lead. Robin Kovar got the Phoenix nose in front at 35min 26sec the, got his second on the powerplay at 39min 11sec. All smiles for the home fans? Little did they know!!
Third Period: With the Phoenix ahead by two goals the early stages of the second period were a little sedate. But, let me introduce Mr Excrement to Mr Fan! Approaching the half way point it all went off. With the Phoenix in possesion of the puck they worked some space and the puck found Michal Psurny free on the back post. Psurny roofed a fantastic shot past Declan Ryan into the goal, goal light goes on, horn sounds and music is played. But wait...play carried on....surely not? Yes...with the referee's arms stretched out wide the goal was washed off. Hand and Psurny go mental and the Phoenix lose concentration. Credit to the Tigers for playing to the whistle, just a few moments later they scored to haul themselves within one. Adam Taylor scoring at 47min 39sec. The Phoenix were guilty of losing control. Their sense of injustice only got worse, a few minutes later, with the game becoming more scrappy the Tigers would break up ice and score the levelling goal. In doing so, the play, seemed to be offside going into the Phoenix zone, no call. Another huge call made by the officials which, the majority of people in the Ice Dome, thought was wrong. The game levelling goal coming at 51min 14sec through Natham Salem. The period wound down with no further goals and the sense of injustice rising in the home stands. Perhaps Karma would smile on us in overtime?
Overtime and Penalty Shots: Given the title it's obvious no further goals were scored. Despite the Phoenix best efforts they could not set up and enjoy some pressure in the Tigers zone. The Phoenix penalty shots were, over all, a little poor. Tigers winning the shootout and gaining the extra point with a 2-1 shootout win.
Verdict: The Phoenix were the better side, that much was clear but, all the possession and quality counts for diddly squat if you come up against a determined, hard working squad. No other team in the EPL exemplifies this more than the Tigers. This game just clicked for them, the Phoenix couldn't slot into gear. Had they done so, this would have been a comfortable win. As for the two moments, you can level the 'rose tinted's' at me but, this was genuinely the worst officiating performance I think I have ever seen in the Ice Dome. The offisde decision which lead to a Telford goal was clear but, it was the 'goal' scored by Psurny which turned the game and the Phoenix lost their heads. I have spoken to two people who stand at ice level in the horseshoe end, both saw the puck cross the line, the initial reaction of the Tigers players suggested the puck crossed the line, the goal light came on which suggests the goal judge saw it cross the line but, the referee did not see it cross the line. A massively poor decision, and a turning point. In theory that goal puts the Phoenix 5-2 up, instead we are 4-3 up and loosing concentration. In the end credit the Tigers they played on, kept composed and hauled themselves back level.
I just hope Karma smiles on the Phoenix at some point towards the end of the season! On the plus side, for Phoenix fans, a title challenge is not ended in October!
Attendance: A good crowd buoyed by a large Tigers following. I'll say 1,100 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - Tigers Article
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - The Bolton News
Turning to sundays game against the Tigers, I will apologise for taking a while to post this. Part of it has been me being lazy but, after what happened, I didn't want to write this while still mightily p****d off! With a few days to simmer and calm down I will dive right in as always!
First Period: One thing we know of the Tigers, they work hard and Ryan is bloody good! The first period began with both teams trying to take control. The Phoenix were able to control the puck but, the Tigers were moving well and organised in their own defensive zone. They held their shape well and protected Ryan, forcing the Phoenix to take long shots which Ryan found easy to turn away. The Phoenix were struggling to settle into their flowing speedy game, mainly due to the Tigers hard work. The home side could not get many chances or rebounds in and around Ryan to create scoring chances. Tigers looked to sit back, marshal their own zone and hit Phoenix on the break. A few warnings came the Phoenix way with a few turn overs leading to goals so, there was not much surprise when the Tigers took the lead. The Tigers forced a turnover down the side boards then broke fast up-ice with a 2 on 1. After a great cross ice pass Mikusovic put the Tigers ahead, goal timed at 11min 40sec. The rest of the period was much of the same, Phoenix trying hard to settle and get some chances but, The Tigers denying the Phoenix quality puck in the offensive zone.
Second Period: Something had to change for the Phoenix and, it looked like the first intermission team talk from Sir Tony had done the trick. Just under two minutes into the period the Phoenix pulled level. It was Sir Tony himself with a strong shot through the 5 hole, goal timed at 21min 50sec. The routine of the first period continued as the Phoenix pressed for more goals. The Tigers were standing firm however and, would hit the Phoenix again on the break, this time Callum Bowley putting the visitors in front at 27min 35sec. As the second period approached its half way point the Phoenix began to hit some form and make some passes connect. Andy McKinnie scored a lovely top shelf goal at 38min 19sec to, once again, bring the Phoenix level. The Phoenix then looked to take the game by the scruff of the neck and, come the end of the period, were in a commanding 4-2 lead. Robin Kovar got the Phoenix nose in front at 35min 26sec the, got his second on the powerplay at 39min 11sec. All smiles for the home fans? Little did they know!!
Third Period: With the Phoenix ahead by two goals the early stages of the second period were a little sedate. But, let me introduce Mr Excrement to Mr Fan! Approaching the half way point it all went off. With the Phoenix in possesion of the puck they worked some space and the puck found Michal Psurny free on the back post. Psurny roofed a fantastic shot past Declan Ryan into the goal, goal light goes on, horn sounds and music is played. But wait...play carried on....surely not? Yes...with the referee's arms stretched out wide the goal was washed off. Hand and Psurny go mental and the Phoenix lose concentration. Credit to the Tigers for playing to the whistle, just a few moments later they scored to haul themselves within one. Adam Taylor scoring at 47min 39sec. The Phoenix were guilty of losing control. Their sense of injustice only got worse, a few minutes later, with the game becoming more scrappy the Tigers would break up ice and score the levelling goal. In doing so, the play, seemed to be offside going into the Phoenix zone, no call. Another huge call made by the officials which, the majority of people in the Ice Dome, thought was wrong. The game levelling goal coming at 51min 14sec through Natham Salem. The period wound down with no further goals and the sense of injustice rising in the home stands. Perhaps Karma would smile on us in overtime?
Overtime and Penalty Shots: Given the title it's obvious no further goals were scored. Despite the Phoenix best efforts they could not set up and enjoy some pressure in the Tigers zone. The Phoenix penalty shots were, over all, a little poor. Tigers winning the shootout and gaining the extra point with a 2-1 shootout win.
Verdict: The Phoenix were the better side, that much was clear but, all the possession and quality counts for diddly squat if you come up against a determined, hard working squad. No other team in the EPL exemplifies this more than the Tigers. This game just clicked for them, the Phoenix couldn't slot into gear. Had they done so, this would have been a comfortable win. As for the two moments, you can level the 'rose tinted's' at me but, this was genuinely the worst officiating performance I think I have ever seen in the Ice Dome. The offisde decision which lead to a Telford goal was clear but, it was the 'goal' scored by Psurny which turned the game and the Phoenix lost their heads. I have spoken to two people who stand at ice level in the horseshoe end, both saw the puck cross the line, the initial reaction of the Tigers players suggested the puck crossed the line, the goal light came on which suggests the goal judge saw it cross the line but, the referee did not see it cross the line. A massively poor decision, and a turning point. In theory that goal puts the Phoenix 5-2 up, instead we are 4-3 up and loosing concentration. In the end credit the Tigers they played on, kept composed and hauled themselves back level.
I just hope Karma smiles on the Phoenix at some point towards the end of the season! On the plus side, for Phoenix fans, a title challenge is not ended in October!
Attendance: A good crowd buoyed by a large Tigers following. I'll say 1,100 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - Tigers Article
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - The Bolton News
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Phoenix v Telford Tigers 24h March Game Review
It's that time of year again, it's rolled
around too quick! The end of the 2012/13 EPL season. 53 games have passed
and the Phoenix faithful descended on the Ice Dome one more time to see
the Phoenix take on the Tigers. The Phoenix just needed one point to secure
3rd place or, hope the MK Lightning lost. this would set up a playoff quarter
final series with either the Bees or the Wildcats, depending on how results
went. The Phoenix welcomed Steve Fone back onto the ice for his first start
in months.
First Period: While their positions in the table are far apart, on the ice, the Tigers play as a much tougher team to beat. They work hard, have a few quality imports and Declan Ryan. Once of the Phoenix, Ryan has become a huge asset to the Tigers and its easy to see why. He can single handily win the Tigers a game and has frustrated the Phoenix on many occasion. Sunday night the key for the Phoenix would be to get through him early. They did just that, at 4min 10sec Psurny scored for the Phoenix. Both sides traded chances, Phoenix possibly having the better of them. Telford would not be kept out all period and, at 14min 02sec equilasied through Thomas Soar. Fone was playing well but, possibly still a little rusty after so long out.
Second Period: 1-1 after the first session the Phoenix took control in the second. Restricting Telford to very few minutes in the Phoenix zone the home team scored 3 un-answered goals. Over the weekend, because of the Phoenix injury woe's the Phoenix had dressed 3 ENL players from the Metro's roster. Jared Dickinson took his opportunity and put the Phoenix ahead at 27min 47sec when he pounced on his own rebound. The Phoenix then scored two goals in quick succession to take hold. Psurny got his second of the game at 30min 05sec and, Chong at 31min 27sec made the scores 4-1 Phoenix.
Third Period: With MK slipping up the Phoenix were nigh on assured of 3rd place. Firday night's game in Sheffield saw the Phoenix blow a 6-3 lead on a 5 min powerplay to Sheffield. The third period would, worrying, see another similar collapse. I don't know what Tom Watkins said in the locker room but it worked. In 2 short minutes right from the first puck drop the Tigers were level and the Phoenix reeling. Soar kicked things off at 41min 08sec, then Crease at 41min 16sec and, to make it 4-4, Karpov at 41min 47sec. A complete turnaround in 39seconds! The home fans just couldn't work out what had happened, where had the Phoenix gone, who were these imposter's on the ice? Tony, was doing his nut on the bench, and rightly so! Blowing big leads against the leagues bottom two clubs is not the form you want to take into the playoffs. The misery was compounded when Rose scored the winner at 58min 19sec. The game ending in a pretty poor loss. 5-4 Telford.
Verdict: Oh dear! For 40 minutes the Phoenix were excellent and ground the Tigers down. The last twenty minutes were terrible! Credit the Tigers for continuing to work hard, and taking their chances. The Tigers fought for this game and the Phoenix didn't. With a big crowd in this was a poor way to end the Phoenix season. I just hope the sting of this result can be used as a springboard into the playoffs.
Attendance: Another good one, I'll guess at 1,700 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - Tigers Article
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - MEN
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - Cheshire Today
First Period: While their positions in the table are far apart, on the ice, the Tigers play as a much tougher team to beat. They work hard, have a few quality imports and Declan Ryan. Once of the Phoenix, Ryan has become a huge asset to the Tigers and its easy to see why. He can single handily win the Tigers a game and has frustrated the Phoenix on many occasion. Sunday night the key for the Phoenix would be to get through him early. They did just that, at 4min 10sec Psurny scored for the Phoenix. Both sides traded chances, Phoenix possibly having the better of them. Telford would not be kept out all period and, at 14min 02sec equilasied through Thomas Soar. Fone was playing well but, possibly still a little rusty after so long out.
Second Period: 1-1 after the first session the Phoenix took control in the second. Restricting Telford to very few minutes in the Phoenix zone the home team scored 3 un-answered goals. Over the weekend, because of the Phoenix injury woe's the Phoenix had dressed 3 ENL players from the Metro's roster. Jared Dickinson took his opportunity and put the Phoenix ahead at 27min 47sec when he pounced on his own rebound. The Phoenix then scored two goals in quick succession to take hold. Psurny got his second of the game at 30min 05sec and, Chong at 31min 27sec made the scores 4-1 Phoenix.
Third Period: With MK slipping up the Phoenix were nigh on assured of 3rd place. Firday night's game in Sheffield saw the Phoenix blow a 6-3 lead on a 5 min powerplay to Sheffield. The third period would, worrying, see another similar collapse. I don't know what Tom Watkins said in the locker room but it worked. In 2 short minutes right from the first puck drop the Tigers were level and the Phoenix reeling. Soar kicked things off at 41min 08sec, then Crease at 41min 16sec and, to make it 4-4, Karpov at 41min 47sec. A complete turnaround in 39seconds! The home fans just couldn't work out what had happened, where had the Phoenix gone, who were these imposter's on the ice? Tony, was doing his nut on the bench, and rightly so! Blowing big leads against the leagues bottom two clubs is not the form you want to take into the playoffs. The misery was compounded when Rose scored the winner at 58min 19sec. The game ending in a pretty poor loss. 5-4 Telford.
Verdict: Oh dear! For 40 minutes the Phoenix were excellent and ground the Tigers down. The last twenty minutes were terrible! Credit the Tigers for continuing to work hard, and taking their chances. The Tigers fought for this game and the Phoenix didn't. With a big crowd in this was a poor way to end the Phoenix season. I just hope the sting of this result can be used as a springboard into the playoffs.
Attendance: Another good one, I'll guess at 1,700 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - Tigers Article
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - MEN
Phoenix 4 Telford 5 - Cheshire Today
Saturday, 5 January 2013
Phoenix v Telford Tigers 27th December Game Review
With Christmas done and dusted for another year it was time for the lunatics (fans) to assemble once again in a damn freezing Ice Rink in Altrincham. Tonight's victims, err team, was the Telford Tigers. A team who, being 10th in the league, should be a nailed on 2 points for the Phoenix but, as I have found out on a few away games, seem able to put one over the Phoenix every now and then. Plus, in Declan Ryan, they have themselves another Ben Bowns!
A large crowd, possibly the biggest of the season, filled the Dome and a good representation from the Tigers fans helped create a great pre-game atmosphere.
First Period: Just like games against the Steeldogs, early goals are essential against the Tigers. Even without Ryan in the lineup (absent through illness) the Tigers can be a difficult, park the bus, type of team to beat. There were many who were relieved it was the Phoenix who scored first. Psurny adding to his impressive tally with the first goal scored at 5min 37sec. The Tigers hit back straight away when new import Jaroslav Kruzik got them on the board at 8min 21sec. Thankfully, for us Phoenix fans, that goal woke up the Phoenix offence. The Phoenix engaged gear and really took the game by the scruff of the neck. Michael Psurny completed a wonderful natural hattrick with two further goals at 9min 13sec and 14min 39sec. Tony Hand then capped off an excellent first period with the Phoenix 4th goal at 16min 19sec.
Second Period: After a great first period it was up to the Phoenix to close out the game now. So many times the Phoenix have got into good leads against teams like Telford only to let them back in. The second showed the Phoenix could close down a team and secure the win. Pozivil got the Phoenix going in the second period when he ghosted round to the back post to tap in a lovely goal at 23min 14sec. Telford showed they could still hit twine when Selwood scored at 24min ??sec. I don't know the exact time as, only a few seconds later Tom Duggan scored the Phoenix 6th goal. Flaten was next up to get a share of the spoils as he scored at 27min 40sec. Then new guy Barri McKenzie opened his scoring account with a goal at 36min 21sec.
Third Period: With the score now 8-2 to the Phoenix the game and atmosphere fell at this point. The game was won, the only question was, would the Phoenix (Tony Hand) look to improve their goal difference or, not embarrass the opposition? Halfway through the period the Phoenix got number 9 when Luke Boothroyd scored a power play goal at 49min exactly. With the game winding down it was Tony Hand himself who would score the Phoenix 10th goal at 58min 47sec.
Verdict: The Phoenix finally ran up the scoreboard when they had the chance. The Tigers could have made this game difficult but, due to illness, lost too many key players to challenge for the full 60 minutes. The Phoenix were professional and ruthless at times and sent the large crowd home happy.
Attendance: The christmas season was good for the Phoenix, i'd guess at 1,300 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 10 Telford 2 - MEN Article
Phoenix 10 Telford 2 - Phoenix Article
A large crowd, possibly the biggest of the season, filled the Dome and a good representation from the Tigers fans helped create a great pre-game atmosphere.
First Period: Just like games against the Steeldogs, early goals are essential against the Tigers. Even without Ryan in the lineup (absent through illness) the Tigers can be a difficult, park the bus, type of team to beat. There were many who were relieved it was the Phoenix who scored first. Psurny adding to his impressive tally with the first goal scored at 5min 37sec. The Tigers hit back straight away when new import Jaroslav Kruzik got them on the board at 8min 21sec. Thankfully, for us Phoenix fans, that goal woke up the Phoenix offence. The Phoenix engaged gear and really took the game by the scruff of the neck. Michael Psurny completed a wonderful natural hattrick with two further goals at 9min 13sec and 14min 39sec. Tony Hand then capped off an excellent first period with the Phoenix 4th goal at 16min 19sec.
Second Period: After a great first period it was up to the Phoenix to close out the game now. So many times the Phoenix have got into good leads against teams like Telford only to let them back in. The second showed the Phoenix could close down a team and secure the win. Pozivil got the Phoenix going in the second period when he ghosted round to the back post to tap in a lovely goal at 23min 14sec. Telford showed they could still hit twine when Selwood scored at 24min ??sec. I don't know the exact time as, only a few seconds later Tom Duggan scored the Phoenix 6th goal. Flaten was next up to get a share of the spoils as he scored at 27min 40sec. Then new guy Barri McKenzie opened his scoring account with a goal at 36min 21sec.
Third Period: With the score now 8-2 to the Phoenix the game and atmosphere fell at this point. The game was won, the only question was, would the Phoenix (Tony Hand) look to improve their goal difference or, not embarrass the opposition? Halfway through the period the Phoenix got number 9 when Luke Boothroyd scored a power play goal at 49min exactly. With the game winding down it was Tony Hand himself who would score the Phoenix 10th goal at 58min 47sec.
Verdict: The Phoenix finally ran up the scoreboard when they had the chance. The Tigers could have made this game difficult but, due to illness, lost too many key players to challenge for the full 60 minutes. The Phoenix were professional and ruthless at times and sent the large crowd home happy.
Attendance: The christmas season was good for the Phoenix, i'd guess at 1,300 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 10 Telford 2 - MEN Article
Phoenix 10 Telford 2 - Phoenix Article
Monday, 1 October 2012
Phoenix v Telford Tigers 23rd September Game Review
Next up for the Phoenix in the Ice Dome
was the visit of the, currently homeless, Telford Tigers. Forced to open
their season away from their Shropshire base the Tigers are awaiting the
results of a multimillion pound refit of their home ice. I just hope they
included new lights on the bill! The Tigers are a small budget team but
one that can be hard to beat. In all games against the Phoenix they up
their game and, Declan Ryan usually plays out of his skin. Like Bowns was
for the Steeldogs, Ryan for Telford gives them a shot of getting points
from any game. The Phoenix need to be sharp in their finishing to secure
the two points!
First Period: The first period opened and, again, the Phoenix took the game to the Tigers with Ryan forced into some early saves. This years Phoenix seem able to retain possession and dominate play but, already in the early stages of this game, the Phoenix just couldn't score. As the period wore on it became more frustrating watching from the stands as our boys just couldn't turn their domination into results on the scoreboard. While more play was coming into the hashmarks the chances were either not on target or not cute enough to beat Ryan. Fone on the other hand was dealing easily with the few chances the Tigers had.
Second Period: The second continued just like the first, but the crowd and, to a certain extent, the Phoenix players began to get edgy. Chances were still being created but were being snatched at. Cool heads were needed! Thankfully the deadlock was broken in the second session. The Phoenix moved the puck around the Tigers zone quickly and found Flaten on the hash marks, who unleashed a quick one-time between Ryan's legs. The relief was evident on the players and fans, especially as Flaten had the puck on Ryan's back post only to hesitate and fluff the chance. The period continued but no further goals were scored.
Third Period: With the goal lead the Phoenix looked to lock up the game, the chances continued to flow for the Phoenix but the goal column stubbornly remained on 1 for the Phoenix. That is until half way through the session when the Phoenix made it two through Psurny at 49min 45sec. He loved that goal too! I must say the Phoenix are still crap on the powerplay, I mean beyond crap! Their inability on the PP was rammed home when Telford got their only goal on a man advantage at 51min 38sec when Luke Brittle was found clear on Fone's back post to score. This sent to traveling fans ballistic and set up a nervy last 10mins or so. Thankfully those nerves were eased with a minute to go when Flaten scored his second of the night at 59min 11sec.
Verdict: Telford are a much better side this year and wont be the pushovers of previous seasons. That being said, without Ryan in goal they would concede many more goals. He does give the Tigers a shot in each game he plays. Credit must go to the Tigers fans too who, while small in number, made a lot of noise! The Phoenix will be happy with the win but, with the number of chances and possession, we should have buried the Tigers. The one thing that keeps me optimistic is, our forwards are yet to find their sharpness, when they do, this Phoenix team will be potent! They have skill, toughness and create lots of chances. The sharpness/fitness is just needed to finish them!
Attendance: A smaller crowd than the Bison game so i'll say 1,000 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 3 Telford 1 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 Telford 1 - Tigers Article
First Period: The first period opened and, again, the Phoenix took the game to the Tigers with Ryan forced into some early saves. This years Phoenix seem able to retain possession and dominate play but, already in the early stages of this game, the Phoenix just couldn't score. As the period wore on it became more frustrating watching from the stands as our boys just couldn't turn their domination into results on the scoreboard. While more play was coming into the hashmarks the chances were either not on target or not cute enough to beat Ryan. Fone on the other hand was dealing easily with the few chances the Tigers had.
Second Period: The second continued just like the first, but the crowd and, to a certain extent, the Phoenix players began to get edgy. Chances were still being created but were being snatched at. Cool heads were needed! Thankfully the deadlock was broken in the second session. The Phoenix moved the puck around the Tigers zone quickly and found Flaten on the hash marks, who unleashed a quick one-time between Ryan's legs. The relief was evident on the players and fans, especially as Flaten had the puck on Ryan's back post only to hesitate and fluff the chance. The period continued but no further goals were scored.
Third Period: With the goal lead the Phoenix looked to lock up the game, the chances continued to flow for the Phoenix but the goal column stubbornly remained on 1 for the Phoenix. That is until half way through the session when the Phoenix made it two through Psurny at 49min 45sec. He loved that goal too! I must say the Phoenix are still crap on the powerplay, I mean beyond crap! Their inability on the PP was rammed home when Telford got their only goal on a man advantage at 51min 38sec when Luke Brittle was found clear on Fone's back post to score. This sent to traveling fans ballistic and set up a nervy last 10mins or so. Thankfully those nerves were eased with a minute to go when Flaten scored his second of the night at 59min 11sec.
Verdict: Telford are a much better side this year and wont be the pushovers of previous seasons. That being said, without Ryan in goal they would concede many more goals. He does give the Tigers a shot in each game he plays. Credit must go to the Tigers fans too who, while small in number, made a lot of noise! The Phoenix will be happy with the win but, with the number of chances and possession, we should have buried the Tigers. The one thing that keeps me optimistic is, our forwards are yet to find their sharpness, when they do, this Phoenix team will be potent! They have skill, toughness and create lots of chances. The sharpness/fitness is just needed to finish them!
Attendance: A smaller crowd than the Bison game so i'll say 1,000 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 3 Telford 1 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 Telford 1 - Tigers Article
Monday, 19 March 2012
Phoenix v Telford Tigers 10th March Game Review
Last weekends pair of games saw the Phoenix take on a Telford Tigers double header, with the home game in Altrincham on the saturday. While the Tigers are rooted to the foot of the EPL table, their performances against the Phoenix show a team that is anything but! In Declan Ryan they have one of the best keepers in the EPL and he gives them a chance to win every game. The weekend would be the second in a row where the Phoenix have faced very tough lower league opposition, after splitting their previous weekend against the Wildcats.
So roll up roll up we have a saturday night of hockey action at the Altrincham Ice Dome!
First Period: I think it would be fair to say most people in the Ice Dome (Tigers fans excepted) expected the Phoenix to win, and win well. The first period certainly showed this would be a tough game and a tough weekend. Much like Swindon the weekend before the Tigers worked very hard. They closed down the Phoenix in the Tigers zone, kept the hashmarks clear and cleared the rebounds to frustrate the Phoenix. The Phoenix finally found the break through when Tony Hand scored his first since his return at 13min 27sec. No further goals came in the period, even though most of the play was in the Tigers zone.
Second Period: Much like the firs with Telford frustrating and the Phoenix unable to set up in front of net. The second, though, would see Telford come into the game, through their hard work and an increasing number of Phoenix errors. The sloppy errors were stray passes and lapses in concentration. The Tigers got on the board at 27min 35sec when 7 scored. The period continued and their was definite frustration growing in the stands as the Phoenix failed to force their dominance on the game. The Phoenix would take the lead though, when Ciaran Long scored at 35min 11sec. That lead was short lived them 77 scored for the Tigers 3 minutes later at 38min 06sec.
Third Period: After such a poor second period it really was all to play for in the final 20! To be honest I wasn't confident! The period continued like the game had to date with the Phoenix having the greater puck possession but clear cut scoring chances were few and far between. In the end the game would come down to a moment of skill. Stephen Wallace got the puck down low and managed to lift it over Ryan to give the Phoenix the lead at 43min 43sec. The Tigers pulled Ryan with a minute to go for the extra attacked but the Phoenix held on. Faith adding the empty net insurance goal with 1sec to go.
Verdict: Not a vintage performance from the Phoenix, but a win secured! A valuable win against a tough Telford team. The win also saw the Phoenix make up ground on the Flames due to their loss in Slough. It wasnt pretty, but the Phoenix got the job done!
Attendance: A good saturday night crowd, i'll guess at 1,200 in the ice Dome
Phoenix 4 Telford 3 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 Telford 3 - CB Sport
Sunday saw the Phoenix head down to Shropshire for the return fixture. The Phoenix faced another tough examination by the Tigers but were able to secure another win.
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Phoenix v Telford Tigers 11th February Game Review
Last weekends hockey action was back-to-front for the Phoenix, a home game saturday night to the Tigers followed by a tough away game to the Steeldogs sunday night. The Tigers are struggling this season but, one thing you know you will get from them is a tough ride. With Declan Ryan in goal the Tigers always have a chance in their games, but the team in front tend to allow alot of shots! You can be the best keeper in hockey but, the law of averages says your going to conceed. This years Tigers have not been helped by lacking their full import quota and a recent new import jumping ship before he'd even iced! Poor form on his part!
Anyway the Tigers came to the Ice Dome to take on the Phoenix on a cold saturday night in Altrincham.
First Period: The contest began with the Phoenix making the early headway only to find Ryan in his usual top form. Roared on be the hardy few from Telford the Tigers tried to assert some pressure but were not able to string together a concerted period of pressure. Thinking about the Tigers fans from saturday night, thank you for coming and supporting your team, but when you chant could you sound like your saying Tigers a little more than Slough Jets please? Thanks! Anyway the Phoenix broke the deadlock when Koulikov scored at 8min 07sec during a period of 4 on 4 hockey. Harabin doubled the lead at 14min 53sec when a shot from the blue line found its way in while no one else saw it! The reaction from the goal light going on to the crowd cheering was hilarious! Cingel made it a comfortable 3-0 lead for the Phoenix just before the break at 18min 26sec. The game result looking inevitable even at this early stage.
Second Period: To get an idea of what the second period was like, re-read the paragraph above! Phoenix got the early goal in the period at 22min 27sec when Ryan Johnson got a rare goal venturing forward. Tom Duggan underlined his excellent season so far with a short handed effort at 29min 20sec. This goal really knocked the stuffing out of the Tigers and heads did go down. Duggan would get his second, the Phoenix sixth, at 37min 39sec and it really was a goal of beauty, one to check Phoenix TV for!
Third Period: Telford changed netminders at the beginning of the third period with Greg Blais coming in for Ryan, Blais was great for the Tigers, he really tried to direct from the goal and gee the team up. Sadly it didn't have much effect! The Phoenix scored first in the period when Josh Ward got his first in Phoenix colours at 46min 05sec. Approaching the 9min mark in the period it was the Phoenix turn to change netminders and, for the second home game in a row, El-Hage came on to get some valuable ice time. The Phoenix scoring continued and Ciaran Long was the next to score at 49min 03sec. Juraj Faith got the Phoenix 9th of the game at 50min 41sec and after a Phoenix timeout the home side eased off. El-Hage worked hard in goal and looked to be enjoying his time out on the ice, sadly he couldn't hold out for the S/O and the Tigers did find a breakthrough with Tomas Janak getting the Tigers on the board.
Verdict: A big 9-1 win for the Phoenix and in the end, a comfortable win. The Tigers did look quite demoralised in the third period, and I don't know what their solution is. Tigers games so far this season have been characterised by their hard work and in-your-face attitude. Last saturdays fame didn't have much of that, maybe that was the key for them. The weekend didn't turn out well for Telford, as they suffered a second heavy loss to the Phantoms sunday night.
Attendance: An average crowd for the Phoenix this season, saturdays are not our usual hockey nights! I'll guess around 900 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 9 Telford 1 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 9 Telford 1 - CB Sport
Phoenix 9 Telford 1 - Tigers Article
The Phoenix then traveled across the Pennines to take on the Steeldogs:
Steeldogs 2 - Phoenix 1 - Sheffield Article
Steeldogs 2 - Phoenix 1 - Phoenix Article
Steeldogs 2 - Phoenix 1 - CB Sport
Anyway the Tigers came to the Ice Dome to take on the Phoenix on a cold saturday night in Altrincham.
First Period: The contest began with the Phoenix making the early headway only to find Ryan in his usual top form. Roared on be the hardy few from Telford the Tigers tried to assert some pressure but were not able to string together a concerted period of pressure. Thinking about the Tigers fans from saturday night, thank you for coming and supporting your team, but when you chant could you sound like your saying Tigers a little more than Slough Jets please? Thanks! Anyway the Phoenix broke the deadlock when Koulikov scored at 8min 07sec during a period of 4 on 4 hockey. Harabin doubled the lead at 14min 53sec when a shot from the blue line found its way in while no one else saw it! The reaction from the goal light going on to the crowd cheering was hilarious! Cingel made it a comfortable 3-0 lead for the Phoenix just before the break at 18min 26sec. The game result looking inevitable even at this early stage.
Second Period: To get an idea of what the second period was like, re-read the paragraph above! Phoenix got the early goal in the period at 22min 27sec when Ryan Johnson got a rare goal venturing forward. Tom Duggan underlined his excellent season so far with a short handed effort at 29min 20sec. This goal really knocked the stuffing out of the Tigers and heads did go down. Duggan would get his second, the Phoenix sixth, at 37min 39sec and it really was a goal of beauty, one to check Phoenix TV for!
Third Period: Telford changed netminders at the beginning of the third period with Greg Blais coming in for Ryan, Blais was great for the Tigers, he really tried to direct from the goal and gee the team up. Sadly it didn't have much effect! The Phoenix scored first in the period when Josh Ward got his first in Phoenix colours at 46min 05sec. Approaching the 9min mark in the period it was the Phoenix turn to change netminders and, for the second home game in a row, El-Hage came on to get some valuable ice time. The Phoenix scoring continued and Ciaran Long was the next to score at 49min 03sec. Juraj Faith got the Phoenix 9th of the game at 50min 41sec and after a Phoenix timeout the home side eased off. El-Hage worked hard in goal and looked to be enjoying his time out on the ice, sadly he couldn't hold out for the S/O and the Tigers did find a breakthrough with Tomas Janak getting the Tigers on the board.
Verdict: A big 9-1 win for the Phoenix and in the end, a comfortable win. The Tigers did look quite demoralised in the third period, and I don't know what their solution is. Tigers games so far this season have been characterised by their hard work and in-your-face attitude. Last saturdays fame didn't have much of that, maybe that was the key for them. The weekend didn't turn out well for Telford, as they suffered a second heavy loss to the Phantoms sunday night.
Attendance: An average crowd for the Phoenix this season, saturdays are not our usual hockey nights! I'll guess around 900 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 9 Telford 1 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 9 Telford 1 - CB Sport
Phoenix 9 Telford 1 - Tigers Article
The Phoenix then traveled across the Pennines to take on the Steeldogs:
Steeldogs 2 - Phoenix 1 - Sheffield Article
Steeldogs 2 - Phoenix 1 - Phoenix Article
Steeldogs 2 - Phoenix 1 - CB Sport
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Phoenix v Telford Tigers 12th November Game Review
In a week of un-usualness the next home game for the Phoenix saw the visit of the Telford Tigers to the Ice Dome. After the fallout from the Sheffield game thursday night, the main hope for the Phoenix faithful would be, a return to some form. While Telford had been struggling they, along with Sheffield, can be a difficult team to play. In fact earlier this season the Tigers had scored a win over the Phoenix in Shropshire after penalty shots.
Going into the game the Phoenix injury list had not gotten any shorter, with Spelda out, Stephen Wallace joined him on the sidelines finally scumming to a wrist injury which means he could be out of the lineup for up to 6 weeks! It never rains, it pours!
First Period: It was a very sombre mood at the Ice Dome saturday night, most Phoenix fan's still in shock from thursday nights fallout. For me, the important thing to come out of tonight's game would be the performance. The Phoenix had to show, and against a tough opponent like Telford, that they could pick themselves up and fight for a game. Thing's did not begin well, Stephen Wallace was ruled out of the game and for up to 6 weeks with a fractured wrist. Bloody great news that!! Anyway, the Phoenix hungry for the ice, and exploded in the first period. They looked fresh, quick and with the lines shuffled, due to injruy, quite creative! Those first 20 minutes saw 6 goals and the Phoenix race to a 4-2 lead. I'll just list the goals instead:
Phoenix, Cingel 4min 49sec
Phoenix, Harabin 6min 06sec
Phoenix, Archer 9min 08sec
Telford, Janak 13min 05sec
Telford, Soar 17min 08sec
Phoenix, Wood 19min 02sec
Highlight of the period was Ben Wood's goal at the 19min mark, from the point he took a wrist shot that went through at least 3 bodies and under Greg Blais in net. Just show's the value of putting a puck on the net to see what happens!
Second Period: The Phoenix blistering performance continued in the second and the Phoenix owned the twenty minutes that followed. The Period saw the Phoenix extend their lead to 8-2 and saw some goal light reward for two hard working, often unsung, Phoenix players. The first was Ciaran Long, who had worked hard all year with little reward finally getting a goal on home ice. Tom Duggan also picked up a goal, this just rewards for being the Phoenix MOM for a good few weeks now! Plus an honourable mention must go to Martin Cingel for completing a hattrick.
Phoenix, Long 23min 22sec
Phoenix, Cingel made by Koulikov 26min 34sec
Phoenix, Duggan 4 on 4 33min 55sec
Phoenix, Cingel hattrick 35min 48sec
Third Period: In true Tony Hand fasion the Phoenix eased up in the third period and, coupled with an injury, let the Tigers back into the game. With the lines rotating already, things were not helped when Tony Hand took a shot to the ankle which forced him out of the game. Up until this point, Faith/Cingel had been rotating onto lines with the younger Brits to spread the talent. After Tony's exit the lines were all over the place! Much of our creativity comes through him, so the last few minutes were a struggle! The Phoenix scored one more to make it 9 before Telford hit three un-answered goals in 8 minutes to make the score 9-5.
Phoenix, Harabin 43min 16sec
Telford, Henry 46min 23sec
Telford, Bruce 52min 46sec
Telford, Janak 54min 55sec
Verdict: For 50 minutes we got what we wanted, a performance from the Phoenix. I thought Blais in Telford's goal will admit he has had better games and had Declan Ryan been in goal from the start the scores may have been different! The injury to Wallce forced Tony to rotate the top line, and it was working nicely. It was good to see the likes of Long/Duggan playing with Faith. Losing Tony was a blow, and we did struggle a little after he left the ice. I can only hope he is not out for long.
I think most of the Phoenix faithful are getting fed up of our injuries. I think the Phoenix have only played half a game with a full roster! That first War of the Roses against Sheffield until Gomeniuk knee'd Ciaran Long. Since then we have had Long out, Archer, Ward, Harabin, Spelda, Wallace and Tony Hand out of action. In all my time of supporting hockey I've never know a roster so decimated by injury and a team going so deep into a season without ever icing a full roster!
Attendance: Saturday night's are not our usual home nights, and maybe the Sheffield performance deterred a few. Having said that, the crowd was swelled by a couple of hundred Scouts and a Field hockey team, so i'll guess around another 1-1,100 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 9 Telford 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 9 Telford 5 - Tigers Article
Phoenix 9 Telford 5 - CB Sport
With Spelda out, Wallace out and now Tony Hand missing from the lineup it's no surprise sunday's long trip down to Guildford was a disappointing one for the Phoenix!
Guildford 9 Phoenix 4 - Phoenix Article
Guildford 9 Phoenix 4 - Flames Article
Guildford 9 Phoenix 4 - CB Sport
Going into the game the Phoenix injury list had not gotten any shorter, with Spelda out, Stephen Wallace joined him on the sidelines finally scumming to a wrist injury which means he could be out of the lineup for up to 6 weeks! It never rains, it pours!
First Period: It was a very sombre mood at the Ice Dome saturday night, most Phoenix fan's still in shock from thursday nights fallout. For me, the important thing to come out of tonight's game would be the performance. The Phoenix had to show, and against a tough opponent like Telford, that they could pick themselves up and fight for a game. Thing's did not begin well, Stephen Wallace was ruled out of the game and for up to 6 weeks with a fractured wrist. Bloody great news that!! Anyway, the Phoenix hungry for the ice, and exploded in the first period. They looked fresh, quick and with the lines shuffled, due to injruy, quite creative! Those first 20 minutes saw 6 goals and the Phoenix race to a 4-2 lead. I'll just list the goals instead:
Phoenix, Cingel 4min 49sec
Phoenix, Harabin 6min 06sec
Phoenix, Archer 9min 08sec
Telford, Janak 13min 05sec
Telford, Soar 17min 08sec
Phoenix, Wood 19min 02sec
Highlight of the period was Ben Wood's goal at the 19min mark, from the point he took a wrist shot that went through at least 3 bodies and under Greg Blais in net. Just show's the value of putting a puck on the net to see what happens!
Second Period: The Phoenix blistering performance continued in the second and the Phoenix owned the twenty minutes that followed. The Period saw the Phoenix extend their lead to 8-2 and saw some goal light reward for two hard working, often unsung, Phoenix players. The first was Ciaran Long, who had worked hard all year with little reward finally getting a goal on home ice. Tom Duggan also picked up a goal, this just rewards for being the Phoenix MOM for a good few weeks now! Plus an honourable mention must go to Martin Cingel for completing a hattrick.
Phoenix, Long 23min 22sec
Phoenix, Cingel made by Koulikov 26min 34sec
Phoenix, Duggan 4 on 4 33min 55sec
Phoenix, Cingel hattrick 35min 48sec
Third Period: In true Tony Hand fasion the Phoenix eased up in the third period and, coupled with an injury, let the Tigers back into the game. With the lines rotating already, things were not helped when Tony Hand took a shot to the ankle which forced him out of the game. Up until this point, Faith/Cingel had been rotating onto lines with the younger Brits to spread the talent. After Tony's exit the lines were all over the place! Much of our creativity comes through him, so the last few minutes were a struggle! The Phoenix scored one more to make it 9 before Telford hit three un-answered goals in 8 minutes to make the score 9-5.
Phoenix, Harabin 43min 16sec
Telford, Henry 46min 23sec
Telford, Bruce 52min 46sec
Telford, Janak 54min 55sec
Verdict: For 50 minutes we got what we wanted, a performance from the Phoenix. I thought Blais in Telford's goal will admit he has had better games and had Declan Ryan been in goal from the start the scores may have been different! The injury to Wallce forced Tony to rotate the top line, and it was working nicely. It was good to see the likes of Long/Duggan playing with Faith. Losing Tony was a blow, and we did struggle a little after he left the ice. I can only hope he is not out for long.
I think most of the Phoenix faithful are getting fed up of our injuries. I think the Phoenix have only played half a game with a full roster! That first War of the Roses against Sheffield until Gomeniuk knee'd Ciaran Long. Since then we have had Long out, Archer, Ward, Harabin, Spelda, Wallace and Tony Hand out of action. In all my time of supporting hockey I've never know a roster so decimated by injury and a team going so deep into a season without ever icing a full roster!
Attendance: Saturday night's are not our usual home nights, and maybe the Sheffield performance deterred a few. Having said that, the crowd was swelled by a couple of hundred Scouts and a Field hockey team, so i'll guess around another 1-1,100 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 9 Telford 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 9 Telford 5 - Tigers Article
Phoenix 9 Telford 5 - CB Sport
With Spelda out, Wallace out and now Tony Hand missing from the lineup it's no surprise sunday's long trip down to Guildford was a disappointing one for the Phoenix!
Guildford 9 Phoenix 4 - Phoenix Article
Guildford 9 Phoenix 4 - Flames Article
Guildford 9 Phoenix 4 - CB Sport
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