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.”