Phoenix snuff out Flames

Manchester Phoenix 5-1 Guildford Flames

A double strike from player coach Tony Hand and a first goal for defenceman Ryan Johnson helped Manchester Phoenix dispatch the Guildford Flames on Saturday night, despite being five first team players down.

Phoenix, still without injured starting netminder Steve Fone, were also without the services of Iain Bowie, Robert Lachowicz, James Neil and Joe Graham who left on Friday to play for the Great Britian under 20’s team in Hungary.

Tony Hand filled the gaps with five players from the English National League Max Drakeley, Andy McKinney, John Murray, Jake Nurse and netminder Declyn Ryan making their debuts and they more than held their own in the final minutes.

Phoenix got off to the perfect start with Jaakko Hagelberg netting with a blast from the slot which Flames netminder Mark Lee found to hot to handle. The Flames equalized through Martin Masa in the 12th minute before Phoenix took control with two quick goals. Adam Walker fired a perfect wrist-shot into the top corner of the net, which was followed by a lucky goal for coach Hand as his pass across the front of the net deflected off Flames player coach Paul Dixon into the net.

Phoenix never looked back, early in the second period, Ryan Johnson added a fourth goal, his first for the club, before Hand added his second of the night to see Phoenix extend their lead to 5-1. The final period saw the Phoenix ease off the pressure as the Flames were a well beaten side and both netminders, Lee and Adam Summerfield in the home net prevented any further changes to the scoreboard.

Hand commented after the match, “We knew we’d have to be focussed against a good Guildford side and tonight was arguably as good as we’ve played all season. I thought we dominated the game and with some better finishing, could have won by a bigger margin.”

Captain Boothroyd fires Phoenix 3 points clear

Manchester Phoenix 5-4 Milton Keynes Lightning (After Overtime)

Manchester Phoenix captain Luke Boothroyd completed another stunning weekend for the league leaders this weekend with an overtime winner against the Milton Keynes Lightning.

Phoenix gained another valuable four point weekend with two come from behind victories as they defeated Bracknell Bee’s away on Saturday night before beating a tough Lightning team on Sunday. On both occasions, Phoenix found themselves 4-1 down and they managed to turn both games around to win 5-4.

Tony Hand commented, “At 4-1 down, we could have let our heads drop, but the team simply rolled up their sleeves and gave it their all. That’s two nights on the trot we’ve had to battle back from a deficit, the guys are showing a belief in themselves that as a coach is so pleasing to see.”

Back-up netminder Adam Summerfield continued in goal for both matches and in the third period on Sunday, showed great determination to keep the Phoenix come-back on course.

Goals from Adam Brittle, Michael Farn and Monir Kalgoum (2) had put the visitors firmly in control, with only a lone Adam Walker strike on the board for Phoenix late in the second period. Two strikes in less than thirty seconds from the home side reduced the deficit drastically. Firstly Andre Mattsson fired home on a 5 on 3 powerplay before Adam Walker netted his second goal of the night.

In what was a tight third period, the only goal came on the power-play, the hardworking Jaakko Hagelberg deflecting an Ed Courtenay shot past a helpless Barry Hollyhead in the Lightning net to tie the scores at 4-4 and send the game into overtime.

Both teams received matching penalties in the extra period and the resulting 3 on 3 saw plenty of ice to be used and the Phoenix duly capitalised, Tony Hand and Courtenay setting up Luke Boothroyd down the left wing and his snapped effort flew through Hollyhead to seal a fantastic victory.

Summerfield leads Phoenix past Bison

Manchester Phoenix 6-4 Basingstoke Bison

Nineteen year old back-up netminder Adam Summerfield led Manchester Phoenix to a 6-4 home victory on Sunday over Basingstoke in his first start for the English Premier League team.

First choice netminder Steve Fone suffered a dislocated shoulder during victory away at Swindon on Saturday, leaving Summerfield to see out the final ten minutes.

Summerfield said, “I knew I’d be starting because of the shoulder injury to Steve, I enjoyed the experience, but was nervous in case I let my team and myself down.”

Phoenix led from the start as they looked to give their young shot-stopper some breathing room, Adam Walker bagged an early double before the Bison found their way past the debutant in the 15th minute through Steve Moria.

A second period hat-trick from Ed Courtenay, including a short-handed goal, helped Phoenix to a 5-3 lead going into the final period where the teams traded a goal each, Hagelberg netting for the hosts.

Player coach Tony Hand added, “The loss of Steve Fone to the shoulder injury gives us a problem, but young Adam stepped up and did an excellent job for us. He made some very good saves and I’m sure he’ll be even keener to practise this week.”

Phoenix bounce back with victory over Lightning

Manchester Phoenix 3-1 Milton Keynes Lightning

After a disappointing result in Romford on Saturday night, the Manchester Phoenix stormed back to form with a hard earned victory over the Milton Keynes Lightning at the Ice Dome on Sunday night.

With the away team having won on both occasions previous to this match up, the Phoenix were looking to break the trend whilst also hoping to hold onto top spot in the English Premier League. The Phoenix took the lead in the 8th minute through Robert Lachowicz as he netted from close range after good work on the powerplay by Jaakko Hagelberg and Luke Boothroyd.

This would prove to be the only goal through the opening two periods as both teams found the netminders in spectacular form, Steve Fone in the Manchester net proving his worth whilst putting Saturdays 8-3 loss behind him and Barry Hollyhead in the Lightning net continued to thwart everything Phoenix through at him.

The breakthrough finally came in the 47th minute when the Phoenix doubled their lead through Hagelberg as he sneaked the puck under Hollyhead from in close. Steve Fone lost his shut-out bid in the 56th minute as the Lightning’s Adam Carr netted after stepping out of the penalty box. The Phoenix however, even when on the penalty kill in the dying minutes never looked like conceding further and Ed Courtaney sealed the victory with an empty net goal.

Player coach Tony Hand noted after the match, “Where we were not very good on Saturday, we were very good tonight. We defended well tonight, probably our best penalty killing of the season so far and overall, every single player showed up, played his part and I thought whilst Milton Keynes gave us a great game, we were the better side and deserved the points”

Phoenix stave off late surge by reigning champions

Manchester Phoenix 4-2 Peterborough Phantoms

Ed Courtenay secured Manchester Phoenix’s fifth straight victory on Saturday night, but not before a strong third period fight-back from the reigning champions.

Phoenix, sporting special Children in Need jerseys, took a quick two goal lead after a clever wrap-around goal from Iain Bowie in the 3rd minute was followed by a flowing move from Tony Hand and Ed Courtenay that left Adam Walker the easiest of finishes from close range.

Jaakko Hagelberg put the Phoenix 3-0 up in the 47th minute on the powerplay with a goal that left Phantoms netminder Stephen Wall shaking his head. Phoenix then let comfort get the better of them as the Phantoms scored twice in 81secs through Warren Tait and James Knight.

It was then left to Courtenay, with help from Hagelberg, to ease the home nerves as he crashed home a rebound goal with little over a minute remaining.

Player coach Tony Hand commented “I was impressed with the way Peterborough kept coming back at us. That said, I thought we’d played well enough to put the game beyond them before they scored. It was a good solid performance again from the guys and with a little bit of luck, we could have won by a bigger margin.”

Phoenix second period stunner leaves Wildcats in pieces.

Manchester Phoenix 6-3 Swindon Wildcats

A second period onslaught by the Manchester Phoenix was enough to beat a competitive Swindon Wildcats at the Altrincham Ice Dome on Sunday night.

Five goals in the middle frame turned the game on its head as the Phoenix came from 2-1 down to win 6-3 and clinch a four point weekend after beating Basingstoke the night before 8-4. Tony Hand’s side now lie two points behind leaders Milton Keynes Lightning.

Player coach Tony Hand remarked, “We played very well on Saturday in Basingstoke and tonight I thought we were efficient and clinical, particularly in the second period.”

Phoenix’s Adam Walker opened the scoring in the 6th minute, before goals from Aaron Nell and Raimonds Danilics gave the visitors a 2-1 lead. The second period saw the Phoenix come out flying with goals from Iain Bowie (2), Tony Hand, Andre Mattsson and leading scorer Ed Courtenay before the Wildcats managed to score again.

“We seem to be making the second period a strong time for ourselves and I think we shocked Swindon tonight with the manner in which we regained control of the game.” Added Hand.

Jets Fly Past Phoenix

Manchester Phoenix 1-6 Slough Jets

Manchester Phoenix went down woefully 6-1 to the Slough Jets in Altrincham on Sunday night after a second period collapse by the home side that saw the Jets score four times without reply.

Player coach Tony Hand conceded that the better team took the points home “It’s always disappointing when you lose and particularly when you lose at home, but I give all the credit to Slough tonight. There were quicker to the puck, won most of the 50-50 battles and they took their chances.”

Second period goals from Joe Greener, Peter Poljacek and a double from Blaz Emersic were enough to give the hosts a commanding lead at the second interval that came after a goalless opening stanza. The damage could have been worse but a sprawling save by Steve Fone in the Manchester net as he clawed the puck back off the goal-line.

The third period saw the Phoenix try to fight their way back into the match to no avail, the tie had gone from the home-side before Ed Courtenay netted in the 47th minute. The Jets scored either side of the Phoenix marker through Ciaran Long and Dan Davies, completing a miserable night for Tony Hand’s team who lacked creativity when trying to move the puck forward.

Hand commented after the game, “We’ll analyse the video of tonight and break it down so that we all learn collectively and individually where things went wrong. Now is not the time for over-reaction or histrionics, we need to address the breakdowns and work harder at making sure they don’t become bad habits.”

Phoenix prevail in overtime against Bison

Manchester Phoenix 6-5 Basingstoke Bison

An under the weather Manchester Phoenix needed an overtime period to beat the Basingstoke Bison at the Altrincham Ice Dome on Sunday night after trailing by two goals no fewer than three times in the match.

With a cold bug currently amongst the Phoenix locker-room, it took an Andre Mattsson deflected shot by Tony Hand shot in the 63rd minute to seal a hard-earned two points from a Bison side that looked to have wrapped up the points on several occasions throughout the match.

“By rights there are four or five us who should have stayed in bed tonight, but we all showed up and we got the job done.”, commented Hand after his sides eighth win in ten games.

“Considering how we felt, I thought we got a tremendous effort, especially after Basingstoke scored late and we had to fight back again to force overtime. Once again, I thought it was great entertainment and the Bison more than played their part”

The Phoenix were two goals down at the first intermission after two strikes from Andy Hemmings had put the visitors in front followed by a late first period goal from Sam Zajak. Adam Walker found the lone goal for the Phoenix in the 15th minute.

Determind to reduce the arrears, the second period saw Phoenix fly out of the blocks, Adam Walker scoring his second of the night in the 24th minute immediately cutting the deficit to one. The sides then traded goals as Joe Ciccarello found the net for the Bison whilst Tony Hand reduced the deficit once more in the 28th minute.

The Phoenix levelled the scores in the 51st minute as Ed Courtenay jammed the puck home from close in, before the Bison came forward again and took the lead in the 56th minute through Ciccarello, seemingly sealing the victory with little over four minutes remaining. As the Phoenix came in search of another equalizer, the Bison were called on two penalties leaving the home-side a golden opportunity to level the tie with a 5 on 3 powerplay and they duly netted in the 58th minute, the on-form Iain Bowie scrabbling the puck home to send the game into overtime, where Andre Mattsson’s deflection was enough to beat Bison netminder Tom Annetts.

“The level of competition in this league is something exceptional, so it is even more important we all shake off these colds and get ready for next weekend as quickly as we can.” Added Hand

Phoenix are next in action away at Bracknell on Saturday before returning home to the Ice Dome on Sunday to take on Slough Jets, face-off at 5.30pm

Hand and Courtenay conjure last gasp heroics for Phoenix.

Manchester Phoenix 6-4 Sheffield Scimitars

Three goals in three minutes from Player coach Tony Hand and hot-shot Ed Courtenay brought Manchester Phoenix back from the dead on Saturday night against a battling Sheffield Scimitars.

The Phoenix turned the tables on a Sheffield side who could have been forgiven for thinking they had done enough to beat the Phoenix for the first time in five attempts, but man of the match Hand found a way to tie the score at 4-4 in the dying minutes before Ed Courtenay edged the Phoenix in front with 50 seconds on the clock.

A pulsating game at the Altrincham Ice Dome began with an early goal for the home-side, the on form Iain Bowie firing a shot from the left wing circle past Pasi Raitanen in the Sheffield net in the 6th minute. Phoenix doubled their advantage in the 16th minute as the equally hot Robert Lachowicz capitalised on a turnover in the Sheffield zone.

An all action first period then saw Bowie drop the gloves with Sheffield’s Robert Farmer as they engaged in a fight that ended with the Phoenix winger coming worse off due to the size of the Scimitars forward. This seemed to revitalise the Scimitars and Tom Squires reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 18th minute.

The resurgent Scimitars attacked further in the second period with the Phoenix struggling to deal with wave after wave of pressure. Deservedly, the visitors drew level in the 26th minute through Matt Haywood as he fired a blistering slap-shot past a helpless Steve Fone in the Manchester net. The Scimitars were clearly in the ascendency and they quickly took the lead through Robert Farmer and could have made the game a two goal spread, but the goal-frame came to the aid of a beaten Steve Fone.

The final period saw the Phoenix draw level in the 45th minute as Adam Walker deflected a pass from Ed Courtenay right in front of the Sheffield net and from there on in the period quickly built up into an epic spectacle of all-out attacking action as both teams went in search of the game winner. It was Sheffield who found the net in the 54th minute as James Archer struck and seemingly dealt the Phoenix a killer blow much to the delight of the travelling support.

However Phoenix coach Hand found a crack in the armour of Raitanen in the Sheffield net as he banked the puck off his legs from behind the net to tie the score at 4-4 in the 57th minute before Ed Courtenay capitalized on Sheffield give-away to put the Phoenix in the lead with less than a minute remaining. Sheffield withdrew their netminder in hope of an equally impressive comeback, but the plan backfired as Hand found the empty cage to seal two points for the Phoenix.

Player coach Hand remarked after the game, “That has to be one of the most entertaining games I’ve played in for quite some time. Both teams gave it 110% and to honest, neither deserved to lose. I thought our guys needed to stay calm and not panic, and they did. We dug deep to get the job done and I think you could tell by the noise that the supporters enjoyed the game.”

“I hope that when they spread the word about tonights’ game that we can continue to get more people to come out and see what great value for money we offer as a sporting spectacle.”

Phoenix Cruise Past Raiders

Manchester Phoenix 7-0 Romford Raiders

Robert Lachowicz and Iain Bowie led the way for Manchester Phoenix on Sunday night at the Altrincham Ice Dome as they both bagged doubles during the seven goal rout of Romford Raiders.

Tony Hand’s team were quick off the mark, taking advantage of an early power-play opportunity as Greg Wood opened the scoring with a wrap-around goal in the third minute. This was followed by Bowie’s first of the night in the 7th minute, again on the power-play as the visitors took early penalties. A perfect period for the Phoenix was capped off by a sublime breakaway effort by Lachowicz who after beating the Raiders defence with his speed, neatly finished off a great move by the home side to lead 3-0 at the first interval.

Player coach Hand replaced Steve Fone in the home goal for the second period, giving back-up netminder Adam Summerfield the chance to get some ice-time under his belt with the Phoenix looking fairly comfortable. Iain Bowie completed his double early in the period before Adam Walker missed a penalty shot for the home side.

In the third period however, Walker finally got his goal tally for the season off the mark with a strike in the 44th minute to increase the lead to five goals. By this point, the game was gone from the Raiders who never really found their groove during their first visit to the Dome. In the 47th minute, sniper Ed Courtenay snapped home the hosts sixth goal of the night, this was followed shortly after by Lachowicz’s second goal as he arrived at the net just in time to connect with a oncoming Adam Walker pass to complete the scoring at 7-0

Phoenix coach Tony Hand commented, “Tonight, I could see the first real signs of the team beginning to gel. I thought everybody played well and it was good to give Adam Summerfield two periods even though he didn’t face that many shots.”

”The really pleasing aspect is the goals we scored being spread around the roster and for the younger lads like Iain and Robert to see their effort and enthusiasm rewarded. With no disrespect to Romford who kept on battling, we’ll have harder games this season, but I’m pleased by the solid all-round effort tonight.”

The defeat of Romford paired with a 5-1 road victory in Swindon the night before lifts Phoenix to 2nd in the table behind leaders Milton Keynes Lightning.

Phoenix Struck By Lightning

Sheffield Scimitars 2-3 Manchester Phoenix
Manchester Phoenix 2-3 Milton Keynes Lighting

Manchester Phoenix’s unbeaten start to the new season came to a halt on Sunday night as the Milton Keynes Lightning came away from their first ever visit to the Altrincham Ice Dome with 2 points. The Phoenix went down 3-2 on home ice despite winning in Sheffield the night before which took to them to the top of the English Premier League, Tony Hand’s men now lie in third place after the opening four games of the season.

On Saturday night, the Phoenix travelled to Sheffield for their third meeting with the Scimitars in five games. Three goals in the opening six minutes saw a blistering start to the game, Phoenix’s Jaakko Hagelberg deflected an Andre Mattsson slap-shot on the powerplay to take the lead before Robert Farmer brought the hosts level within minutes. Seconds later, some great Phoenix transitional play led to Robert Lachowicz neatly finishing a breakaway move to give Manchester the lead once more.

The Scimitars again brought the game level late in the second period as Farmer raced in on goal to beat Steve Fone in the Manchester net which led to a tense third period with little chances at either end of the ice. The breakthrough finally came in the 56th minute as Tony Hand netted from close range to seal the Phoenix’s second win in Sheffield this season.

The following night, the Phoenix played host to ex-Manchester Storm forward Nick Poole’s Milton Keynes Lightning and the tone for the match was set early as Phoenix netminder Steve Fone made a dramatic diving safe to deny the Lightning an early goal. However this seemed to spur the Lightning further, who by the close of the period, netted twice through Adam Carr (short-handed) and Ross Bowers (power-play).

Phoenix finally countered in the 28th minute as Jaakko Hagelberg scored on the power-play, after which the home team laid siege to the Lightning net but were unable to find an equalizer before the end of the second period. The third period saw the Phoenix hit the goal-frame before the Lightning regained their two goal lead, Adam Carr scoring his second of the night sending the visiting bench into ecstasy and leaving the home-side a mountain to climb in the closing minutes. New Phoenix captain Luke Boothroyd did reduce the deficit with a late, hotly disputed goal but the Phoenix could find no equalizer in the time remaining.

Player coach Hand remarked, “The guys worked hard tonight in a hard-fought and well contested game, maybe this result will act as something of a wake up call for us. We’ve made a good start, but we’ve learned this weekend that there will no easy nights.”

“We’ve a number of younger players who are still learning the game and the standard of play we’ve seen is possibly better than we were expecting. We’ll look hard at both of this weekends games and look to minimise the areas where we’ve been caught out.”

Neil secures a double winning weekend for Phoenix

Manchester Phoenix 4-3 Swindon Wildcats

Manchester Phoenix secured two wins from their first weekend in the English PREMIER League on Sunday after British defenceman James Neil scored the game winning goal late on against a strong Swindon team that led three times in the match.

The match was a close affair with neither team really taking control of the game until the third period where the Phoenix experience paid dividends as after clawing their way back into the game three times, James Neil finally beat Geoff Woolhouse in the Swindon net with little over three minutes remaining.

The Wildcats showed their resilience in the first period however and they shaded the opening 20 minutes, deservedly taking the lead through Matt Foord on the powerplay as Jaakko Hagelberg was penalized for boarding.

In the second period, the Phoenix increased their work rate and finally found the net in the 27th minute through Jaakko Hagelberg after good work from Ed Courtenay. However, just over a minute later Swindon restored their lead with a strike from Joe Baird. The Phoenix came forward searching for a second equalizer and found it, courtesy of new arrival Ed Courtenay, scoring his fifth goal of the weekend just before the half hour mark. Swindon’s Jozef Kohut and Manchester’s Andre Mattsson then traded goals to send both teams into the final period tied at 3-3.

The final period was a stage set for a hero, and with 56.46 on the clock, teenager James Neil fired a perfect wrist shot that sent the Phoenix fans home happy and the team claimed a valuable two points against a resilient Swindon team.

Player coach Tony Hand commented, “I give the guys a lot of credit tonight for battling back. I thought we dominated the game, but Swindon made it difficult for us as they were well organised and well coached in their approach to the game.”

“We’ve had two tough games and got a great start to the campaign with maximum points, so I have to be pleased. Overall, I’m pleased with the effort we got from the players this weekend and another week of training and getting used to each other will set us up for next weekends games away to Sheffield and at home to Milton Keynes.”

On the Saturday night, the Manchester Phoenix came away from a long bus trip to Basingstoke with two points as they ran out 7-4 winners with debutant Ed Courtenay grabbing an impressive four goals.

EPL Results:

Saturday

Swindon Wildcats 6-1 Romford Raiders
Slough Jets 9-0 Bracknell Bee’s
Milton Keynes Lightning 3-2 Guildford Flames
Sheffield Scimitars 4-2 Peterborough Phantoms

Sunday

Romford Raiders 3-5 Sheffield Scimitars
Peterborough Phantoms 4-6 Slough Jets
Guildford Flames 2-3 Basingstoke Bison
Bracknell Bee’s 2-5 Milton Keynes Lightning

Elite League

Saturday

Hull Stingrays 2-9 Edinburgh Capitals
Cardiff Devils 6-5 Sheffield Steelers (AOT)
Nottingham Panthers 4-3 Newcastle Vipers
Belfast Giants 4-5 Coventry Blaze

Sunday

Newcastle Vipers 2-0 Belfast Giants
Sheffield Steelers 6-3 Cardiff Devils
Edinburgh Capitals 3-4 Nottingham Panthers (AOT)
Coventry Blaze 4-2 Hull Stingrays (Challenge Cup)

Phoenix start a fire with early trophy success

Manchester Phoenix 3-3 Sheffield Scimitars (6-5 agg)

The Manchester Phoenix opened their new season last weekend with a War of the Roses encounter against the Sheffield Scimitars with the Phoenix taking the honours over two nights, winning the two game series 6-5 on aggregate.

On Saturday night, the Phoenix came away from Ice Sheffield with a narrow 3-2 lead after goals from Robert Lachowicz, player coach Tony Hand and Jaakko Hagelberg were enough to take an advantage back to Altrincham for the Sunday night winner takes all show-down.

The opening minutes of Sunday night’s game were penalty filled and yet neither side managed to make an opening on the powerplay until just over 5 minutes into the game when Andre Mattsson stepped up from the blue-line and fired a laser shot into the bottom of the net that ex-Edinburgh Capitals goaltender Pasi Raitanen had no chance with. However in the 12th minute the Scimitars drew level with a goal from James Archer as he broke in on goal to beat Steve Fone in the Manchester net. Both goalies made great saves in the final minutes of the period to deny each team taking the lead into the break, Raitanen was alert to a Lachowicz one time shot from the crease whilst Steve Fone dived from post to post to prevent Joakim Millqvust scoring at the other end.

In the second period, it was the Scimitars who took the lead with only 55 seconds played, Peter Slamiar finding the back of the net to take the aggregate score to 4-4. The goalies then stepped up again to deny the forwards of both teams as Raitanen saved well from Hagelberg, preventing the Phoenix getting an equalizer, whilst Steve Fone saved superbly from a breakaway effort by Stephen Wallace. The Phoenix then got the break they needed, with the puck bobbling around the Scimitars net, Iain Bowie found and shot the puck home just before the half hour mark. This spurred the Phoenix on further and player coach Tony Hand led the way, sending a pin point pass across the ice that found Greg Wood at the back post to smash home Phoenix’s third goal of the night.

The final period saw both teams evenly matched as the Scimitars came flying out of the blocks and brought the tie to 3-3 on the night as a blistering shot by Peter Slamiar managed to fly over Steve Fone’s shoulder into the top of the net from a tight angle. The Phoenix looked to again take the lead but Raitanen in the Scimitars net had other ideas as he saved well off shots by Hand and Greg Wood twice, when the puck finally went in the net for a fourth time, the goal was washed out as Andre Payette was adjudged to have been in the goalies crease as he deflected a slap shot into the net.

After lifting the trophy, Payette commented, “We’ve got a few bumps and bruises after these two games, but there’ll be little pain as we lifted a trophy. Success is infectious and I’m hoping that having had an early taste, the guys will be even hungrier for more as the season progresses.”
“We’ll work hard this week as the real thing starts next weekend with a tough road trip to Basingstoke before we face Swindon in our home opener.”

All that was left was for Phoenix to lift their first piece of silverware of the season and although it was only a pre-season challenge weekend, the new team will have taken a lot of confidence from the two games and learnt a great deal about each others playing styles and hopefully when this weekend comes around, the players will be up to complete match fitness and ready to start the league campaign.

Other pre-season EPL results:

Saturday

Basingstoke Bison 4-2 Bracknell Bees
Milton Keynes Lightning 7-2 Romford Raiders
Swindon Wildcats 5-3 Guildford Flames
Slough Jets 5-4 Peterborough Phantoms

Sunday

Bracknell Bees 4-6 Basingstoke Bison
Guildford Flames 8-1 Swindon Wildcats
Peterborough Phantoms 3-2 Slough Jets
Romford Raiders 2-5 Milton Keynes Lightning

Elite League results:

Saturday

Hull Stingrays 4-2 Cardiff Devils
Nottingham Panthers 2-1 Coventry Blaze
Belfast 2-3 Sheffield Steelers (After Overtime + Shootout)

Sunday

Cardiff Devils 5-2 Hull Stingrays (Challenge Cup game)
Sheffield Steelers 2-4 Belfast Giants
Nottingham Panthers 5-3 Newcastle Vipers

EPL Final Countdown; Elite League underway.

This weekend the Manchester Phoenix will take on the Sheffield Scimitars in a War of the Roses double header and it will mark the beginning of a new season that promises to be exciting and memorable. The Altrincham based club look to prepare in the best possible way before embarking on the new season a week on Saturday and a home and away showdown with the Scimitars looks to be a stern test for Tony Hand and his new team.

Meanwhile other EPL teams are preparing for their assault on the new season with various challenge matches being played this week. Tonight see’s the Peterborough Phantoms play Elite League side Hull Stingrays with Stingrays back-up netminder Andrew Jaszczyk set to start between the pipes whilst the Slough Jets host the Swindon Wildcats. Tomorrow night the Milton Keynes Lighting play against the Peterborough Phantoms with a return fixture being played on the 16th Sept. This weekend there are 5 home/away match ups including Manchester v Sheffield, others doing the dance are Basingstoke v Bracknell, Milton Keynes v Romford, Swindon v Guildford and Slough v Peterborough. The final pre-season fixtures are played a week tonight involving that return fixture between the Lightning and the Phantoms whilst Swindon play Slough and Sheffield Scimitars take on Sheffield Steelers.

Elite League Results:

Saturday:

Sheffield Steelers 1-3 Coventry Blaze
Newcastle Vipers 3-4 Cardiff Devils (AOT + Shootout)
Nottingham Panthers 4-1 Belfast Giants

Sunday:

Coventry Blaze 3-5 Nottingham Panthers (Challenge Cup Group Game)
Hull Stingrays 2-3 Belfast Giants
Newcastle Vipers 5-4 Cardiff Devils

Phoenix 08/09 Squad Update #2

Bruce Mulherin - Tohoku Free Blades (Asia League)
Stephen Murphy – Belfast Giants (EIHL)
Luke Fulghum – Coventry Blaze (EIHL)
Alex Dunn – Odessa Jackalopes (CHL)
Kenton Smith – HC Valpellice Bulldogs (Italia Serie A)
David Beauregard – HC Valpellice Bulldogs (Italia Serie A)
Brett Clouthier – Rio Grande Valley Killer Bee’s (CHL)
Lucas Burnett - ? (Rapid City Rush (CHL) possibly..)

Kyle Bruce - ?
Nathan Ward - ?
Josh Garbutt - ?

Hand Plays it Safe with Mattsson

Tony Hand, the player/coach of the Manchester Phoenix has completed his squad for the forthcoming season of ice hockey in the English National League with the signing of stay-at-home defenceman Andre Mattsson.

The 29 year old who tips the scales at just under 200lb, was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti but moved to Sweden from a very young age. The true nature of his playing style is evident from his career stats as he only has 22 goals and 54 assists to his name with nearly 500 games played in a number of Scandinavian leagues. However, this will be the player that Hand will look to for leadership in defence as the rock-solid Swede’s main objective is stopping other teams from scoring with his no-nonsense and aggressive defensive style. This should fit well with the line-up at the back already formed by Hand that includes young Brit Luke Boothroyd, one of last season’s outstanding players.

Mattsson commented, “My game is primarily as a defensive defenceman. I try to make the smart move, forcing opposition forwards into areas where they’re not so comfortable and I play the body to try and gain possession of the puck. It’s then about making the simple play to set the transition going and then trying to support the forwards.”

For the past three seasons Mattsson iced with Comet IK in the Norwegian Elite League and player/coach Hand remarked on his final signing, “I am very pleased to have found a player of Andres’ calibre to come and complete the roster. He’s got good size, plays a strong physical game and with experience of the top level in both Sweden and Norway”

“I have high hopes for him. Everyone we’ve spoken to about him has given us excellent references and reports and I think he’ll bring a whole new look to our blueline.”

With the line-up for the new season complete, the fixture list has also been confirmed in the past few days and after the Phoenix play the pre-season double header against Sheffield Scimitars on the weekend 12th/13th September, they will begin their EPL season away at the Basingstoke Bison on the 19th September before the first home game on the 20th September when they will entertain the Swindon Wildcats.

Hand added “The squad is now finalized and I am very pleased with the way we look on paper. The training sessions and pre-season games against Sheffield will help me confirm the line combinations I’ve got in mind and then come the 19th of September, we embark on what I’m sure will be an highly entertaining and interesting first season in the English Premier League.”

Phoenix 08/09 Squad Whereabouts...

Update.

Stephen Murphy – Belfast Giants (EIHL)
Luke Fulghum – Coventry Blaze (EIHL)
Alex Dunn – Odessa Jackalopes (CHL)
Kenton Smith – HC Valpellice Bulldogs (Italia Serie A)
David Beauregard – HC Valpellice Bulldogs (Italia Serie A)
Brett Clouthier – Rio Grande Valley Killer Bee’s (CHL)
Lucas Burnett - ? (Rapid City Rush (CHL) possibly..)

Bruce Mulherin - ?
Kyle Bruce - ?
Nathan Ward - ?
Josh Garbutt - ?

Ace-Sniper Courtenay signs for Phoenix

Manchester Phoenix player/coach Tony Hand has this week acquired his new assistant coach and goal-scoring sniper for the 2009 season. British ice hockey legend Ed Courtenay has agreed to fill the shoes left by David Beauregard from last season as he and Hand will look to mount a challenge for the English Premier League title at the first time of asking.

The Canadian winger stands at a massive 6ft 4ins and has a mountain of experience in both American and British leagues having started his professional career in 1985. He has iced for NHL side San Jose Sharks over 40 times and over the past twelve ice hockey seasons, only three have not been this side of the Atlantic as Courtenay has iced for Sheffield Steelers, Belfast Giants, Newcastle Vipers and the now defunct Ayr Scottish Eagles. In three seasons with the Belfast Giants as player/coach, Courtenay tallied an impressive 184 points and Phoenix fans know exactly who is coming to Manchester next month having seen Courtenay ice against both the Phoenix and the Manchester Storm throughout the Super league-era. During his spells with the Steelers and the Scottish Eagles, Courtenay and Hand iced together and proved to be an excellent combination leading both teams to successful seasons whilst ruining net-minders save percentages up and down the country along the way.

On his new signing, player/coach Tony Hand remarked, “Eddie and I have been friends for a number of years and it goes without saying that I’m very pleased that he’s coming to Manchester this season. Eddie is a great player and an outstanding goalscorer and passing forty, like myself, has not blunted his ambition to succeed.”

Wherever Courtenay has played he has established himself as a leading point scorer and the Phoenix fans will be looking for him to add to his list of honours as the club makes it debut season in the EPL. However, along with his goal-scoring skills, Courtenay has been hired to become assistant coach to Tony Hand and they both will look to guide the younger stars up the table and into a title challenging position

Courtenay commented, “Tony and I have linked well before and I played with Andre Payette in Newcastle last season and he’s really excited too about coming to Manchester. We’ll be the older heads and legs and if we can impart some of our tricks, knowledge and thinking into the youngsters, I think this could be a terrific season for everyone connected with the Phoenix club.”

The Phoenix roster for the coming season is almost complete with only one piece of the puzzle to be filled before the pre-season training gets underway in a couple of weeks. Hand now has one remaining import slot and will be looking to find a top quality defenceman to lead the young Brits that are already signed up to patrol the blue-line for the new season.

Phoenix opener set against Scimitars.

Tony Hand’s new-look Manchester Phoenix will open their new season with a double header against closest rivals Sheffield Scimitars. The Phoenix will begin their ‘War of the Roses’ battle with the Sheffield outfit on Saturday 12th September at Ice Sheffield and that will be followed by a return challenge at the Altrincham Ice Dome on Sunday 13th September.

Tickets for the Sheffield leg of the two game series will go on sale August 15th and will be priced at £6 for adults and £4 for concessions, whilst August 17th will see tickets go on sale for the game at the Ice Dome in Altrincham where all tickets will be priced at £6 with both teams contributing £1 from each ticket sold to their junior development programmes. Face-off’s for the games are 7.30pm on Saturday and a 5.30pm start on Sunday at the Ice Dome.

The Scimitars have already assembled a strong squad ahead of the new season and made a great signing in capturing netminder Pasi Raitanen who iced for Elite League side Edinburgh Capitals at the back end of last season. Meanwhile Phoenix player/coach Tony Hand still has two international spots on his roster to fill and there are strong rumours circulating that the experienced sniper Ed Courtenay could be on his way to Altrincham. The Canadian born forward, who has iced in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, played in Newcastle last season, and previous to that, he played and coached the Belfast Giants.

Signings, Rumours and Hybrid NHL teams

Busy few days in both the EIHL and the EPL as regards comings and goings, signatures, and floating rumours for the forth-coming 09/10 season. Also, news out of the NHL is that the Phoenix Coyotes could be a few home games away from home this season.

Firstly though to the concrete signings of the past week or so, going back to the week that Andre Payette put pen to paper in Manchester, Rod Sarich also confirmed he would be playing another season at the House of Steel. Coach Dave Matsos feels that this signing is the most important of the summer and also added that Sarich may have a different role this season as the Steelers look to retain their Elite League crown. I don’t think there’s anyone that can deny it is a great signing for the Steelers as Sarich will have had a mountain of contracts awaiting his signature from various teams around the world as he continues to be one of, if not the best defenceman in the Elite League. Meanwhile Ryan Finnerty has been confirmed as leaving the club by Matsos and has apparently signed a contract in North America (possibly with the Bloomington Prairie Thunder of the IHL).

Meanwhile in the North-East the Newcastle Vipers continued to re-shape their squad by securing the services of Matus Petricko. The Slovakian born forward should add strength and further depth to a completely re-vamped Vipers side. During a previous spell in Newcastle through the 05/06 season, Petricko scored 53 points in 47 games, leading them to the play-off title, this will be the kind of production that coach Rob Wilson will be hoping to get from the Slovak in the coming season. The Vipers also completed the signings of their blue liners for the new season by adding the final piece in American defenceman Tyler Kindle. Kindle is an offensive defenceman who arrives on Tyneside from the ECHL’s Stockton Thunder. In the 07/08 season with the Fresno Falcons he posted 10 goals and 34 assists in 57 league games for a career year.

In the English Premier League, the Bracknell Bees have signed Dutch defenceman Chad Euverman. Born in British Columbia, Canada, Euverman opted to use his family ties and regularly holds a spot on the blue line for the Netherlands team and has played in World Championship and Olympic qualification tournaments. Although, from recent stats, it doesn’t look like he has a played a full season (or somewhere close) since the 06/07 season with Bolzano II of the Italian second division where he posted 22 points in 30 games.

The Romford Raiders completed their import quota last Friday (July 24th) with the signing of defenceman Jonathan Sitko who last season played for the Swindon Wildcats. Sitko also comes with experience from the ECHL (Toledo Storm, Gwinnett Gladiators) and the NCAA (Bowling Green State University). On the same day, Slough Jets lost a defenceman before a puck has even dropped as the Belfast Giants snapped up Kevin Phillips, brother of AHL bound Davey Phillips and the Slough Jets management seemed less than happy to lose a valuable piece of their blue-line some 7 weeks from the start of the new season.

Final couple of notes, veteran forward Ed Courtenay is strongly rumoured to have signed for the Manchester Phoenix and if Tony Hand has worked his magic again, this scoop is sure to raise the threat levels to red at several other EPL clubs who are looking for the league title this year. Meanwhile the ongoing saga across the pond in the NHL is as to whether the Phoenix Coyotes will in fact be playing hockey in Phoenix for the 09/10 season, and news has come about that the Coyotes might have two homes for the new season, one in Glendale, where they are at present in Arizona, and one in…Saskatchewan. The planned ‘hybrid’ Coyotes team would play five ‘home’ games in Saskatoon as part of the company Ice Edge’s buying of the franchise that would see the Coyotes remain at home in the basking sun of the Arizona Desert apart from the said five games. One thing’s for sure, if those scheduled five ‘home’ games are against Canadian opposition, tickets won’t be on sale for long.

Hand Looks For Power With Payette

Manchester Phoenix player coach Tony Hand has this week swooped for the Canadian power forward Andre Payette. The 32 year old comes to Manchester with a sack full of experience including 155 games in the AHL whilst also spending the past four seasons with Elite League side Newcastle Vipers.

Payette was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL during the 1994 season and since then has been to a number of AHL sides including the Flyers affiliate team the Philadelphia Phantoms,

“I like to think I’ve more to my game than just being the physical presence and I think my track record of success backs that up,” commented the amiable Canadian from his home in Ontario. “I won a Calder Cup with the Philadelphia Phantoms in the American Hockey League and since arriving in the UK in 2004, I’ve won a Challenge Cup, an Elite League title and two Playoff Championships, so I know what it takes to win trophies, and I’m determined to win more.”

Manchester Phoenix fans know exactly what they are going to get with Payette as he has dropped his gloves many times to take on Brett Clouthier in past seasons but along with his role as an enforcer, he likes to chip in with the points here and there and hopefully this side of his game will take on a bigger now that he has stepped onto a team that is only allowed four imports on the roster.

Tony Hand added, “I’ve no doubt this signing will be a big surprise to some, but for me, Andre ticks a lot of boxes. He’s a big, physical presence, a true power-forward who can score goals, can play a number of positions and he brings a winners experience to the room. He’ll give the team the toughness if it’s needed, but I think his qualities of leadership in the room will be an even bigger asset to our club this season, I’m very pleased to have brought him to Manchester.”

However, Payette is known to amass the penalty minutes as his hard-nosed approach to the game often gets him sitting in the penalty box, over the past four seasons with the Vipers he has accumulated over a 1000 penalty minutes and this will have to be something Hand will have to watch when the season starts come September. Although during a one season stint with the Coventry Blaze back in 04/05, Payette scored 22 points in 28 games and this will be the kind of form that Hand will be looking to get from the Canadian. Payette has been in touch with an ex-Phoenix player whom he iced with up on Tyneside last season and remarked,

“Joining the Phoenix is another great challenge for me at this stage in my career, I’ve always tried to contribute to every club I’ve played for and having talked at length with Tony (Hand), I’m looking forward to an exciting season in Manchester. I spoke with Derek Campbell a few days ago and he spoke really well of his time with the Phoenix.”

Hand now has only two remaining import slots to fill as Payette joins Jaako Hagelberg as non-UK trained players on the Phoenix team and he will continue the search to bring the right players to Manchester for the forth-coming season, which is due to start around mid-September.

Ex-Herd Reiter Joins Steelers

Last seasons stand out player for the Basingstoke Bison has been confirmed as the man to replace the departing Jody Lehman between the pipers for the Sheffield Steelers this season. Kevin Reiter, a native of Pittsburgh, US, stands at 5’10” and tips the scales at 174lbs will hope to fill the big shoes left by Lehman who has left the Elite League champions to embark on a new challenge in Denmark. Reiter has already been quoted as saying how good the Steelers defence was last term, however coach Dave Matsos has yet to sign up the majority of his blue line personnel with only Scott Basiuk and Mark Thomas as confirmed signings. One thing is for sure, the Steelers back line will have a number of new faces and there will be a question mark as to whether the defence will be as strong as last seasons with Steve Munn and Rod Sarich remaining unsigned.

With Reiter however, they have managed to secure the signature of a goalie that has proven his ability in the past and managed to show flashes of his brilliance last season at the Bison including a memorable road win in Coventry where he withstood a barrage of some 50+ shots. In the season prior to joining the Bison, he posted a 2.34 GAA and a save percentage of .910 for the Fort Wayne Komets in the IHL.

Meanwhile, the Edinburgh Capitals have announced the signing of defenceman Chris Allen. Born in Chatham, Ontario, Allen has 130 games of ECHL experience along with 110 games in the AHL. He has also played in leagues across Europe including Finland, Austria, Denmark and Norway before playing a season in the Asian League with High1. Allen was drafted by the Florida Panthers in 1996 and was ranked 60th overall, he went on to play a couple of games with the Panthers but spent most of his contract with AHL team Beast of New Haven.

Phoenix Duo Head For Italy

Former Phoenix captain and the Elite League's Top Scorer of 08/09 have both decided to try their luck in Italy. Kenton Smith and David Beauregard have signed for HC Valpellice Bulldogs who ice in Serie A Italian Hockey League.

With the Phoenix moving to the EPL this year, it was inevitable that the majority of the players from last term would move on, but surely this news will come as a bit of a relief for many Phoenix fans as rumours spread that certain Elite League clubs were after Beauregards signature for next season.

In terms of this seasons squad however, there are still 3 international spots available on the roster and player/coach Tony Hand has got plenty of time to pick out the players that he feels will get the job done next season and with the current roster shaping up nicely, Tony Hand should be looking at no less than a top half finish.

Phoenix Forward Hits The Road For Cancer Charity

Manchester Phoenix forward Adam Walker has been hard at work in preparation for the new ice hockey season and his training will be put to the test as he prepares to cycle 300 miles in just four days in aid of the Macmillan Cancer charity.

Walker, now approaching his fourth season with the Phoenix will take on the challenge in August where he will start in London and hopefully finish the task in Paris, Adam commented,

“My Grandad suffered with and eventually died from cancer and the people at Macmillans were unbelievably good to him. The care and support they offer is second to none and I want to try and give something back to them. I’m passionate about this and if I can help by raising some money, then the effort will be well worth while.”

Adam will leave Blackheath, London on August 19th and the race will come to a close under the Eiffel Tower on August 22nd. The four stages of the bike ride will take him through to Dover, onto Calais, then through Arras and finally Compiegne before the concluding 56 miles to Paris.

In an effort to raise as much funds as possible, Adam has created a special web page so that anyone wishing to sponsor him for his efforts can do at :-

www.justgiving.com/adamwalker29

Adam hopes to raise around £1500 and added, ” Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan Cancer Support gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.”

Phoenix Seal Hagelberg Deal

Manchester Phoenix head coach Tony Hand has secured his first international summer signing with the acquisition of versatile experienced Finn Jaakko Hagelberg.

The 26 year-old left winger hails from Tampere, Finland, however his position on the ice seems irrelevant as he is able to play in any position, his versatility as a player being a key element when the Phoenix management set out for his signature.

Hagelberg has played over 170 games in the SM:liiga with Tappara and Lukko and last season he recorded 14 points in 32 games with Finnish second tier side Leki Lempaala. Meanwhile in two previous seasons in the German Bundesliga he scored 25 goals and chipped in with 38 assists.

Phoenix fans may now know who is to play up on the infamous Phoenix top line which has produced so many great scoring tandems with player/coach Hand. With Swedish sniper Johan Molin, Italian-Canadian Joe Tallari and last years phenomenal David Beauregard having all had great seasons with Tony Hand on the top line, perhaps Hagelberg will be the one to fit into this continuing equation.

This signing news comes on the back of Elite League team Coventry Blaze announcing the signing of Luke Fulghum, last seasons third member of the Phoenix number one line and Hagelberg could be the player to replace Fulghum if not the influential Beauregard.

Phoenix owner Neil Morris acquired another signature just last week as ex-Manchester Storm marketing expert Dave Biggar agreed to join the club after spending the last nine years in North America. Biggar comes the Phoenix after providing his skills to the owners of the world-renowned Madison Square Garden whilst working with NHL side New York Rangers and AHL outfit Hartford Wolf Pack. Now, Biggar has set out to make Altrincham based Manchester Phoenix his next project as the club look for further ways to boost attendances even though the club has decided to drop to the English National League for the forthcoming ice hockey season.

Phoenix Brits All Signed Up

Manchester Phoenix player coach Tony Hand has completed the signings of the British contingent for the forthcoming season, the first in the English Premier League. Hand has acquired youngsters James Neil and Robert Lachowicz from Elite League side Nottingham Panthers and will now turn his attention to signing the foreign imports for Phoenix’s first foray in the second tier of British Ice Hockey.

However with the British players all signed up and ready to begin preparations for the new season, the Phoenix line-up is already looking very strong, with former Elite League players Stephen Fone (Coventry Blaze), Greg Wood (Coventry Blaze), Iain Bowie (Edinburgh Capitals) mixed with a strong young nucleus of players from last season’s squad including Luke Boothroyd, Adam Walker and inspirational leader Hand. Fans of the Altrincham based club have reason to believe that Phoenix should be pushing for a top half finish with the likes of Peterborough Phantoms, Milton Keynes Lightning and Guildford Flames also in the mix to compete for the title. Equally the Basingstoke Bison, another team which dropped a division from the Elite League at the end of last season, should not be discounted when the season gets underway. Meanwhile the Swindon Wildcats have snapped up former Nottingham Panthers back-up netminder Geoff Woolhouse, whom the Phoenix faithful saw last season at the Ice Dome. For those fans who are a little disappointed in the Phoenix’s exit from the top flight, the current rosters forming in the EPL show that the standard of play, whilst not Elite League standard, will be good and the league is shaping up to be very competitive indeed with all teams making impressive signings which should make for another exciting rollercoaster season.

Meanwhile this weekend saw confirmation that the Bracknell Bees will also ice in the EPL next season, much to the delight of ice hockey fans in general as the Bee’s are a well recognized team and the yellow and black jerseys should be no stranger to the Phoenix fans next season as the Bee’s used to be regular visitors to the Storm Shelter back in the days of the Manchester Storm and the Superleague.

Over the next few weeks Phoenix’s Tony Hand will look to start adding his international players to the roster, however with the EPL rules on foreign talent different to that of the Elite League, expect Hand to take his time in finding the right players to do the job next season. With the Elite League allowing teams to ice ten imports, the EPL is designed to allow more British players to play in the league therefore only four imports will take to the ice for the Phoenix next season, non of which will be returnees from last season. The players must have an E.U passport as apposed to getting a work permit, which players coming from North America would need should they wish to play ice hockey in the UK. This does somewhat decrease the amount of players available to player/coach Tony Hand for next season, but by no means installs the idea that the imports will be lower quality than seasons gone by, in fact, the Phoenix coach now has the theoretically the same funds as last season to spend on four international players as apposed to ten, therefore those four imports should be of the highest quality and the fans should await with optimism as to the talent that Tony Hand brings to Altrincham next season.