Miller's return boosts Phoenix past Jets

Manchester Phoenix 5-1 Slough Jets

New signing Joe Miller scored two goals and an assist last weekend as he helped Manchester Phoenix past Slough Jets and Basingstoke Bison.

Miller, who signed on Friday after being released by Peterborough Phantoms, last played for Phoenix in 2006 in the Elite League and returned to score in both Phoenix’s games at the weekend.

On Sunday, Phoenix produced a complete performance to knock off fourth place Slough after the visitors took the lead with only 22 seconds gone.

However the home side took full control of the match in the second period as a straight hat-trick from man of the match Marcus Kristoffersson set Phoenix on their way to another two points.

Joe Miller scored his second of the weekend and Phoenix’s fourth before the end of the second period leaving Curtis Huppe to round out the scoring on the power-play in the final period.

On Saturday, Phoenix beat their Cup semi final opponents Basingstoke Bison 5-4 in overtime after coming from behind four times. Tony Hand equalized for the visitors with little over a minute remaining before Tom Duggan sealed the win in the extra period. Other goals came from Miller, Hand and Ladislav Harabin.

Player coach Hand said: “I was very pleased with Joe Miller’s contribution this weekend. He got a couple of goals and assists, and he is already offering us new options, which keeps our play fresh.

“I said before this is all about character, and we showed plenty tonight. We were sent an early warning when Jets took the lead so soon, but we kept our composure, played our game and eventually took charge.”