Some of you may be aware that the Telford Tigers were unable to start the 2009/2010 EPL season. This was due to the existing owners wishing to step back and concentrate on other things.
Since then Tigers fans have been left in a state of limbo as to the future of the team.
Tonight, along with representatives from ShrewsTRUST/AFC Telford United and Co-operatives West Midlands, there is to be a meeting at Telford Ice Rink about running the club as a Supporters Trust.
I strongly urge anyone who can to attend, but those who can't please email your support to:
intrest@telfordtigers.co.uk
Or go to: www.telfordtigers.co.uk
It would be great yo see the Tigera return to hockey for next season!
-- Posted from my iPhone
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Monday, 2 November 2009
Phoenix v Swindon 01st November Game Review
Last night the Wildcats came to visit, the Phoenix had pulled off a fine win in Basingstoke the previous night so had some good momentum going into the game. Not that that filled me with much confidence as the previous weekend the Phoenix had won saturday, only to produce an absolutely bilge performance sunday! Any way this was a new weekend, so roll on face off!
First Period: All memories of that performance were dismissed in the first 10 minutes. The Phoenix came out and controlled the game. Pressing Swindon hard and creating a fair few chances. It was no surprise that the Phoenix would light the goal lamp first! After 5min 47sec Adam Walker got the first with the assist going to Tony Hand. After the first 10 minutes something switched off in the Phoenix camp. Worryingly the performance reverted to match the previous sunday's effort against Slough. During the last 10mins of the period Swindon exposed the Phoenix mistakes. The home crowd were stunned into silence whe, in the space of 1min the Wildcats took the lead. Both goals the result of some pretty sloppy Phoenix defending. The first fell to Aaron Nell after 12min 12sec when the Phoenix D failed to clear a routine rebound. Worse was to follow, at 13min 16sec Raimonds Danilics fought with Luke Boothroyd in front of the net and forced a backhand high above Fone's left shoulder.
Second Period: Every Phoenix fan's thoughts would now turn to which team would appear for the second period! Thankfully the Phoenix came out fighting, they began to get the basics right which then enabled them to mount the pressure. As it would turn out the Phoenix won this game in the second period! In a 4 minute period the Phoenix would score 5 unanswered goals in the space of 6 minutes. First up, Ian Bowie scored at 24min 22sec, with both teams subject to a powerplay Bowie got on the board. Next, Swindon allowed Tony Hand to get in on Woolhouse with the great one lifting the puck over Geoff with the back hand, timed 25min 10sec. Ian Bowie got his second of the night after 26min 24sec, I think it was after this goal that Swindon called a time out to regroup. It didn't seem to do much as the Phoenix scored again at 28min 13sec when Tony Hand found Andre Mattsson directly from the blue line, for the big Sweede to rifle home an awesome shot. The only downer on the period came after 29min 56sec, the Phoenix were on the penalty kill when they allowed Jozef Kohut to skate in on Steven Fone and score. Steven would not be happy with that one, allowing Kohut to score through the five-hole. With the game effectivly won, the main threat to the Phoenix would be complacency, the Phoenix would have the last laugh in the period, when Ed Courtney got in on the act scoring at 30min 38sec.
Third Period: The main worry for the Phoenix in the third was complacency, however Swindon came out and evidently didn't have the will to fight in the third. Nothing much happened in the final 20 mins except for Adam Summerfield getting a good 4mins at the end of the game to stretch his legs.
Verdict: A big game for the Phoenix, to try and banish thoughts of last sunday's game against the Jets. Also important to regain some points on the teams around them in the league. Barring the last 10mins of the first period, this was a good performance from the team.
Attendance: Slightly larger crowd than against Slough, ill say 950 in.
Phoenix TV Highlights:
Phoenix 6 - Swindon 3 - MEN Article
First Period: All memories of that performance were dismissed in the first 10 minutes. The Phoenix came out and controlled the game. Pressing Swindon hard and creating a fair few chances. It was no surprise that the Phoenix would light the goal lamp first! After 5min 47sec Adam Walker got the first with the assist going to Tony Hand. After the first 10 minutes something switched off in the Phoenix camp. Worryingly the performance reverted to match the previous sunday's effort against Slough. During the last 10mins of the period Swindon exposed the Phoenix mistakes. The home crowd were stunned into silence whe, in the space of 1min the Wildcats took the lead. Both goals the result of some pretty sloppy Phoenix defending. The first fell to Aaron Nell after 12min 12sec when the Phoenix D failed to clear a routine rebound. Worse was to follow, at 13min 16sec Raimonds Danilics fought with Luke Boothroyd in front of the net and forced a backhand high above Fone's left shoulder.
Second Period: Every Phoenix fan's thoughts would now turn to which team would appear for the second period! Thankfully the Phoenix came out fighting, they began to get the basics right which then enabled them to mount the pressure. As it would turn out the Phoenix won this game in the second period! In a 4 minute period the Phoenix would score 5 unanswered goals in the space of 6 minutes. First up, Ian Bowie scored at 24min 22sec, with both teams subject to a powerplay Bowie got on the board. Next, Swindon allowed Tony Hand to get in on Woolhouse with the great one lifting the puck over Geoff with the back hand, timed 25min 10sec. Ian Bowie got his second of the night after 26min 24sec, I think it was after this goal that Swindon called a time out to regroup. It didn't seem to do much as the Phoenix scored again at 28min 13sec when Tony Hand found Andre Mattsson directly from the blue line, for the big Sweede to rifle home an awesome shot. The only downer on the period came after 29min 56sec, the Phoenix were on the penalty kill when they allowed Jozef Kohut to skate in on Steven Fone and score. Steven would not be happy with that one, allowing Kohut to score through the five-hole. With the game effectivly won, the main threat to the Phoenix would be complacency, the Phoenix would have the last laugh in the period, when Ed Courtney got in on the act scoring at 30min 38sec.
Third Period: The main worry for the Phoenix in the third was complacency, however Swindon came out and evidently didn't have the will to fight in the third. Nothing much happened in the final 20 mins except for Adam Summerfield getting a good 4mins at the end of the game to stretch his legs.
Verdict: A big game for the Phoenix, to try and banish thoughts of last sunday's game against the Jets. Also important to regain some points on the teams around them in the league. Barring the last 10mins of the first period, this was a good performance from the team.
Attendance: Slightly larger crowd than against Slough, ill say 950 in.
Phoenix TV Highlights:
Phoenix 6 - Swindon 3 - MEN Article
Thursday, 29 October 2009
LSU Fighting Tigers vs Auburn Game Review Saturday 24th October
After a fortnight off it was time for LSU to get back in action, next up for the Fighting Tigers was Auburn.
First Quarter: LSU were first onto the board when, on a third and 6 20 yard pass from Jefferson to Williams gave LSU field position within the Auburn 10 yard line. After loosing some ground to a third and 13 an Auburn personal foul gace LSU new life at the Auburn 19 yard line. On the resulting play Jefferson oassed a 14 yard touchdown pass to Toliver for the first score of the game. Scores LSU 7-0 with 8min 21sec left in the first quarter. With just 1min 10sec left in the first quarter, on a third and 9 on Auburn's 15 yard line, Jefferson could not find a pass so rushed for his own touchdown. With the extra point LSU lead 14-0 after the first quarter.
Second Quarter: It seemed like the LSU offence had gone to sleep early in the second quarter, with 1min 42sec to play both teams exchanged punts, and LSU took over at the Auburn 36 yard line. After failing to convert one of the following three downs LSU were forced to go for a 32 yard field goal. Jasper was successful and LSU lead 17-0 after the first half.
Attendance: 92,645
Highlights:
First Quarter: LSU were first onto the board when, on a third and 6 20 yard pass from Jefferson to Williams gave LSU field position within the Auburn 10 yard line. After loosing some ground to a third and 13 an Auburn personal foul gace LSU new life at the Auburn 19 yard line. On the resulting play Jefferson oassed a 14 yard touchdown pass to Toliver for the first score of the game. Scores LSU 7-0 with 8min 21sec left in the first quarter. With just 1min 10sec left in the first quarter, on a third and 9 on Auburn's 15 yard line, Jefferson could not find a pass so rushed for his own touchdown. With the extra point LSU lead 14-0 after the first quarter.
Second Quarter: It seemed like the LSU offence had gone to sleep early in the second quarter, with 1min 42sec to play both teams exchanged punts, and LSU took over at the Auburn 36 yard line. After failing to convert one of the following three downs LSU were forced to go for a 32 yard field goal. Jasper was successful and LSU lead 17-0 after the first half.
Third Quarter: LSU pressed hard in the third and were rewarded early. Jefferson found Holliday with a 26 yard pass to the Auburn 17 yard line. The following play Jefferson found LaFell in the endzone for a 17 yard touchdown pass. With 13min 41ec to go LSU lead 24-0. Auburn finally got on the board after scoring a 24 yard field goal. The score from Wes Byrum followed a nine play 53 yard drive, with 9min 21sec to go, scores were 24-3 to LSU. LSU would have the final say in the quarter when Shepard picked up the hand off from Jefferson on the LSU 31 yard line, he then ran for 69 yards to score the touchdown. With just 1min 09sec in the quarter LSU were ahead 31-3
Attendance: 92,645
Highlights:
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Florida Gators vs Mississippi State Game Review Saturday 24th October
After last weeks close win over Arkansas the Gators faced Mississippi State in Starkeville, a win would mean the Gators were now 7 and 0 in the season, a loss was unthinkable!
First Quarter: Despite forcing an interception on Miss fist possession, and driving the ball down to the Miss 20 yard line, Caleb Sturgis was unable to score the resulting 37 yard field goal. Mississippi would take the initiative driving the ball 54 yards and 10 plays to the Gator 43 yard line. Derek DePasquale would score the field goal to give Miss the first points on the board. The Gators responded immediately as Tim Tebow connected with Riley Cooper for a 21 yard pass to set up a first and goal. The Bulldogs defensive line would hold strong and the Gators had to settle for a field goal to even the scores.
Second Quarter: The Bulldogs were held three and out on their next drive giving the Gators the ball on their own 33 yard line. The Gators moved the ball to Bulldogs territory, Tebow then took a snap on the 26 yard line and rushed for a touchdown. This would give the Gators a 10-3 lead early in the second quarter. After the Gators had forced the Bulldogs to another three and out, they drove the ball to the Buldogs 10 yard line but were halted once more. It was up to Sturgis again to tac on some extra points from a 21 yard field goal. Scores now 13-3 to UF with 7min 15sec of the first half remaining. After exchanging punts the Gators were set up for a touchdown attempt. A Tebow pass to the endzone was intercepted by Johnathan Banks who returned the ball 100 yard to cut the Gator lead to 13-10.
Third Quarter: With 9min 23sec left in the Quarter Bulldogs QB Lee passed to Christian Ducre who rushed for a 54 yard gain to set up a field goal attempt. DePasquale would not fail from 31 yards to tie the game at 13 each. On the Gators next possession they advanced the ball downfield to set up Sturgis for a 27 yard attempt. The resulting score would edge the Gators ahead 16-13.
Fourth Quarter: After a failed fake punt from Mississippi the Gators got the ball on the 22 yard line, and Rainey was able to sprint in from eight yards to take the scores to 22-13. With 8min 25sec left in the game, another tipped pass resulted in an interception. Dustin Doe picking up the ball and running for 26 yards for the touchdown. With the extra point secured from Sturgis the score now stood 29-13 to the Gators. Not done yet, Banks intercepted another Tebow pass and returned the ball 21 yards for his second touchdown of the night. The Bulldogs were unable to score the extra point as Chad Bumphis was tackled for a loss on the play.
Attendance: 57,178
Game Highlights:
First Quarter: Despite forcing an interception on Miss fist possession, and driving the ball down to the Miss 20 yard line, Caleb Sturgis was unable to score the resulting 37 yard field goal. Mississippi would take the initiative driving the ball 54 yards and 10 plays to the Gator 43 yard line. Derek DePasquale would score the field goal to give Miss the first points on the board. The Gators responded immediately as Tim Tebow connected with Riley Cooper for a 21 yard pass to set up a first and goal. The Bulldogs defensive line would hold strong and the Gators had to settle for a field goal to even the scores.
Second Quarter: The Bulldogs were held three and out on their next drive giving the Gators the ball on their own 33 yard line. The Gators moved the ball to Bulldogs territory, Tebow then took a snap on the 26 yard line and rushed for a touchdown. This would give the Gators a 10-3 lead early in the second quarter. After the Gators had forced the Bulldogs to another three and out, they drove the ball to the Buldogs 10 yard line but were halted once more. It was up to Sturgis again to tac on some extra points from a 21 yard field goal. Scores now 13-3 to UF with 7min 15sec of the first half remaining. After exchanging punts the Gators were set up for a touchdown attempt. A Tebow pass to the endzone was intercepted by Johnathan Banks who returned the ball 100 yard to cut the Gator lead to 13-10.
Third Quarter: With 9min 23sec left in the Quarter Bulldogs QB Lee passed to Christian Ducre who rushed for a 54 yard gain to set up a field goal attempt. DePasquale would not fail from 31 yards to tie the game at 13 each. On the Gators next possession they advanced the ball downfield to set up Sturgis for a 27 yard attempt. The resulting score would edge the Gators ahead 16-13.
Fourth Quarter: After a failed fake punt from Mississippi the Gators got the ball on the 22 yard line, and Rainey was able to sprint in from eight yards to take the scores to 22-13. With 8min 25sec left in the game, another tipped pass resulted in an interception. Dustin Doe picking up the ball and running for 26 yards for the touchdown. With the extra point secured from Sturgis the score now stood 29-13 to the Gators. Not done yet, Banks intercepted another Tebow pass and returned the ball 21 yards for his second touchdown of the night. The Bulldogs were unable to score the extra point as Chad Bumphis was tackled for a loss on the play.
Attendance: 57,178
Game Highlights:
Monday, 26 October 2009
Phoenix v Slough 25th October Game Review
Sunday saw the first visit of the Slough Jets to the Ice Dome, the only previous meeting being in Slough and a victory for the Jets. The Phoenix came in to this game off the back of a superb 6-0 victory in Basingstoke. A good crowd in the Ice Dome and a very size able contingent from Slough helped create a good atmosphere!
First Period: As you would expect from two teams evenly matched the first period saw no goals, and few clear cut chances. Both goalies starting the game well and both defences cleaning up any rebounds.
Second Period: Crikey well it all kicked off in the second, and, sadly, it looked like the Phoenix just did not come out to play! In the 20 minutes of the second Slough scored 4 un-answered goals to effectively take the game! Throughout the period the Phoenix looked totally inept and bereft of ideas, and the Jets began to run rings round the Phoenix defence and expose Stephen Fone. The first goal for Slough came on the power play at 22min 16sec when Joe Greener scored with the assist going to James Knight. The second came just about a minute later, at 23min 22sec with Blaz Emersic getting his first of the night. Wuth 32min 24sec gone the Jets made it 3-0 with Emersic getting his second. The last goal of the period fell to Peter Poljacek netted at 39min 24sec, and the Phoenix headed off the ice totally dejected!
Third Period: With the damage done in the second all that was left for the Phoenix was to salvage some pride! Your's truly was worried after a 6-0 win the previous night, could we loose 6-0 at home? It didn't look good when Slough extended their lead after 45min 41sec when Ciaran Long netted. With Phoenix heads down, and many in the crowd contemplating an early exit, Ed Courtney briefly lifted spirits score the Phoenix only goal of the game at 46min 46sec with an absolute rocket of a wrister! Slough would bring an end to the scoring, at 52min 11sec Dan Davies would score their 6th of the night!
Verdict: An absolute shocker from the Phoenix, easily the worst performance of the season so far! It comes to something when the Choir boys pack up early! Actually, a special shout out to the boys, for debuting a very large drum! Well done boys!
Attendance: As mentioned earlier a good crowd in last night, 927 in the Dome.
Phoenix TV Highlights:
Phoenix 1 - Slough 6 - MEN Article......rather short one today!
First Period: As you would expect from two teams evenly matched the first period saw no goals, and few clear cut chances. Both goalies starting the game well and both defences cleaning up any rebounds.
Second Period: Crikey well it all kicked off in the second, and, sadly, it looked like the Phoenix just did not come out to play! In the 20 minutes of the second Slough scored 4 un-answered goals to effectively take the game! Throughout the period the Phoenix looked totally inept and bereft of ideas, and the Jets began to run rings round the Phoenix defence and expose Stephen Fone. The first goal for Slough came on the power play at 22min 16sec when Joe Greener scored with the assist going to James Knight. The second came just about a minute later, at 23min 22sec with Blaz Emersic getting his first of the night. Wuth 32min 24sec gone the Jets made it 3-0 with Emersic getting his second. The last goal of the period fell to Peter Poljacek netted at 39min 24sec, and the Phoenix headed off the ice totally dejected!
Third Period: With the damage done in the second all that was left for the Phoenix was to salvage some pride! Your's truly was worried after a 6-0 win the previous night, could we loose 6-0 at home? It didn't look good when Slough extended their lead after 45min 41sec when Ciaran Long netted. With Phoenix heads down, and many in the crowd contemplating an early exit, Ed Courtney briefly lifted spirits score the Phoenix only goal of the game at 46min 46sec with an absolute rocket of a wrister! Slough would bring an end to the scoring, at 52min 11sec Dan Davies would score their 6th of the night!
Verdict: An absolute shocker from the Phoenix, easily the worst performance of the season so far! It comes to something when the Choir boys pack up early! Actually, a special shout out to the boys, for debuting a very large drum! Well done boys!
Attendance: As mentioned earlier a good crowd in last night, 927 in the Dome.
Phoenix TV Highlights:
Phoenix 1 - Slough 6 - MEN Article......rather short one today!
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Florida Gators vs Arkansas Game Review Saturday 17th October
After the fine win against LSU the danger for the Gators was to allow a game to get away from them! Next up for the number 1 ranked Gators was Arkansas, who visited The Swamp. It would be up to the Gators to show that they can deal with the big games and the smaller games!
First Quarter: A fairly quiet quarter as neither side managed to score a point, the Gators just getting going in the first 15 minutes.
Second Quarter: The Gators forced the Razorbacks to two three and out plays and a punt to start the second quarter. Despite this pressure it was Arkansas who would score the first touchdown of the game. A Tebow fumble late in the first quarter gave Arkansas great field position, and with just 14min 47sec to go in the quarter, sophmore Broderick Green carried for a one yard TD. Two more fumbles from the Gators would suggest UF had LSU hangover! But a 30 yard field goal from Caleb Sturgis capped off a five play 20 yard drive and got Florida on the board. The next Arkansas possession yielded their own field goal to stretch the scores to 10-3. Alex Tejada scored a 22 yard goal.
Third Quarter: The Gators scored first in the second half, when Sturgis scored a monster 51 yard field goal, the longest 50 plus yard attempt since 2004. Things started to turn for the Gators when a 40 yard field goal attempt for Tejada on Arkansas' first possession missed the uprights! The Gators moved into the lead with a 77 yard pass from Tebow to Thompson putting the Gators 13-10 ahead. The Razorbacks levelled the game 13 a piece when Tejada scored a 31 yard field goal.
Fourth Quarter: Arkansas were determined to make the Gators work for the win, when they forced the Gators to punt in their possession. This pushed the Razorbacks to their own 13 yard line. What followed was a superb 87 yard drive, capped off with a 75 yard touchdown pass from Ryan Mallet to Greg Childs, this gave them a 20-13 lead withs 9min 40sec left in the game. It took only 2min13sec for the Gators to respond, when Jeff Demps found the endzone with his fifth rushing touchdown of the seaon with a 10 yard dash. With 3min 08sec left Tejada missed a 38 yard field goal attempt, this turned the ball over to the Gators on their own 21 yard line. Tebow the completed 3 passes to Riley Cooper and two passes as the Gators marched down the field to allow Sturgis to score a 27 yard game winning field goal. Final scores 23-20 to Florida.
Attendance: 90,508
Game Highlights:
First Quarter: A fairly quiet quarter as neither side managed to score a point, the Gators just getting going in the first 15 minutes.
Second Quarter: The Gators forced the Razorbacks to two three and out plays and a punt to start the second quarter. Despite this pressure it was Arkansas who would score the first touchdown of the game. A Tebow fumble late in the first quarter gave Arkansas great field position, and with just 14min 47sec to go in the quarter, sophmore Broderick Green carried for a one yard TD. Two more fumbles from the Gators would suggest UF had LSU hangover! But a 30 yard field goal from Caleb Sturgis capped off a five play 20 yard drive and got Florida on the board. The next Arkansas possession yielded their own field goal to stretch the scores to 10-3. Alex Tejada scored a 22 yard goal.
Third Quarter: The Gators scored first in the second half, when Sturgis scored a monster 51 yard field goal, the longest 50 plus yard attempt since 2004. Things started to turn for the Gators when a 40 yard field goal attempt for Tejada on Arkansas' first possession missed the uprights! The Gators moved into the lead with a 77 yard pass from Tebow to Thompson putting the Gators 13-10 ahead. The Razorbacks levelled the game 13 a piece when Tejada scored a 31 yard field goal.
Fourth Quarter: Arkansas were determined to make the Gators work for the win, when they forced the Gators to punt in their possession. This pushed the Razorbacks to their own 13 yard line. What followed was a superb 87 yard drive, capped off with a 75 yard touchdown pass from Ryan Mallet to Greg Childs, this gave them a 20-13 lead withs 9min 40sec left in the game. It took only 2min13sec for the Gators to respond, when Jeff Demps found the endzone with his fifth rushing touchdown of the seaon with a 10 yard dash. With 3min 08sec left Tejada missed a 38 yard field goal attempt, this turned the ball over to the Gators on their own 21 yard line. Tebow the completed 3 passes to Riley Cooper and two passes as the Gators marched down the field to allow Sturgis to score a 27 yard game winning field goal. Final scores 23-20 to Florida.
Attendance: 90,508
Game Highlights:
Monday, 19 October 2009
Phoenix v Basingstoke 18th September Game Review
Last sunday saw the first visit to the Ice Dome of the Bison this season, not the first time as both teams have dueled on many occasions in the EIHL. It was also a battle of two of the top teams in the EPL and a good chance for each side to measure themselves against similar opponents. For both teams sunday's game was a good chance to bounce back after sustaining losses the previous night. The Phoenix having lost to Slough and with most of the team suffering from the flu, it was to be 'challenging' match.
First Period: It was the Bison who came out flying, the Phoenix looking very tired and lethargic. It was no surprise when the Bison got themselves on the scoreboard first. Andy Hemmings got the scoring underway after 5min 18sec to silence the home support. It was to get worse for the Phoenix when Hemmings was on hand to score his second of the night at 11min 14sec. This seemed to stir the Phoenix and after 14min 47sec the Phoenix reduced the arrears, though a superb back hand goal. The Bison restored their two goal lead with just 9 sec left in the period, as Sam Zajac scored past Stephen Fone.
Second Period: The fightback began in the second for the Phoenix, almost jolted into action after a terrible first period. Adam Walker scored his second of the night after 23min 54sec, joy restored. But no the Bison struck back less than two minutes later through Joe Ciccarello at 25min 22sec. The rather depressed Phoenix faithful were stunned into joy when Tony Hand scored, yes you read that correctly Tony Hand scored! With 27min 47sec the Phoenix were back within one goal of the Bison.
Third Period: More of the same needed from the Phoenix, now showing some commendable fighting spirit. Ed Courtney would tie the scores after 50min 12sec to give the home support something to cheer for. Hearts were then crushed when Ciccarello popped up again to restore the Bison lead, scoring at 55min 19sec. Up until now Ian Bowie had been having a quiet game, all that changed when he scored the game tying goal at 57min 32sec, the Phoenix faithful now sensing something! More pressure from the Phoenix followed but neither team could produce a winning score.
Overtime: With a point secured, and to be honest a point that the Phoenix didn't necessarily deserve from their performance as a whole! 4 on 4 for 5 minutes was on the cards before penalties! Things seemed to go well for the Phoenix when the Bison took a slashing penalty, giving the Phoenix a 4 on 3 opportunity. After moving the puck around the Bison zone well, Mattsson parked on Annetts in goal, a shot from the blue line from Courtney was tipped by Mattsson for the game winning goal!
Verdict: The Phoenix were not good last night, the flu bug had obviously taken alot out of the team. The Bison were superb and showed why they are up the top of the league. But a win is a win and prevented the Phoenix from suffering back to back losses! Hopefully with a fully fit team, the Phoenix can resume normal service!
Attendance: Better than expected and a larger crowd that came for the Scimitars game the previous weekend. 977 in the Dome!
Phoenix TV Highlights:
Phoenix 6 Bison 5 - MEN Article.
First Period: It was the Bison who came out flying, the Phoenix looking very tired and lethargic. It was no surprise when the Bison got themselves on the scoreboard first. Andy Hemmings got the scoring underway after 5min 18sec to silence the home support. It was to get worse for the Phoenix when Hemmings was on hand to score his second of the night at 11min 14sec. This seemed to stir the Phoenix and after 14min 47sec the Phoenix reduced the arrears, though a superb back hand goal. The Bison restored their two goal lead with just 9 sec left in the period, as Sam Zajac scored past Stephen Fone.
Second Period: The fightback began in the second for the Phoenix, almost jolted into action after a terrible first period. Adam Walker scored his second of the night after 23min 54sec, joy restored. But no the Bison struck back less than two minutes later through Joe Ciccarello at 25min 22sec. The rather depressed Phoenix faithful were stunned into joy when Tony Hand scored, yes you read that correctly Tony Hand scored! With 27min 47sec the Phoenix were back within one goal of the Bison.
Third Period: More of the same needed from the Phoenix, now showing some commendable fighting spirit. Ed Courtney would tie the scores after 50min 12sec to give the home support something to cheer for. Hearts were then crushed when Ciccarello popped up again to restore the Bison lead, scoring at 55min 19sec. Up until now Ian Bowie had been having a quiet game, all that changed when he scored the game tying goal at 57min 32sec, the Phoenix faithful now sensing something! More pressure from the Phoenix followed but neither team could produce a winning score.
Overtime: With a point secured, and to be honest a point that the Phoenix didn't necessarily deserve from their performance as a whole! 4 on 4 for 5 minutes was on the cards before penalties! Things seemed to go well for the Phoenix when the Bison took a slashing penalty, giving the Phoenix a 4 on 3 opportunity. After moving the puck around the Bison zone well, Mattsson parked on Annetts in goal, a shot from the blue line from Courtney was tipped by Mattsson for the game winning goal!
Verdict: The Phoenix were not good last night, the flu bug had obviously taken alot out of the team. The Bison were superb and showed why they are up the top of the league. But a win is a win and prevented the Phoenix from suffering back to back losses! Hopefully with a fully fit team, the Phoenix can resume normal service!
Attendance: Better than expected and a larger crowd that came for the Scimitars game the previous weekend. 977 in the Dome!
Phoenix TV Highlights:
Phoenix 6 Bison 5 - MEN Article.
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