Phoenix are Christmas Number One

Manchester Phoenix 7-0 Sheffield Steeldogs

Manchester Phoenix ensured they would remain top of the English Premier League for Christmas with a comfortable but feisty win over local rivals Sheffield.

With the original fixture against Slough Jets postponed due to the weather, Phoenix owner Neil Morris moved quickly and arranged the January game with the Steeldogs to be brought forward.

Former Phoenix hard-man Andre Payette returned to the Ice Dome for the first time since signing for the Yorkshire club and wasted little time getting to know Phoenix enforcer Andrew Sharp. The two dropped the gloves twice in the opening period, with the second bout resulting a match penalty for Payette.

Strikes from Marcus Kristoffersson and Pavel Gomenyuk preceded a sweeping 3 man breakaway goal from Curtis Huppe leaving Steeldogs netminder Paul Jones little chance and the Phoenix with a 3-0 lead at the first break.

The home side killed the game entirely in the second period with goals from Huppe, Ladislav Harabin, James Archer and Stephen Wallace. This allowed player coach Tony Hand to retire to the bench for the final period and Adam Summerfield took over in net for the Phoenix, replacing Steve Fone.

Pittsburgh Penguins 2-3 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers ended Pittsburgh's 12 game winning run on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Centre, Flyers are back on top of the NHL pack, cemented with a 5-3 win in Montreal last night.

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Phoenix rise to summit after back to back home wins

Manchester Phoenix 4-3 Guildford Flames

Manchester Phoenix 9-2 Telford Tigers

Sniper Curtis Huppe ensured Manchester Phoenix returned to the top of the English Premier League this weekend with a game winning goal and a hat-trick in last weekend’s home double header.

On Saturday, Phoenix completed a nail biting comeback against Guildford Flames to take back first place in the league, before cementing their position against a short-benched Telford Tigers on Sunday.

Phoenix trailed 2-0 at the midway point of the game on Saturday night before player coach Tony Hand started the fightback in the 34th minute.

Enforcer Andrew Sharp brought the teams level early in the 3rd period before Martin Masa gave the visitors the lead once more.

Ladislav Harabin equalized again for the home side before Huppe scored the game winner just over a minute later.

On Sunday, the Telford Tigers came apart as Phoenix dominated the game early, out shooting the visitors 22-6 in the first period. Goals from Marcus Kristoffersson, Tom Duggan, Ben Morgan, Curtis Huppe and Stephen Wallace giving the home side a 5-1 lead.

Further strikes from James Archer, Andrew Sharp and a Huppe double finished the home scoring with Scott Mckenzie added a second for the visitors.

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Phoenix blank Bees

Manchester Phoenix 6-0 Bracknell Bees

A Man of the match performance from defenceman Ladislav Harabin paired with a hat-trick from sniper Curtis Huppe led Manchester Phoenix to a comfortable home victory over Bracknell Bees.

Netminder Steve Fone also recorded his second shut out in two weeks as the Manchester defence continues to improve since losing to Guildford 5-1 on Nov 20.
Since that date, Tony Hand’s Phoenix have only surrendered six goals in five games whilst they have hit the back of the net 24 times.

The home side opened the scoring in the 17th minute as Curtis Huppe netted, this was followed by a quick early double in the second period as Harabin and Huppe both beat Adam Marashi in the Bees net.

The final period saw Phoenix score three further markers to put them out of sight, first Harabin scored his second of the game before Huppe completed his hat-trick with a rocket slap shot. James Archer completed the scoring with a short-handed goal in the 50th minute whilst Andrew Sharp sat out a roughing penalty.

Tony Hand said: “We were a bit slow to get going tonight, but we showed out quality in the end. The defence was strong when it counted and once our first line got going, we took charge.

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Huppe leads Phoenix thrashing of Cats

Manchester Phoenix 9-3 Swindon Wildcats

Sniper Curtis Huppe lead Manchester Phoenix to a demolition of Swindon Wildcats on Saturday night with a four goal showing whilst putting to bed his cold streak in front of goal.

Swede Marcus Kristoffersson scored the opening goal shorthanded in the 6th minute and ignited a rampant Phoenix offence. Huppe netted his first of the night and James Archer scored a superb solo goal for a 3-0 lead at the first break but it could have been worse for the visitors if not for the netminding of Wildcats stopper James Hadfield.

Tom Duggan added his name to the score sheet early in the second period and Huppe netted a straight hat-trick to break Hadfield’s resistance completely, whilst Swindon got themselves on the board through Josef Liska before Manchester replaced Steve Fone with Adam Summerfield in the home net.

Kristoffersson and Archer rounded out the Phoenix scoring in the final period whilst the Wildcats scored two late consolation strikes.

Phoenix are now level on the points with Guildford Flames at the top of the EPL standings after beating Sheffield Steeldogs on Sunday night 4-0 whilst the Flames lost 5-4 in overtime against Telford Tigers.

Phoenix player coach Tony Hand said: “It was nice to see Curtis get back into the scoring habit, though I knew he would.
“Our title challenge is back on track, and that’s the most important thing.”

Hand helps Phoenix end losing skid

Manchester Phoenix 4-2 Peterborough Phantoms

Player coach Tony Hand led by example on Sunday night as his two quick goals helped Manchester Phoenix beat Peterborough Phantoms and end their 3 game losing streak.

The 43 year old scored a pair of goals midway through the second period to give Phoenix a 3-1 lead before helping leading scorer Marcus Kristoffersson seal the win late in the final period.

Tom Duggan opened the scoring in the 13th minute with an unassisted goal as he stole the puck behind the net and slid the puck under Phantoms netminder Stephen Wall.

Maris Ziedins equalized for the visitors from a tight angle in the second period before Hand struck with a double to give the home side breathing room, however a slick Phantoms power-play goal from Joe Miller cut the lead in half.

League leading scorer Kristoffersson finished the scoring and sealed the points in the 58th minute and ended Phoenix’s bad run which has seen them drop to second place in the English Premier League after losing 5-1 at Guildford Flames the night before.

Tony Hand said after the win: “That was a win we sorely needed. Confidence has taken a bit of a knock over the last couple of weeks, and I was delighted for the guys.

“It was tight game but our character started to show through and we’ll use this as a springboard to get our title challenge back on track.”

Bison clip Phoenix twice in two days

Manchester Phoenix 2-3 Basingstoke Bison (After Overtime)

Manchester Phoenix suffered their first back to back defeats of the season last weekend after losing to Basingstoke Bison twice.

The Hampshire side came out 4-1 winners on Saturday before scoring an overtime winner in Altrincham the following night to seal two wins, leaving Phoenix with a single point lead in the league table.

Marcus Kristoffersson opened the scoring for Phoenix on Sunday after the home side started the better of the two, but slowly the fourth placed Bison crept back into the match and drew level in the 15th minute through Victor Kubenko.

Kristoffersson scored his second of the night on the power-play during the second period to give Phoenix the lead once more, but a lack of concentration allowed Steve Moria to equalize for the visitors with 20 seconds of the game remaining.

Phoenix’s Ben Morgan hit the post as the seconds ticked down before Bison sniper Ondrej Lauko sealed the win for the away side in the extra period.

Meanwhile after weeks of searching, Phoenix have announced the signing of former Sheffield Steelers enforcer Andrew Sharp to replace the departed Dean Holland.
Player coach Tony Hand said of his new signing: “Andrew has been brought in for his physical presence and his toughness.
“I feel that teams are taking too many cheap shots and I think we needed somebody who, when guys want to fight, is the kind of person to take them on.”

Tough Tigers push Phoenix all the way

Manchester Phoenix 5-4 Telford Tigers (After Penalty Shots)

Bottom placed Telford Tigers produced a superb late come back against Tony Hand’s league leading Manchester Phoenix on Sunday night thanks to a great display between the pipes by Declan Ryan.

The ex-Trafford Metros goalie now plays for Telford and they have struggled so far this season with one win in 15 games. But he put in a dazzling display including a last gasp save on Curtis Huppe to send the game to penalty shots.

Phoenix were kept off the scoreboard until the 27th minute when Curtis Huppe scored from close range, but Andy McKinney equalized seconds later. Goals from Ben Morgan, Marcus Kristoffersson and Ladislav Harabin saw the homeside 4-1 up but a late Tigers goal kept the game tight going into the third period.

Two goals in the final five minutes saw the Tigers level, firstly a shorthanded breakaway goal by Marek Hornak then the game tying goal came with just over a minute to go by Scott McKenzie.

Steve Fone replaced Adam Summerfield in net for the penalty shots, a move which paid off as a Stephen Wallace goal sealed the extra point for Phoenix.
Tony Hand said after the match: “That was a very satisfying win, but we were made to work damned hard for it. Telford played a very effective strategy against us and closed us down well. They defended well and they were dangerous on the break.
"But we worked hard and we still found the breaks and I think that is a testament to our own work ethic.”

Phoenix home streak snapped by Flames

Manchester Phoenix 3-4 Guildford Flames

Manchester Phoenix’s home unbeaten run came to a nailbiting halt on Sunday night as the Guildford Flames punished the home side for a lacklustre second period.

The loss means that Phoenix remain top of the EPL by three points but it could have been a seven point lead had they managed to beat the Flames after a brilliant 3-1 win in Guildford the night before.

Three goals in under four minutes by the Flames did the damage with Nathan Rempel, Ben Campbell and Rob Lamey putting the visitors 3-1 up after Marcus Kristoffersson gave Phoenix the lead in the first period.

Tony Hand reduced the deficit in the 33rd minute with a superb breakaway goal only for Matt Towe to score a fourth for the Flames as Phoenix pressed for an equaliser in the final period.

A controversial third goal for Phoenix gave the home side life in the final minutes. Tom Duggan netting from close range with the net knocked out of place by Flames netminder Miroslav Hala.

But Phoenix couldn’t find an equaliser against the hardworking Flames defence and the teams split the weekend’s points.

Tony Hand said after the match: “It was bitterly disappointing tonight, especially after our result on Saturday.

“The game was played at top speed all night, and there was clearly a lack of concentration at times which cost us dearly.

“But we’re still on top, there are still a lot of games to play and we always learn from defeat and come back stronger.”

Summerfield keeps Phoenix hot

Manchester Phoenix 4-2 Sheffield Steeldogs

Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix have some daylight between themselves and second place Guildford Flames after another back to back winning weekend.

Guildford lost 4-2 against Slough on Sunday whilst Phoenix edged past Sheffield on Saturday before thrashing bottom place Telford 8-2 the following night.

Back up netminder Adam Summerfield started his first game of the season at the Altrincham Ice Dome on Saturday with Steve Fone still recovering from his head injury last week.

Summerfield produced a good performance in a match that was in the balance until midway through the third period when Ben Wood found the net giving the home side a two goal cushion.

Phoenix opened the scoring through Marcus Kristofferson, but Sheffield equalized through Edgar Bebris. Curtis Huppe restored the home sides lead in the 15th minute but the second period saw the visitors again draw level after a great solo effort by Andrew Hirst was finished with a rising wrist shot that Summerfield had little chance of saving.

Man of the match James Archer gave the Phoenix the lead for a third time in the 29th minute before missing a penalty shot but Ben Wood sealed the victory late on, finally beating Sheffield netminder Ben Bowns after a barrage of third period pressure.

Phoenix double up Bees

Manchester Phoenix 7-4 Bracknell Bees

Manchester Phoenix completed a weekend double over Bracknell Bees to remain top of the English Premier League, but not before losing two players to injury.

Phoenix netminder Steve Fone was struck in the head by a howitzer shot from Bees sniper Jaroslav Cesky that has left him needing eight stitches.

Whilst forward Ben Wood suffered a shoulder injury in the home victory on Sunday as well, leaving the Phoenix bench short on numbers.

Rookie 17 year old goalie Bobby Browne had to step in for the injured Fone, and after a nervous start, helped Phoenix to another home victory.

Player coach Tony Hand said: “We’ll assess Steve Fone and Ben Wood properly this week and ascertain how serious the injuries are, but I know they will both want to be back on the ice as soon as they physically can.

After winning 7-1 in Bracknell on Saturday, hat-tricks from Marcus Kristoffersson, Greg Wood and a powerplay strike from Ben Morgan set Phoenix on their way to another 2 points on Sunday.

Bracknell made the score more respectable in the third period with 3 unanswered goals from Sam Waller, Ashley Calvert and Michal Pinc.

Phoenix’s injured stars now face a race against time to be fit for this weekends games against Sheffield Steeldogs at home on Saturday and Telford Tigers away on Sunday.

Phoenix first period blitz sinks Wildcats

Manchester Phoenix 7-3 Swindon Wildcats

Six first period goals on Sunday night helped Manchester Phoenix to another four point weekend and take Tony Hand’s team to the top of the league.

Phoenix, who were looking for revenge after losing to the Wildcats on penalty shots last week, flew out of the blocks early and Pavel Gomenuik opened the scoring in the 8th minute before Graham Newell equalized for the visitors.

However five unanswered goals saw Phoenix out of sight with Curtis Huppe, James Archer, Greg Wood, Ben Wood and Marcus Kristoffersson all scoring before the first interval leaving Wildcats netminder Chris Douglas stunned.

Credit went to the visitors in the second period as they scored two straight goals from Josef Kohut and Ryan Watt and it could have been worse for Phoenix who had netminder Steve Fone to thank after he stopped a Kohut penalty shot.

Tony Hand finished the scoring in the third period with a powerplay goal and he said after the match: “We came out like a train in the first period and we could have had more goals.

“It was clear that we took our foot off the gas in the second period and we got punished for it.

“Overall I’m delighted with they way we’ve started the season. It’s still early days but it’s nice to be in top spot.”

Ex-Phoenix stopper Murphy shines against Bruins

Belfast Giants Selects 1-5 Boston Bruins

Former Manchester Phoenix goaltender Stephen Murphy shone the brightest on Saturday night against National Hockey League side Boston Bruins.

The Bruins travelled across the water to face-off against a Belfast Giants Selects side comprising of players from around the Elite League which also included other ex-Phoenix stars Luke Fulghum and David Beauregard.

Murphy was given the start against a full strength Boston side boasting NHL stars like Zdeno Chara, Mark Recchi, Milan Lucic, Michael Ryder and goalie Tuukka Rask.

For half the match, the Elite stars and in particular, Murphy, stood firm despite constant Bruins pressure and then surprisingly took the lead late in the second period through Nottingham’s Jade Galbraith. He snapped a shot high glove side past Rask much to the delight of a packed Odyssey Arena.

However this only served as a wake up call for the Bruins as they turned the game on its head within minutes of the restart, scoring three quick goals from Tyler Seguin, Chara and Brad Marchand to lead 3-1 at the second interval.

In the third period, the Giants tried to get back in the match but all hopes were extinguished by a fourth goal from the Bruins, Milan Lucic firing a wrist shot through Murphy before Boston were awarded a penalty shot in the dying minutes which was expertly dispatched by NHL new boy Seguin.

Murphy finished with 40 saves and for long periods kept the Boston attack at bay, his saves included a fine stop on Bruins captain Chara whilst he was on a breakaway.

Meanwhile Manchester Phoenix continued their impressive start to the season, picking up another three points last weekend. Tony Hand’s side beat Milton Keynes Lightning at the Altrincham Ice Dome on Sunday 5-2 after losing on penalty shots to Swindon Wildcats the night before.

Bison no match for hot Phoenix

Manchester Phoenix 3-1 Basingstoke Bison

Player coach Tony Hand led by example on Sunday night as Manchester Phoenix continued there red hot start to the season.

Hand scored two goals and assisted another as Phoenix beat the Bison and maintained there 100% record with four wins from four.

Phoenix, who also beat last years league champions Milton Keynes Lightning on Saturday night 6-3, opened the scoring in the 5th minute. Hand rang a slap shot off the goal post, but the puck eventually slid in the net after hitting Bison goalie Tom Annetts.

The homeside doubled their lead only minutes later as a swift counter attack saw Hand and Ben Morgan undo the Bison defence leaving Curtis Huppe with the easiest of finishes at the side of the net.

With Phoenix reduced to three men on the ice through penalties to Tom Duggan and Luke Boothroyd, Tony Hand stole the puck in the 31st minute and raced in on goal to score a shorthanded marker for a 3-0 lead.

Bison scored a late consolation goal through Ondrej Lauko to ruin Steve Fone’s shut out hopes.

Tony Hand said after the match: “Coming on the back of our outstanding win in Milton Keynes, this is just what we wanted to keep the momentum going.

“It was a great result and a great show of strength, discipline and determination by the guys.”

The match would also prove to be forward Dean Holland’s last, he was released by the club so he could go back to Newcastle.

Hand said: “Dean wants to go back home to Newcastle and we are not going to stand in his way.
“He moved here but I think his heart was in Newcastle. So good luck to the lad and we wish him all the best.”

Phoenix retain War of the Roses Trophy

Manchester Phoenix 6-2 Sheffield Steeldogs (Phoenix win on agg 13-5)

Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix have started their new season by thrashing their Yorkshire rivals twice in three days.

Phoenix warmed up for their new season with a War of the Roses clash against the Sheffield Steeldogs and after beating them 7-3 at Ice Sheffield on Friday, returned to the Altrincham Ice Dome on Sunday to win 6-2.

On Sunday, a four goal showing from sniper Curtis Huppe along with goals from James Neil and James Archer set Phoenix on course to retain the pre-season trophy they won last year. Steeldogs responded with goals from Peter Vaisenen and Tom Squires but Phoenix were in total control.

But there was no lack of passion in the ‘friendly’ encounter between the two sides as both Phoenix coach Tony Hand and Dean Holland received roughing penalties in a fiery last few minutes that left blood on the ice.

Hand said after the match, “I was very pleased tonight. We started to show people what this team is all about. They worked for each other, they are starting to understand each other, they hit hard and they score goals.

“I know we are going to be a match for anyone this term. It’s been a good way to launch our season.”

Phoenix travel to Basingstoke on Saturday before entertaining playoff champions Slough Jets on Sunday at the Ice Dome.

Swedish Star Joins Phoenix

Manchester Phoenix player coach Tony Hand has moved one step closer to completing his team for the new ice hockey season.

Swede Marcus Kristoffersson has joined the Altrincham based club and has a wealth of experience in North America and Scandinavia. His previous clubs include the Utah Grizzlies of the American Hockey League and he has played in over 200 games in the Elitserien, the top league in Sweden.

The 31 year old winger does not have a prolific goal scoring record, but Hand knows how valuable this player will be for the coming season.

Hand said: “I am really pleased to get Marcus. He will bring a lot to our game next season. He's big, he's powerful, he gets goals, he hits, he checks, he does everything.

“He will track back and help his team when he's on the ice. I didn't really want just an out and out goal-scorer because we needed more options to our game. Marcus fits the bill perfectly.”

When asked about his move to Manchester, Kristoffersson said that a player from last season helped his decision.

“I heard a lot of good things about Manchester from my friend Andre Mattsson who played there last year, He had good things to say about the set up, and Tony, and the fans, so I decided I had to come and see for myself.”

Phoenix open their season with a War of the Roses pre-season double header against the Sheffield Steeldogs on Friday 10th September before returning to the Altrincham Ice Dome on Sunday 12th.

Hand tempts Archer to shoot for Phoenix

Manchester Phoenix player coach Tony Hand has moved to secure the signing of British forward James Archer.

Archer arrives at Phoenix after playing for Elite League side Hull Stingrays last season as part of a two way deal with the Sheffield Scimitars. After the Stingrays ceased options last week, Tony Hand moved quickly to bring Archer to Manchester before the Stingrays were revived.

The Sheffield born winger is the replacement for his former team-mate Robert Farmer who left Phoenix over the summer to join the Ottawa 67’s in Canada.

Hand told the clubs website, “James is, quite simply, a really good hockey player. He's a good skater, he's tough, he's got energy and he gets goals. That's exactly what we are looking for.”

Whilst Archer, who has had a loan spell with the Coventry Blaze, is now looking forward to a fresh start with the Phoenix after the financial troubles in Hull: “It's true that I was devastated about what happened at Hull.

“But I have put that behind me now and I am looking forward to this season with the Phoenix.”

The signing of Archer opens up a chance to bring in another import defenceman along with a forward, even though Hand previously stated he would like to bring in two forwards.

Hand commented: “I'm looking all the time, and always speaking to agents. We still have three weeks and I want to make sure we are signing the right players, not just getting imports for the sake of it.”

2010: The Year of the Phoenix?

After a couple of ‘nearly’ seasons when it comes to lifting substantial silverware, Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix will look to put the close shaves to bed in 2010/11 when their second foray into the English Premier League gets under way in September.

There are still two vacant slots in the Phoenix roster for the coming season, import slots that the British ‘Great One’ has indicated will come in the form of forwards, but Hand has already shown his intentions with the structure of the team so far.

In defence, Ben Morgan joins a blue line that seems set in stone after the signing of Ukrainian born Pavel Gomenyuk. This season looks to be a big one for young Ben Wood, currently being one of four defencemen signed up, indicating a big step up for someone who for the most of last season rode the pine or chipped in as 3rd line forward. Only in the latter stages of the season did Hand use Wood regularly, back in his preferred position of defending and he showed good composure when given the chance.

Hand seems content to go with the one import on defence, a strategy that was heavily questioned last season and resulted in Jaakko Hagelberg dropping to the blue line for half of last season as Andre Mattsson struggled to perform week in week out and the captaincy seemed to weigh on Luke Boothroyd’s shoulders perhaps epitomized by the epic Cup exit to the Milton Keynes Lightning and their collapse at lowly Swindon Wildcats late in the season.

Meanwhile going forward, lightweight players like Iain Bowie and Robert Lachowicz have been replaced with the hard nosed Dean Holland and grafter Tom Duggan. If anything, last seasons team lacked the ability to grind in the corners and come away with the puck, which seems to be the way forward with teams like Milton Keynes, Slough and Guildford looking to grinders to spur on attack waves with second and third opportunities created from behind the goal-line.

Of the three import forwards from last season, Ed Courtenay retired mid way through the campaign and despite a lack of pace, still found the net with ease, his replacement Curtis Huppe, has many question marks hanging over him given his lacklustre season, for him, at Hull Stingrays. But Hand has played with and coached Huppe before, he should hopefully get the best out of a player that once scored 64 points in 46 games for Coventry Blaze.



Andre Payette is presumed to be not returning as Hand has openly admitted that Payette was ‘too tough’ for the English Premier League, as players backed out of fights when the Ontario native stepped up. Finally the shining light of last season Jaakko Hagelberg, who was perhaps solely responsible for half the victories achieved is also presumed to not be returning, after early rumblings of a return, maybe the Finnish star asked for a salary that was too much for one player at Altrincham.

Whilst the Phoenix scored the most goals in the league, they conceded far too many, and normally that means point the finger between the pipes. Steve Fone had an up and down season for the Phoenix last term, the major down being an early Christmas present in the form of a separated shoulder which, despite Adam Summerfield coming away with a winning record including a 5-4 overtime victory over the Lightning, ruined the teams momentum as they cruised to the top of the league.



However Fone fought his way back to fitness and guided the team to a 3rd place finish in his first season as a number one goalie. His finest performance came in the playoff quarterfinal home leg against Peterborough, standing on his head during a 5 on 3 penalty kill indicating why Hand chose to go with the rookie goalie at the beginning of the year. However for all the good saves he made throughout the season, there were bad ones, rebounds resulted in plenty of goals that might have never happened if he had managed to apply the glue to his pads like so many other goalies in the league can do, namely Barry Hollyhead of the Lightning. If Fone can stay healthy this year, there’s no reason why he cannot build on last season but there’s a feeling that the jury is still out on Hand’s decision to retain him.

So what can we expect from the coming season? Well, I think that this new Phoenix squad has so far gained a grittier edge than last season, retaining the services of Greg Wood and Stephen Wallace also indicating Hand intends to be a little less finesse and little more in-your-face. Of course, Hand himself, won’t be grinding out the lose puck, he’ll be up to his usual tricks of finding the space and creating every Phoenix goal this season. It would have been nice to see Robert Farmer (seen as a replacement for the departing Adam Walker) working with Hand on the ice, but he jumped ship before donning the angry budgie logo to pursue a career state-side, and good luck to him, not many players get the chance. I’m certain this turn of events led to the Phoenix chasing 3 import forwards instead of 2, so maybe Farmer flying the coop is a blessing in disguise, or it could have scuppered all the plans for the season as now we may have fallen into the age old Phoenix debacle of shoot first, defend later.

One thing’s for sure, Tony Hand has a knack for finding the right players, but not the right result, Phoenix have been off target when it comes to pressure situations, Challenge Cup Final, Knockout Cup Final, EPL Cup Semi-Final and sliding down the league standings last season. Phoenix are notorious high flyers in September, burn outs in March. It’s time to produce.

Phoenix boss snaps up twine-finder Huppe.

Curtis Huppe is the new sniper who will lead the way for Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix this season.

The Former East Coast Hockey League star has landed in Altrincham after spending last season with Elite League side Hull Stingrays and has been signed to fill the void left by goal-scorer Ed Courtenay.

Huppe, who has also spent recent seasons with the Belfast Giants and Coventry Blaze, was originally brought to the UK by Tony Hand in 2004 when he coached the Giants.

Hand said: “I’m extremely confident that he will be one of the stand-out players in the EPL this season.
“I’ve always liked Curtis as a player; he does the simple things really well. He’s a good guy to have in the room too and he will be a great influence and role model for the younger guys.”

On his move to Manchester, Huppe said: “I’m relishing the challenge of leading the line for the Phoenix this year and I’m looking to win silverware for sure.

“Tony likes to play a fast, attractive, offensive style of hockey and that suits my game. I like to score goals and help others as well.”

Phoenix will open their season at Basingstoke Bison on Saturday 18th September before returning home on Sunday where they will play Slough Jets.

Gomenyuk To Take Control of the Phoenix Blueline

Manchester Phoenix player coach Tony Hand has secured his first import signing of the summer with Pavel Gomenyuk agreeing to join the club.

The Ukrainian born defenceman comes to Manchester with a wealth of experience in the UK after spending the past seven seasons split between the Newcastle Vipers and the Hull Stingrays of the Elite League.

In the 2005/06 season, Gomenyuk was part of the Vipers playoff winning side and has vowed to bring success to Altrincham.

He said: “I’ve won championships before and I think I’m due another one, that’s why I’ve signed for Tony and Manchester”

Tony Hand remarked on his latest signing, “He’s a clever player, scores his fair share of points for a defenceman, and is quite happy to play a physical type of game.

“Pavel is one of those players who goes about his work in a quiet, but highly effective manner,”

The signing of Gomenyuk comes off the back of the news that Robert Farmer has been drafted by the Ottawa 67s in the Canadian Hockey League, leaving Tony Hand to decide the make up of his three remaining import vacancies.

Phoenix's Hand urges 'No Rush'

Manchester Phoenix head coach Tony Hand is biding his time before selecting his four import players for the new ice hockey season.

Hand secured his British contingent a few weeks ago, filling the final spots with returnees James Neil and Stephen Wallace but now Hand feels patience is key before filling the four available Non-British Trained spots.

Hand commented, “There are some players with the right experience and I might make a move in at least one direction quite soon, but there is no need to rush or panic whatsoever.

“It’s possible that the first player we sign will further determine the mix of import defencemen and forwards.”

Phoenix are also waiting on forward Robert Farmer, who is taking part in a training camp with American side Dubuque Fighting Saints in Iowa. If selected, it would leave Hand more of an idea of where to focus with his import slots.

However after being in contact with the young Brit, Hand is confident Farmer will be in Altrincham come September.

“The last I heard from him, he indicated he’ll be a Phoenix player this coming season and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

What if Mike didn't score a shorthanded breakaway?

Fone back for second year; Morgan joins.

Manchester Phoenix player coach Tony Hand has confirmed the signing of netminder Steve Fone for a another year.

After backstopping Phoenix to the a third place finish in their first season in the English Premier League and helping Phoenix get to the Playoff finals weekend, Hand has put his faith in Fone to step up again next season.

An injury at the midway point of the season for the Sheffield born goalie seemed to derail the team, but he says he’s ready to give the new season everything he’s got.

He said: “Naturally I’m pleased to be coming back, I’ll certainly be looking to improve upon last year both personally and from a team perspective.

“I think we’ve got unfinished business from last season”

Meanwhile, Phoenix have also snapped up Ben Morgan from Sheffield Steelers, the 22 year old defenceman also has four years of EPL experience with the Sheffield Scimitars.

He said: “I come to play every night, I’m determined and I see my primary role as playing the body, clearing the net and protecting my goalies.

“Tony told me of his plans for the team, his thoughts on the role I could play and all in all, he really did a selling job on me – I didn’t need to think it over too long.”

What if Gagne didn't score the overtime winner in Game 4?

Duggan joins Phoenix; Walks walks

For the third consecutive week a new face has joined the Manchester Phoenix with Tony Hand adding to his British roster.

Forward Tom Duggan has signed for the Phoenix and joins them from English Premier League team Guildford Flames. The nineteen year old was born in Reading and has had the benefit of four years learning the game in Minnesota before joining the Flames.

Last season he posted 38 points in 60 games for the Flames including a very respectable 26 assists with limited ice time due to their big squad.

Duggan said: “I pride myself on a solid work ethic and don’t need to be asked to graft on the ice.”

“I’m not the tallest of players, but I look to combine the skills I’ve developed with a good physical approach to the game.”

Player coach Tony Hand commented: “As soon as I learned that Tom was available, I moved quickly. He impressed me a lot last season and I actually thought he was one of the better British players in the league.”

Meanwhile Hand has seen yet another star from last season move on to the Elite League as Adam Walker has decided to join new side Braehead Clan in Scotland.

Ian Laperriere - Flyers Are Missing Him

One In, One Out for Phoenix

Manchester Phoenix head coach Tony Hand has moved to secure the signing of top young prospect Robert Farmer.

Only days after Robert Lachowicz, one of last seasons stars, was unveiled as a new signing for Elite League side Nottingham Panthers, Farmer joins Phoenix from the Sheffield Steelers in a surprise signing.

The nineteen year old Nottingham born forward spent last season split between both the Steelers and English Premier League team Sheffield Scimitars where he played against Manchester.

In 20 games with the Scimitars last term, he scored 30 points including 16 goals and will add another scoring threat to the Phoenix roster.

Farmer said: “It’s a great chance for me in signing with the Phoenix and I’m looking forward to the challenge they’ll mount next season and being a big part of it.

“I like to get forward and look to score goals and touch wood so far in my career, I’ve done well in front of the net.”

Commenting on the signing, Hand said: “Robert is one of this countries outstanding young prospects, he brings size, power, aggression and an eye for goal to our roster. I’m delighted to have secured his signature.”

Hand snaps up Holland early

Manchester Phoenix head coach Tony Hand has made his first summer signing in preparation for the 2010/11 season with feisty winger Dean Holland putting pen to paper.

The 21 year old Geordie is an addition to the home grown talent already on the Phoenix roster for the new season and has spent the past few seasons playing for the Newcastle Vipers in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

Tony Hand said, “I’m very pleased to have signed a player like Dean so early in the summer. He’s an energy player and will bring some grit to our team for next season.

“Dean will bring another excellent work ethic to our roster and I’m sure the fans will like what they see from him.”

He joins Phoenix returnees Adam Summerfield, Luke Boothroyd, Greg Wood and Ben Wood who have all signed on for next term.

Holland said, “Manchester is a big city and in sporting terms demands winners, and I’m coming to the Phoenix to do exactly that – to win.”

Phoenix bow out in Semi Final

Manchester Phoenix 1-2 Slough Jets

Manchester Phoenix’s season ended on Saturday night at the Coventry Skydome as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against the eventual playoff champions Slough Jets.

After dramatically clinching a place at the playoff finals last week, Phoenix were paired with the Jets in the second semi final and fought bravely for sixty minutes before eventually falling to a Blaz Emersic goal in the third period.

Phoenix took the lead in the first period, player coach Tony Hand found James Neil at the back post and he crashed home on the powerplay.

However the Jets drew level in the first minute of the second period, with Slava Koulikov firing a slapshot past netminder Steve Fone in the Phoenix net. The third period saw Manchester control the flow of the game, but Greg Rockman held firm in the Slough net before Blaz Emersic broke in on goal to score the game winner against the run of play.

Slough Jets went on to beat the Guildford Flames in the final on Sunday by the same scoreline, Emersic doing the damage again for the Jets with a penalty shot winner in overtime.

Phoenix edge past Phantoms for a place at the finals.

Manchester Phoenix 3-2 Peterborough Phantoms (6-5 agg)

Defenceman Joe Graham fired Manchester Phoenix to the Playoff Finals weekend after a dramatic quarterfinal battle against Peterborough Phantoms.

With the teams tied at 2-2, Graham put Phoenix in front with little over two minutes remaining as his shot hit the goal post before deflecting in off Phantoms netminder Stephen Wall.

In the first leg at Peterborough on Saturday, the teams drew 3-3 leaving everything to play for in the return leg at the Ice Dome. Phoenix opened the scoring through Robert Lachowicz in the 9th minute, and Ryan Johnson added a second in the 17th minute.

In the second period, Phantoms started a fight back, a Maris Ziedins strike slid under Phoenix netminder Steve Fone and it was Ziedins again that netted for the visitors in the third period to level the tie. But after chances at both ends, it was the home side who found the net late on, making sure that Phoenix would join Slough Jets, Swindon Wildcats and Guildford Flames at the final weekend.

Four goal Walker see's his half century

Manchester Phoenix 10-1 Bracknell Bees

Manchester Phoenix forward Adam Walker bagged himself six goals last weekend which took his season total to 50 and lifted his team past the Bracknell Bees.

Walker, netted twice in the away defeat to Swindon on Saturday before smashing four past Bracknell the following night as Phoenix secured a third place finish in the league.

Goals from Iain Bowie, Jaakko Hagelberg and two from Walker set Phoenix on their way in the first period before Ashley Calvert scored for the Bees early in the middle session. Further goals from Stephen Wallace, Tony Hand and Walker left Phoenix leading 7-1 at the second break.

In the third period, Andre Mattsson scored from close range before Walker bagged his 50th goal of the season in the 54th minute. Andre Payette put the home side into double figures in the final minutes.

Coach Tony Hand said: “I am delighted for Adam Walker that he reached the fifty goal mark, it’s a tribute to the effort he’s put in after a slow start to the season.

“If we’d been offered a third place finish in September, I think we’d have taken that and now on the back of this result, we can look forward to the playoffs.”

Phoenix will now play Peterborough Phantoms in the first round of the playoffs next weekend, the second leg will be at home on Sunday at the Ice Dome.

Sabine shines in Phoenix rout of Raiders

Manchester Phoenix 10-1 Romford Raiders

A hat-trick from man of the match Iain Bowie led Manchester Phoenix to their third rout of Romford Raiders on home ice this season.

After previous results of 7-0 and 12-3 at the Ice Dome this term, the Raiders were hit for double figures again as Phoenix look to finish the season in third place.

Bowie opened the scoring after only 32 seconds and Jaakko Hagelberg added a double before the end of the first period. Bowie, Adam Walker and Tony Hand scored in the second period before Darius Pliskauskas rounded back up netminder Adam Summerfield for Romford’s lone strike in the final minute.

The final period saw James Neil notch Phoenix’s seventh before Bowie completed his treble. 17 year old Frankie Sabine replaced Charlie Kaylor in the Raiders net and the young goalie received a warm ovation for a string of fine saves against the Phoenix forwards, including a bullet shot from Tony Hand. However Stephen Wallace finished the scoring with a late double.

Four point weekend for Phoenix

Manchester Phoenix 4-1 Sheffield Scimitars

Manchester Phoenix 7-3 Bracknell Bees

Back to back home wins for the Manchester Phoenix has seen them climb back up to third in the English Premier League.

On Saturday night, Phoenix continued their dominance over closest rivals Sheffield Scimitars with a dominant display and a 4-1 win. Jaakko Hagelberg and a shorthanded goal from Adam Walker gave Phoenix the early lead, which was added to by Rob Lachowicz and Hagelberg in the second period.

Sheffield did manage to ruin Steve Fone’s shut-out hopes with a late goal from Simon Butterworth whilst the period also saw three fights in five minutes of madness, Tony Hand, Andre Payette and Jaakko Hagelberg all obliging the Scimitars frustrations.

Phoenix continued their winning run on Sunday night as they defeated the Bracknell Bee’s 7-3 which included another double from Jaakko Hagelberg along with markers from Tony Hand, Adam Walker, Andre Payette, Iain Bowie and Rob Lachowicz. Bee’s replied with goals from Shane Moore, Michal Pinc and Jaroslav Cesky.

Phoenix now solely occupy third place in the standings whilst also holding a game in hand, to be played on Thursday night at Peterborough Phantoms.

Walker Hat-trick lifts Phoenix past Phantoms

Manchester Phoenix 6-4 Peterborough Phantoms

Forward Adam Walker netted a third period treble against the Peterborough Phantoms on Sunday night to seal a four point weekend for the Manchester Phoenix as they started to regain their form.

Without top scorer Ed Courtenay and injured Stephen Wallace, Phoenix secured two wins over the weekend as they also dispatched the Romford Raiders on Saturday night 10-2.

Goals from Marc Ziedins and Joe Miller either side of an Andre Mattsson powerplay goal gave the visitors the lead at the first break.

The second period saw Phoenix lay siege to the Phantoms net, outshooting the away side by 26-9 and they got their rewards with two goals from Ian Bowie and Robert Lachowicz to lead 3-2 going into the final period.

It was then Walker who netted a straight hat-trick to seal the game, the first came only a 1.14 into the final period which was followed by two shorthanded breakaway markers before the Phantoms finished the scoring with two late consolation strikes.

Phoenix remain fifth in the English Premier League, but are only a point behind Basingstoke with a game in hand.

Phoenix Continue Slide, Drop to Fifth

Manchester Phoenix 2-4 Slough Jets

Slough Jets’ flew into Altrincham Ice Dome on Sunday night to heap further misery on Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix who continue to be beset by a frail defence and little luck in front of goal.

After being thrashed 9-1 by the Milton Keynes Lightning the previous night, Phoenix set about making amends for their monumental collape, creating more chances in the opening period.

But it was Jets that raced into a 2-0 lead with goals from Peter Poljacek and Blaz Emersic before Adam Walker replied with a late powerplay goal.

Phoenix started the second period with renewed hope and took only 24 seconds to find the equalizer, Walker netting again on the powerplay. But the final period saw the Jets score two early goals to deflate the home side, Ciaron Long and Andrew Monroe both converting before the 45th minute, making sure that the Jets completed three wins from three in Altrincham.

Bison capitalize on Phoenix slump

Manchester Phoenix 2-4 Basingstoke Bison

Manchester Phoenix’s recent bad home form continued on Sunday night as they fell to visitors Basingstoke Bison as they failed to capitalize on opportunities.

Phoenix, now four points adrift of third place Guildford Flames, lost their third straight home game and conceded a worrying 18 goals whilst only scoring 6 over the bad stretch.

Ed Courtenay created Phoenix’s best chance of the first period, crashing a shot against the cross bar. But the visitors took the lead on the powerplay with a goal from Bison player coach Steve Moria and Ondrej Lauko doubled their advantage before the intermission.

Courtenay brought Phoenix level before the 28 minute mark with two goals in quick succession, the first coming on the poweplay. But for all their hard work, the Phoenix defence failed them again, Steve Fone was beaten by Moria for a second time before Shaun Thompson added a fourth for the visitors.

Phoenix pressured the Bison defence in the final period but Tom Annetts in the visitors net was in good form and there was to be no second come back.

Phoenix caught cold by Lightning strike

Manchester Phoenix 2-8 Milton Keynes Lightning

Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix were handed a semi final first leg thrashing by league leading Milton Keynes Lightning on Thursday night that now leaves them with very little chance of reaching the EPL cup final.

Milton Keynes arrived late at the Altrincham Ice Dome after being caught in traffic but it was the home side which looked tired and flat throughout what was the most important game of the season.

Joe Graham gave Phoenix the lead in the 9th minute on the powerplay, but three goals from the Lighting before the end of period saw the visitors firmly in control, Lewis Christie, Andre Smulter and Nick Poole all finding the net.

And the second period saw no let up in the Lightning’s dominance, Lukas Zatopek, Leigh Jamieson and Russ Bowers all converted for the visitors as Steve Fone in the Manchester net struggled to deal with the Lightning onslaught, a lone Adam Walker goal was all Phoenix could manage.

Smulter and Monir Kalgoum added further goals in the third period to all but seal their place in the final before the second leg has even took place leaving Phoenix with an embarrassing home defeat.

Phoenix Winning Streak Ended By Flames

Manchester Phoenix 2-6 Guildford Flames

Manchester Phoenix’s four game winning run came to a disappointing end on Sunday night as the Guildford Flames left Altrincham Ice Dome with two points for the second time this season.

In their final game of the season at the Dome, the Flames played the perfect road game against the Phoenix, as the hosts looked out of ideas and were unable to muster much offensively whilst the leaky home-defence was again at fault.

Guildford opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Tom Duggan, but Stephen Wallace replied with a breakaway goal in the 18th minute. An early second period double saw the visitors take control, Lubomir Hurtaj and Nathan Rempel both beating Steve Fone in the Manchester net by the 25th minute. Ed Courtenay pulled a goal back in the 34th minute before a fluke Martin Masa goal restored the Flames two goal cushion.

The third period saw Phoenix frustrations boil over with both Ed Courtenay and Andre Payette receiving 10 minute Misconduct penalties, whilst the Flames continued to hit the net. Goals from Stuart Potts and a shorthanded goal from Martin Masa sealed the points.

Player coach Tony Hand commented,“We got what we deserved this evening, nothing. That might sound harsh, but we just didn’t get going tonight and credit to Guildford, they were very good and shut us down very effectively.”

Four-goal Payette leads Phoenix past helpless Raiders

Manchester Phoenix 12-3 Romford Raiders

Canadian winger Andre Payette ignited a first period demolition of bottom club Romford Raiders on Sunday as the Manchester Phoenix secured their first four point weekend since the beginning of December.

Phoenix’s recent return to form has seen them win five of the last six games and moved them up to third in the English Premier League. On Saturday night, Phoenix came away from Guildford 4-1 victors and earn a valuable two points in their hunt for the league title.

Commenting on the two wins, player coach Tony Hand said, “This weekend will give us a great lift. We’ve had guys missing for one reason or another and we’ve taken four valuable points”

“We wanted to get the win tonight and with no disrespect to Romford, we knew we had a chance to improve our goal difference. Everyone played well on Saturday and they did again tonight.”

In the opening period against the Raiders, Phoenix netted six times effectively ending the contest early. Payette (3), Greg Wood, Robert Lachowicz and Joe Graham all finding their way past Charlie Kaylor in the Romford net, whilst the visitors replied through Matt Turner and Frankie Harvey.

Further goals from Payette, Lachowicz and Graham were added to by Adam Walker, Tony Hand and Stephen Wallace to complete the home scoring before Frankie Harvey added a late consolation.

Courtenay notches 40 goals for the season in win over Scimitars

Manchester Phoenix 4-3 Sheffield Scimitars

Phoenix forward Ed Courtenay again helped Manchester Phoenix secure two points from closest rivals Sheffield Scimitars as he notched his 39th and 40th goals of the season.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 2nd minute as James Archer caught the home side out with a close range finish. But before the period ended the teams were on level terms with Courtenay scoring his first of the night with a sublime solo effort.

Phoenix took the lead mid way through the second period as Courtenay deflected a Luke Boothroyd pass beyond Ben Bowns in the Sheffield net. The score remained the same until the third period when a quick double from the home side secured the points, firstly Stephen Wallace netted from close range after good work from Adam Walker and Tony Hand, before Hand himself scored the eventual game winner in the 47th minute on the powerplay.

Sheffield did all they could to get back into the match with a spirited fight-back that just fell short, goals from Mark Turner and Peter Slamiar reduced the deficit to one goal but the Phoenix defence stood firm in the final minutes to hold onto the points.

A Phoenix spokesman commented, “Sheffield are a team that we never take lightly as they work tremendously hard every time we play them. Possibly we should have had a bigger margin of victory given we outshot them 38-22, credit to their goalie, he made some good saves to keep things tight.”

New Signing Wallace Helps Phoenix Past Wildcats

Manchester Phoenix 7-2 Swindon Wildcats

New signing Stephen Wallace bagged a brace of goals in is home debut and helped Manchester Phoenix to a 7-2 thrashing of Swindon Wildcats.

Phoenix, currently in fourth in the English Premier League, signed 25 year old Wallace during the week as he was released from rivals Sheffield Scimitars and the gritty winger has spent no time in boosting the Phoenix attack with three goals in two games including a goal in Phoenix’s 6-4 loss at Milton Keynes Lightning the previous night.

The Wildcats took a 1-0 lead into the first interval on Sunday night as Aaron Nell netted on the powerplay, but the lead was to be short-lived as within three minutes of the restart, Phoenix took the lead through goals by Ed Courtenay and Joe Graham and never looked back.

Wallace netted his first of the night in the 37th minute and Adam Walker finished off a great period for the home side with Phoenix’s fourth in the final minute.

Despite countless heroics by Swindon’s man of the match netminder Chris Douglas, Phoenix continued to put the puck in the net in the final period. Goals from Courtenay, Wallace and Jaakko Hagelberg put the result beyond doubt before Jason Cassells netted a late consolation for Swindon.

“Stephen is a gritty forward who knows how to put the puck in the net and I felt he could help us as we enter the final stages of the season.” Said player coach Tony Hand

“We played well tonight and it was nice to get back to winning a game without being pushed to the limit. Stephen slotted in well and I thought overall, the performance was very solid.”

Phoenix Double Fight Back Goes Up In Flames

Manchester Phoenix 7-8 Guildford Flames (After Penalty Shots)

Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix fought back emphatically on Sunday night against the in-form Guildford Flames to earn a crucial point after being 3 goals down TWICE.

In the second match of a double header against the Flames, Phoenix were 3-0 down at the half way point of the game through goals from Gary Clarke, Lukas Smital and Martin Masa.

But the first Phoenix fight back started in the 31st minute through player-coach Hand before goals from Greg Wood and Ed Courtenay tied the match. Adam Walker then netted a powerplay goal in the 38th minute to give Phoenix the lead before Jaakko Hagelberg was ejected from the match for accidental high sticks causing another shift in momentum.

Guildford took advantage of an extended powerplay at the beginning of the third period with goals from Jez Lundin and Masa to regain the lead. Further damage was done when Adrian Saul netted a shorthanded goal for the visitors in the 47th minute and this was followed by another strike from Smital leaving the Phoenix again trailing by three goals at 7-4.

After losing 9-2 in Guildford the night before, Phoenix were determined to get something from the weekend and they battled back again in the final ten minutes to send the game into overtime. James Neil scoring in the 52nd minute got them started, before an excellent goal from Robert Lachowicz pulled the home-side to within one. With four minutes remaining the unstoppable duo of Tony Hand and Ed Courtenay combined again for the latter to net the game tying goal.

The overtime period produced no further goals and the tie needed penalty shots to decide the outcome with the winner coming from the visitors as Adrian Saul squeezed the puck past Steve Fone for the extra point.

Tony Hand reflected on the result by saying, “Despite the final result, I think we showed tremendous character to twice fight back from being three goals behind. Guildford have a very powerful line-up and we had to battle very hard. And considering the score from Saturday, I think the effort was exceptional tonight.”

Courtenay Double Ends Phoenix Losing Streak

Manchester Phoenix 5-4 Peterborough Phantoms (After Overtime)

Leading scorer Ed Courtenay stepped back into the line-up on Saturday night and steered Manchester Phoenix past Peterborough Phantoms with two goals and an assist, ending Phoenix’s four game losing skid.

The ex-NHL winger scored deep into overtime to seal the points after his side surrendered a two goal lead in the third period.

It was the Phantoms, on their second visit to the Ice Dome this season, who scored first through ex-Phoenix forward Joe Miller in the 7th minute in a period that again seemed to show the defensive frailties in the Phoenix team. The lack of organisation in their own zone should have cost them more but for the play of goaltender Steve Fone as the Phantoms outshot their hosts.

The second period saw a complete turnaround as it was the Phoenix that flew from the blocks, two goals in a minute saw them take the lead, Jaakko Hagelberg and Robert Lachowicz both netting before the 24 minute mark. Adam Walker added a third strike in the 32nd minute and Steve Fone managed to keep the Phantoms at bay during a late surge.

The final period saw Phoenix relinquish their two goal cushion as a second goal from Joe Miller and a shorthanded effort from James Knight saw the Phantoms level. A minute later the Phoenix were back in front, Courtenay swept home his first of the night on the powerplay only for James Morgan to equalize again for the visitors in the 54th minute.

Phoenix had a great chance to seal the game in the overtime period as Joe Miller was penalised for the Phantoms, but netminder Stephen Wall saved everything the Phoenix forwards could throw at him. However after the powerplay expired Ed Courtenay was left alone at the back post and duly netted the game winning goal off a pass from Iain Bowie.

Commenting after the match Tony Hand said, “Peterborough gave us a battle tonight, they’re much stronger now than they were earlier in the season and we had to dig deep. Foney made some big saves for us tonight, in fact both goalies played well.”

Jets Captain Emersic Phoenix's Undoing

Manchester Phoenix 6-7 Slough Jets (After Overtime)

Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix fought bravely on Sunday night at the Altrincham Ice Dome only to see all their hard work undone by Slough captain Blaz Emersic as he netted five times for the visitors including the winner in sudden-death overtime.

Phoenix, who were without leading scorer Ed Courtenay, have seen the Milton Keynes Lightning take over first place in the English Premier League, and are now in danger of slipping further down the table after this home defeat.

Hand commented afterwards, “Nobody should count us out of this title race just yet, there’s a lot of hockey to be played and we will bounce back when we’ve got our full line-up available.”

It was however, the home-side that started brightest with Adam Walker and Iain Bowie both scoring within two minutes before Emersic netted his first of the night in the 5th minute.

Tony Hand scored twice for Phoenix in the second period, whilst Emersic completed his hat-trick and Dan Davies added another for the Jets.

Davies added his second of the night for Slough early in the third and seemingly sealed the win for the Jets. But a late penalty gave Phoenix the chance they needed, Adam Walker bagged his second of the night on the powerplay and a minute later Robert Lachowicz scored to tie the score at 6-6.

Phoenix’s energy carried over into the extra period but they could not find a way through the Slough defence and Blaz Emersic smashed his fifth goal of the night past Steve Fone in emphatic style to seal the extra point.