After much confusion, and after certain websites jumping the gun, the official EPL fixture list has been agreed and announced. The Manchester Phoenix will begin their title defence with a tough weekend, facing the Slough Jets on saturday before returning to the Ice Dome to face the Basingstoke Bison. The fixtures have also thrown up a funny last month or so, with the Phoenix having four back to back weekends against the Bracknell Bees, Swindon Wildcats, Telford Tigers and a final weekend against the Peterborough Phantoms.
The Phoenix, as usual, begin their season with a home/away series against the Sheffield Steeldogs for the 'War of the Roses' Cup. There will be added spice this year with the player movements between the clubs!
The Phoenix fixtures in full:
September
24th @ Slough
25th V Basingstoke
October
1st @ MKL
2nd V Swindon
8th V Peterborough
9th @Telford
16th V Slough
22nd @ Swindon
23rd V Bracknell
26th @ Guildford
29th @ Basingstoke
30th V Basingstoke
November
10th V Sheffield
12th V Telford
13th @ Guildford
19th @ Peterborough
20th V Peterborough
26th @ Basingstoke
27th V Slough
December
3rd @ Bracknell
4th V Basingstoke
10th V Guildford
11th @ Peterborough
17th @ Slough
18th V MKL
27th V Sheffield
30th @ MKL
January
2nd V Bracknell
7th @ Slough
8th @ Telford
14th @ Basingstoke
15th V MKL
21st V Guildford
22nd @ Guildford
26th V Sheffield
28th @ Bracknell
February
4th @ MKL
5th V Swindon
11th V Telford
12th @ Sheffield
19th V MKL
25th @Bracknell
26th V Bracknell
March
3rd @ Swindon
4th V Swindon
10th V Telford
11th @ Telford
17th @ Sheffield
18th V Slough
24th @ Swindon
25th V Guildford
31st @ Peterborough
April
1st V Peterborough
March is really a packed full month, the standout fixture for me is the visit of the Guildford Flames to the Ice Dome on the 24th March. If both sides are battling for the title that could be a real decider!
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Phoenix Summer Update Number 5
The final piece of the jigsaw has fallen into place, the Phoenix announced their final import slot would be filled on the D by 36 year old Czech Jaroslav Spelda. Spelda joins the Phoenix from Italian side Eppan Appiano, prior to his stint in Italy Jaroslav has spent the majority of his career in the Slovak and Czech Extraliga's, icing over 530 games across both countries.
Being the final player signed in the summer guarantee's he will be amazing! Tony Hand's final signings have a tradition of being some of his best, by all accounts Spelda will be no different. Tall-ish Spelda add's some good size and weight to the Phoenix D line and replace Gomeniuk who departed to Sheffield. I would love to see Spelda and Harabin together on the ice, they would be some immovable wall! However I don't think Tony will pair the two together. Hopefully Spelda will fit in well with the team, given all the Phoenix imports are all from the, former, Czecoslovakia there should be a certain kinship there. Apologise if that thought is wide of the mark, by the way, my history knowledge is a little rusty, the Czech's and the Slovak's may hate each others guts!
With his arrival the Phoenix now have a full roster, I plan on writing a couple of posts about the full squad, you may agree, you will probably disagree, but hey it's all fun!
One final comment, I notice across on the Iceman EPL website the Phoenix have had a few comments regarding Andrew Sharp. These have been comments relating to rumors Sharpy was off to Guildford. Why is everyone interested? Why are the Phoenix even commenting on it? He was only ever signed for one season, so it was never a given that he was returning to the Phoenix. For me, I didn't want Sharpy back, he did a job for us but, as soo many people say you really need point production from every roster spot in the EPL. While Sharp did get the odd point, you did have to worry he was going to get himself thrown out of a game!
Anyway Sharpy has gone back to the LNAH and signed for the, wonderfully named, Thetford Mines Isothermic!
Being the final player signed in the summer guarantee's he will be amazing! Tony Hand's final signings have a tradition of being some of his best, by all accounts Spelda will be no different. Tall-ish Spelda add's some good size and weight to the Phoenix D line and replace Gomeniuk who departed to Sheffield. I would love to see Spelda and Harabin together on the ice, they would be some immovable wall! However I don't think Tony will pair the two together. Hopefully Spelda will fit in well with the team, given all the Phoenix imports are all from the, former, Czecoslovakia there should be a certain kinship there. Apologise if that thought is wide of the mark, by the way, my history knowledge is a little rusty, the Czech's and the Slovak's may hate each others guts!
With his arrival the Phoenix now have a full roster, I plan on writing a couple of posts about the full squad, you may agree, you will probably disagree, but hey it's all fun!
One final comment, I notice across on the Iceman EPL website the Phoenix have had a few comments regarding Andrew Sharp. These have been comments relating to rumors Sharpy was off to Guildford. Why is everyone interested? Why are the Phoenix even commenting on it? He was only ever signed for one season, so it was never a given that he was returning to the Phoenix. For me, I didn't want Sharpy back, he did a job for us but, as soo many people say you really need point production from every roster spot in the EPL. While Sharp did get the odd point, you did have to worry he was going to get himself thrown out of a game!
Anyway Sharpy has gone back to the LNAH and signed for the, wonderfully named, Thetford Mines Isothermic!
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Manchester Phoenix 2011/12 Fixture List
After much confusion, and after certain websites jumping the gun, the official EPL fixture list has been agreed and announced. The Manchester Phoenix will begin their title defence with a tough weekend, facing the Slough Jets on saturday before returning to the Ice Dome to face the Basingstoke Bison. The fixtures have also thrown up a funny last month or so, with the Phoenix having four back to back weekends against the Bracknell Bees, Swindon Wildcats, Telford Tigers and a final weekend against the Peterborough Phantoms.
The Phoenix fixtures in full (subject to the inevitable change!):
September
24th @ Slough
25th V Basingstoke
October
1st @ MKL
2nd V Swindon
8th V Peterborough
9th @Telford
16th V Slough
22nd @ Swindon
23rd V Bracknell
26th @ Guildford
29th @ Basingstoke
30th V Basingstoke
November
10th V Sheffield
12th V Telford
13th @ Guildford
19th @ Peterborough
20th V Peterborough
26th @ Basingstoke
27th V Slough
December
3rd @ Bracknell
4th V Basingstoke
10th V Guildford
11th @ Peterborough
17th @ Slough
18th V MKL
27th V Sheffield
30th @ MKL
January
2nd V Bracknell
7th @ Slough
8th @ Telford
14th @ Basingstoke
15th V MKL
21st V Guildford
22nd @ Guildford
26th V Sheffield
28th @ Bracknell
February
4th @ MKL
5th V Swindon
11th V Telford
12th @ Sheffield
19th V MKL
25th @Bracknell
26th V Bracknell
March
3rd @ Swindon
4th V Swindon
10th V Telford
11th @ Telford
17th @ Sheffield
18th V Slough
24th @ Swindon
25th V Guildford
31st @ Peterborough
April
1st V Peterborough
March is really a packed full month, the standout fixture for me is the visit of the Guildford Flames to the Ice Dome on the 24th March. If both sides are battling for the title that could be a real decider!
The Phoenix fixtures in full (subject to the inevitable change!):
September
24th @ Slough
25th V Basingstoke
October
1st @ MKL
2nd V Swindon
8th V Peterborough
9th @Telford
16th V Slough
22nd @ Swindon
23rd V Bracknell
26th @ Guildford
29th @ Basingstoke
30th V Basingstoke
November
10th V Sheffield
12th V Telford
13th @ Guildford
19th @ Peterborough
20th V Peterborough
26th @ Basingstoke
27th V Slough
December
3rd @ Bracknell
4th V Basingstoke
10th V Guildford
11th @ Peterborough
17th @ Slough
18th V MKL
27th V Sheffield
30th @ MKL
January
2nd V Bracknell
7th @ Slough
8th @ Telford
14th @ Basingstoke
15th V MKL
21st V Guildford
22nd @ Guildford
26th V Sheffield
28th @ Bracknell
February
4th @ MKL
5th V Swindon
11th V Telford
12th @ Sheffield
19th V MKL
25th @Bracknell
26th V Bracknell
March
3rd @ Swindon
4th V Swindon
10th V Telford
11th @ Telford
17th @ Sheffield
18th V Slough
24th @ Swindon
25th V Guildford
31st @ Peterborough
April
1st V Peterborough
March is really a packed full month, the standout fixture for me is the visit of the Guildford Flames to the Ice Dome on the 24th March. If both sides are battling for the title that could be a real decider!
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
The Phoenix rises in the Desert
Last season v Detroit
The Coyotes play in the tough Pacific Division in the western conference, and finished tied for second with the Anaheim Ducks 6 points off first place. This meant the Yotes would play, once again, the mighty Detroit Red Wings in the Conference quarter final. The previous meeting between the two sides at this stage saw the Wings prevail 4 games to 3. Sadly this year it was a little one sided with the Wings securing progress through a 4-0 series win. I can't sugar coat it, the Wings won well, and despite two full houses in the desert the Coyotes just couldn't do it. The extra strength in depth on the Wings bench really did it for the Yotes. Despite some outstanding goalkeeping during the regular season, and the same in the post season, Bryzgalov stat's show the cost. A GAA of 2.48 over the regular season versus a GAA of 4.36 in the post season show just how good the Wings were. Not wanting to heap it all on Bryzgalov, the Phoenix top three point scorers in the post season were all showing minus on the ice. Doan/Vrbata and Yandle were -2/-5 and -5 respectively. So the 2010/11 season ended in disappointment, the Yotes didn't deserve a 4-0 whitewash, they deserved something!
Summer murmurings in the Desert
Must of the 2011 summer in Phoenix was spent with the continuing ownership saga, often shrouded in a cloud, much like the regular dust storms that cover Phoenix! Alot of people sounded the death knell for the Coyotes early on in the season, but something was different for me. As covered in my blog post 'Atlanta Thrashoff' there has always been a desire the keep the Coyotes in Phoenix. So it was no surprise to me that the True North organisation moved quickly onto the Atlanta Thrashers. With the NHL running the Coyotes and the City of Glendale backing the club the Phoenix look set to remain in the desert. I was never worried...........much!
Roster Changes
With the club staying in the desert the Coyotes turned their attention to the roster. with Bryzgalov's performances throughout the season and post season attracting attention the Coyotes acted and dealt him to the Philadelphia Flyers, clearing $5.6million of cap space. The Coyotes also got rid of some decent players who I will miss in the desert, mainly Jovanovski, Belanger, Fiddler and Lee Stempniak. On the flip side those departures, amongst others, allowed the Coyotes to make some key signing's and extensions. In comes Raffi Torres from the Vancouver Canucks to add some physicality and aggression, Alexandre Bolduc adds some good two-way skills, Patrick O'Sullivan brings an impressive wrist shot and a point-every other-game type production and in Daymond Langkow the Coyotes have added over 1,000 games of NHL experience to their center position. The other new arrival of note comes in the form of Mike Smith from the Tampa Bay Lightning. I remember watching Smith backstop the Lightning a number of times during the post season just gone. In fact in 3 appearances during the post season Smith had a GAA of 1!
New season hope
With the many new faces the Coyotes acted to re-sign some of their star players. Joining Mike Smith in the goaltending department, with a new contract, is Jason LeBarbera. Often Bryzgalov's understudy, LeBarbera has impressed in his own right. Prior to Smith's arrival I would have had LeBarbera down as the Coyotes started, but im not so sure now! Healthy competition will only help the Coyotes! The next three players are all franchise players in my eyes, three guys who make me think Coyotes. Those are, Radim Vrbata, Lauri Korpikoski and Keith Yandle. Vrbata and Korpikoski are reliable guys who will always put up points. Keith Yandle and Shane Doan are two big stars of the Coyotes franchise, two big earners and two players who will fight to be the franchise top point scorers each season. Yandle at 24 years will become a Phoenix legend. His 5 year $26.5mil contract will ensure he remains in Phoenix and was possible the most important contract signature of the summer.
Shane Doan is someone who amazes me 64 points from 86 games off the blue line are damn impressive numbers, and his 6ft 2in presence makes him an imposing presence on the ice. Having joined the Phoenix in 1995 Doan is the current face of the Coyotes, and a player who has stuck with the Yotes through thick and thin! You don't often get loyalty like that in profession sports anymore!
The Coyotes have a real blend of experience and youth this coming season, and I for one really think the Coyotes can get deeper in the post season this year, even if they meet the Wings!
The Coyotes play in the tough Pacific Division in the western conference, and finished tied for second with the Anaheim Ducks 6 points off first place. This meant the Yotes would play, once again, the mighty Detroit Red Wings in the Conference quarter final. The previous meeting between the two sides at this stage saw the Wings prevail 4 games to 3. Sadly this year it was a little one sided with the Wings securing progress through a 4-0 series win. I can't sugar coat it, the Wings won well, and despite two full houses in the desert the Coyotes just couldn't do it. The extra strength in depth on the Wings bench really did it for the Yotes. Despite some outstanding goalkeeping during the regular season, and the same in the post season, Bryzgalov stat's show the cost. A GAA of 2.48 over the regular season versus a GAA of 4.36 in the post season show just how good the Wings were. Not wanting to heap it all on Bryzgalov, the Phoenix top three point scorers in the post season were all showing minus on the ice. Doan/Vrbata and Yandle were -2/-5 and -5 respectively. So the 2010/11 season ended in disappointment, the Yotes didn't deserve a 4-0 whitewash, they deserved something!
Summer murmurings in the Desert
Must of the 2011 summer in Phoenix was spent with the continuing ownership saga, often shrouded in a cloud, much like the regular dust storms that cover Phoenix! Alot of people sounded the death knell for the Coyotes early on in the season, but something was different for me. As covered in my blog post 'Atlanta Thrashoff' there has always been a desire the keep the Coyotes in Phoenix. So it was no surprise to me that the True North organisation moved quickly onto the Atlanta Thrashers. With the NHL running the Coyotes and the City of Glendale backing the club the Phoenix look set to remain in the desert. I was never worried...........much!
Roster Changes
With the club staying in the desert the Coyotes turned their attention to the roster. with Bryzgalov's performances throughout the season and post season attracting attention the Coyotes acted and dealt him to the Philadelphia Flyers, clearing $5.6million of cap space. The Coyotes also got rid of some decent players who I will miss in the desert, mainly Jovanovski, Belanger, Fiddler and Lee Stempniak. On the flip side those departures, amongst others, allowed the Coyotes to make some key signing's and extensions. In comes Raffi Torres from the Vancouver Canucks to add some physicality and aggression, Alexandre Bolduc adds some good two-way skills, Patrick O'Sullivan brings an impressive wrist shot and a point-every other-game type production and in Daymond Langkow the Coyotes have added over 1,000 games of NHL experience to their center position. The other new arrival of note comes in the form of Mike Smith from the Tampa Bay Lightning. I remember watching Smith backstop the Lightning a number of times during the post season just gone. In fact in 3 appearances during the post season Smith had a GAA of 1!
New season hope
With the many new faces the Coyotes acted to re-sign some of their star players. Joining Mike Smith in the goaltending department, with a new contract, is Jason LeBarbera. Often Bryzgalov's understudy, LeBarbera has impressed in his own right. Prior to Smith's arrival I would have had LeBarbera down as the Coyotes started, but im not so sure now! Healthy competition will only help the Coyotes! The next three players are all franchise players in my eyes, three guys who make me think Coyotes. Those are, Radim Vrbata, Lauri Korpikoski and Keith Yandle. Vrbata and Korpikoski are reliable guys who will always put up points. Keith Yandle and Shane Doan are two big stars of the Coyotes franchise, two big earners and two players who will fight to be the franchise top point scorers each season. Yandle at 24 years will become a Phoenix legend. His 5 year $26.5mil contract will ensure he remains in Phoenix and was possible the most important contract signature of the summer.
Shane Doan is someone who amazes me 64 points from 86 games off the blue line are damn impressive numbers, and his 6ft 2in presence makes him an imposing presence on the ice. Having joined the Phoenix in 1995 Doan is the current face of the Coyotes, and a player who has stuck with the Yotes through thick and thin! You don't often get loyalty like that in profession sports anymore!
The Coyotes have a real blend of experience and youth this coming season, and I for one really think the Coyotes can get deeper in the post season this year, even if they meet the Wings!
Thursday, 1 September 2011
The Dog's of the Desert
coyotes_uk, that's my sign in on so many forums on the internet I really should explain where it came from! Way back when, I was sat in an internet cafe in Wilmslow to set up my first email account. At the time I was still playing hockey, attended games at the old Devonshire Road ice rink in Altrincham and was a Trafford Metro's fan. Players like Oleg Sinkov, Ari-Peka Mikkola, Rick fera, Igor Yurchenko and future Telford Tiger legend Claud Dumas graced the old aircraft hangar ice. I was into hockey, i loved it, the old ice rink in Altrincham had no plexi, just boards and netting. You were really up close with the action and I was converted, a hockey die hard.
At the same time I regularly watched the NHL on the telly and for some, irrational reason, became a fan of the Phoenix Coyotes. I think my affinity with the Yotes as I see my growth in hockey along side the Yotes establishing themselves in the desert, ive almost grown up at the same time as the Coyotes. Thus, being a Coyotes fan living in the UK you can see where my sign in comes from! I really thought long and hard about that one! All that, of course, bears no relation to the naming of this blog, but my love affair with the Yotes continues!
Everyone knows about the current issues regarding the Coyotes and their future, but throughout it all I have never seen any concrete moves to take the Yotes from the desert. The fan support and passion is there, just look at the, now legendary, white out's! Look at the post season atmosphere's in the arena. The fans are there in the desert, they just need to come out a little more often. A while ago I did some stats based on average attendances, and I believe since their inception the Coyotes have always averaged in the bottom 5 in the NHL. I firmly believe the past to season appearance in the post season, and the Coyotes youthful team will help build the fan base. I will be interested to see how attendances go this coming season.
Anyway the 2011/12 season will see a bit more Coyotes coverage on this blog, @theangrybudgie has been getting more coverage and connections with hockey fans in Arizona (thanks to @azvibesports) and as a result a few more hits for the blog. Plus being the Manchester branch of the Coyotes fanclub I feel it is only right to do my bit!
So this is just an introductory blog but I plan on writing a bit more about last season's, now seemingly regular date with the Wings in the postseason. exploits, this summer's fun and the things to look forward to in 2011/12!
Now if the Phoenix ever played Phoenix, I think I would literally explode!
At the same time I regularly watched the NHL on the telly and for some, irrational reason, became a fan of the Phoenix Coyotes. I think my affinity with the Yotes as I see my growth in hockey along side the Yotes establishing themselves in the desert, ive almost grown up at the same time as the Coyotes. Thus, being a Coyotes fan living in the UK you can see where my sign in comes from! I really thought long and hard about that one! All that, of course, bears no relation to the naming of this blog, but my love affair with the Yotes continues!
Everyone knows about the current issues regarding the Coyotes and their future, but throughout it all I have never seen any concrete moves to take the Yotes from the desert. The fan support and passion is there, just look at the, now legendary, white out's! Look at the post season atmosphere's in the arena. The fans are there in the desert, they just need to come out a little more often. A while ago I did some stats based on average attendances, and I believe since their inception the Coyotes have always averaged in the bottom 5 in the NHL. I firmly believe the past to season appearance in the post season, and the Coyotes youthful team will help build the fan base. I will be interested to see how attendances go this coming season.
Anyway the 2011/12 season will see a bit more Coyotes coverage on this blog, @theangrybudgie has been getting more coverage and connections with hockey fans in Arizona (thanks to @azvibesports) and as a result a few more hits for the blog. Plus being the Manchester branch of the Coyotes fanclub I feel it is only right to do my bit!
So this is just an introductory blog but I plan on writing a bit more about last season's, now seemingly regular date with the Wings in the postseason. exploits, this summer's fun and the things to look forward to in 2011/12!
Now if the Phoenix ever played Phoenix, I think I would literally explode!
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Phoenix Summer Update Number 4
Phoenix keep the Faith
Ok so despite my best efforts not to fall into the obvious trap I cannot avoid it! There was only ever going to be one headline for the update! The Phoenix captured their final import forward, and another in the growing Slovak army on the Phoenix roster. None other than 35 year old Juraj Faith.
Over his career in Slovakia Juraj scored nearly a point a game, the majority in the top Slovakian league. Being the final import forward signed means, this guy will probably be amazing. Being on a line with Sir Tony Hand will ensure Juraj will have a career year at the Phoenix. Along with Cingel the Phoenix top line is looking impressive already. The only small fly in the ointment for me, and I admit to not knowing the reason why is, as per his elite prospect stats he has played the last two seasons across 6 clubs. This could be something, or absolutely nothing! Maybe the switch to a new country, new league will be just what Juraj needs!
Juraj also iced a season with EHC Freiburg, I know my colleague over a Banners on the Wall said not to read much into that year, but I look at it slightly differently. The DEL is one of the top leagues in Europe, even the bottom clubs in the DEL will offer far more quality as a whole when compared to the EPL. It would be Freiburg's only season in the DEL! In some ways, I would equate his experience in the DEL to that of Martin Cingel, able to regularly put up points in a terrible team!
It's always exciting when a club signs a player new to the league, slight nervousness as to his ability to adapt and fit in, and excitement to see what sort of skills he has. Juraj is 35 and has vast experience, so im looking forward to seeing his skill and hockey brain out on the ice. In fact with Cingel also at age 35, the average age of the Phoenix topline has gone up. But I do believe it will be a much improved line. No taking away from what Kristoffersson and Huppe did for the club last year. They were both guilty of going MIA. Cingel has been battle hardened in Edinburgh when he was the main source of points, and Faith has the extensive experience of Slovak hockey behind him. With Hand in the middle, its an exciting line for us Phoenix fan's!
CB Sport - Juraj Faith
Juraj Faith - Elite Hockey Prospects
El-Hage Back's up the Phoenix
Hot off the press, the Phoenix have sorted out their back up netminder position by promoting Jorge El-Hage from the Metro's through to the full EPL side. Jorge follows the path beaten my Adam Summerfield and is an example of Neil Morris desire to set up the Phoenix Academy. It's a clear example of the system working. Now we just have to see what he is like and how good he is, but he will learn so much training with the EPL side and being understudy to Stephen Fone!
Ok so despite my best efforts not to fall into the obvious trap I cannot avoid it! There was only ever going to be one headline for the update! The Phoenix captured their final import forward, and another in the growing Slovak army on the Phoenix roster. None other than 35 year old Juraj Faith.
Over his career in Slovakia Juraj scored nearly a point a game, the majority in the top Slovakian league. Being the final import forward signed means, this guy will probably be amazing. Being on a line with Sir Tony Hand will ensure Juraj will have a career year at the Phoenix. Along with Cingel the Phoenix top line is looking impressive already. The only small fly in the ointment for me, and I admit to not knowing the reason why is, as per his elite prospect stats he has played the last two seasons across 6 clubs. This could be something, or absolutely nothing! Maybe the switch to a new country, new league will be just what Juraj needs!
Juraj also iced a season with EHC Freiburg, I know my colleague over a Banners on the Wall said not to read much into that year, but I look at it slightly differently. The DEL is one of the top leagues in Europe, even the bottom clubs in the DEL will offer far more quality as a whole when compared to the EPL. It would be Freiburg's only season in the DEL! In some ways, I would equate his experience in the DEL to that of Martin Cingel, able to regularly put up points in a terrible team!
It's always exciting when a club signs a player new to the league, slight nervousness as to his ability to adapt and fit in, and excitement to see what sort of skills he has. Juraj is 35 and has vast experience, so im looking forward to seeing his skill and hockey brain out on the ice. In fact with Cingel also at age 35, the average age of the Phoenix topline has gone up. But I do believe it will be a much improved line. No taking away from what Kristoffersson and Huppe did for the club last year. They were both guilty of going MIA. Cingel has been battle hardened in Edinburgh when he was the main source of points, and Faith has the extensive experience of Slovak hockey behind him. With Hand in the middle, its an exciting line for us Phoenix fan's!
CB Sport - Juraj Faith
Juraj Faith - Elite Hockey Prospects
El-Hage Back's up the Phoenix
Hot off the press, the Phoenix have sorted out their back up netminder position by promoting Jorge El-Hage from the Metro's through to the full EPL side. Jorge follows the path beaten my Adam Summerfield and is an example of Neil Morris desire to set up the Phoenix Academy. It's a clear example of the system working. Now we just have to see what he is like and how good he is, but he will learn so much training with the EPL side and being understudy to Stephen Fone!
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Phoenix Summer Update Number 3
We've got Wood......well one at least!
Signing up for his third full season in Phoenix colours Ben Wood returns to the Ice Dome to fill in as one of a number of utility players the Phoenix will have this coming season. To be fair to Ben, he has been the Phoenix utility player all his career. Naturally a defenceman Ben was played as a forward for much of his time, before reverting back to his more natural defensive position during the latter stages of the season. I do like Ben as a player, he is tall, a good skater and uses his stick intelligently, being one of the best poke-checkers on the ice. However I will admit to being surprised he has signed up for this season. While he knew his ice time would be limited I really got the impression last season he was getting really frustrated with the lack of ice time he was getting. Plus he has now set up his own gym I naturally thought he may wish to leave and concentrate on that. But fair do's to the guy, he has committed to returning, working hard, and forcing his way onto the ice for more shift's. I am pleased he has returned, as are many Phoenix fan's. If Ben can continue to grow, and bulk up a little, he will become a great EPL defenceman.
Ryan Johnson plays for Phoenix, he has a porno tash.......
The Ryan Johnson chant will be back and sung from the Phoenix stands once more as Ryan Johnson is returning to the Phoenix. A surprising addition to the club, as the Sheffield native would have been an obvious target for Andre Payette's 'made in sheffield Steeldogs'. Johnson split his 10/11 season between the Steeldogs and Steelers playing 52 games for 20 points, including 4 points in 13 games for the EIHL side. I remember Ryan being a stocky lad, not tall but a solid player. Not the most spectacular on the ice, but he will make things difficult for opposition forwards. He add's much needed bulk to the Phoenix blue line and looks to be the Phoenix 3rd utility signing giving the roster much more flexibility that in previous seasons.
Tonight Matthew I will be mostly on the blue line!
James Neil becomes the latest returnee for the Phoenix signing on for his 3rd full season with the Phoenix James will be played predominantly as a defenceman. Round off the triumvirate of utility players James is comfortable playing both sides of the puck. James is a firm fan favorite and a thoroughly nice guy, he always has time for the fans and will stay and chat for hours if you want! He gives 100% on the ice too, which is a must at EPL level, he works hard, sees the ice well and is capable of looking after himself when involved in the rough stuff! James infections personality endears himself with fans and players alike, in fact James has often appeared on the Phoenix podcast and Phoenix TV and looked at ease. James Neil is another player who is quickly becoming Mr Manchester and I can guarantee most Phoenix fans would be only too happy to see James return year on year!
Signing up for his third full season in Phoenix colours Ben Wood returns to the Ice Dome to fill in as one of a number of utility players the Phoenix will have this coming season. To be fair to Ben, he has been the Phoenix utility player all his career. Naturally a defenceman Ben was played as a forward for much of his time, before reverting back to his more natural defensive position during the latter stages of the season. I do like Ben as a player, he is tall, a good skater and uses his stick intelligently, being one of the best poke-checkers on the ice. However I will admit to being surprised he has signed up for this season. While he knew his ice time would be limited I really got the impression last season he was getting really frustrated with the lack of ice time he was getting. Plus he has now set up his own gym I naturally thought he may wish to leave and concentrate on that. But fair do's to the guy, he has committed to returning, working hard, and forcing his way onto the ice for more shift's. I am pleased he has returned, as are many Phoenix fan's. If Ben can continue to grow, and bulk up a little, he will become a great EPL defenceman.
Ryan Johnson plays for Phoenix, he has a porno tash.......
The Ryan Johnson chant will be back and sung from the Phoenix stands once more as Ryan Johnson is returning to the Phoenix. A surprising addition to the club, as the Sheffield native would have been an obvious target for Andre Payette's 'made in sheffield Steeldogs'. Johnson split his 10/11 season between the Steeldogs and Steelers playing 52 games for 20 points, including 4 points in 13 games for the EIHL side. I remember Ryan being a stocky lad, not tall but a solid player. Not the most spectacular on the ice, but he will make things difficult for opposition forwards. He add's much needed bulk to the Phoenix blue line and looks to be the Phoenix 3rd utility signing giving the roster much more flexibility that in previous seasons.
Tonight Matthew I will be mostly on the blue line!
James Neil becomes the latest returnee for the Phoenix signing on for his 3rd full season with the Phoenix James will be played predominantly as a defenceman. Round off the triumvirate of utility players James is comfortable playing both sides of the puck. James is a firm fan favorite and a thoroughly nice guy, he always has time for the fans and will stay and chat for hours if you want! He gives 100% on the ice too, which is a must at EPL level, he works hard, sees the ice well and is capable of looking after himself when involved in the rough stuff! James infections personality endears himself with fans and players alike, in fact James has often appeared on the Phoenix podcast and Phoenix TV and looked at ease. James Neil is another player who is quickly becoming Mr Manchester and I can guarantee most Phoenix fans would be only too happy to see James return year on year!
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