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.”