Phoenix are EPL Champions 2010/11

Manchester Phoenix 5-2 Swindon Wildcats

Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix finally sealed their first ever piece of silverware on Sunday night as they beat Swindon Wildcats.

A packed Altrincham Ice Dome saw Phoenix claim the English Premier League title after switching from the Elite League two seasons ago, but it wasn’t without a dramatic final league match.

Phoenix, who missed a chance to seal the title on Saturday after losing 6-2 at Peterborough Phantoms, took a two goal lead with goals from Pavel Gomeniuk and James Archer.

But just as Phoenix appeared to be cruising to the finish line, player coach Hand was thrown out of the game with a high-sticking penalty leaving Phoenix to play the match out without their leader.

Swindon netted on the resulting power play through Egidijus Bauba leaving the home side with a one goal lead at the break.

The second period finished goalless with the Wildcats keeping Phoenix at bay whilst threatening to ruin the night for the home side.

But like so many times this season, Phoenix came through, two quick third period goals from Stephen Wallace and James Archer with his second of the night saw the champions flying.

Swindon responded with a second goal from James Knight but the Phoenix defence stood firm and Curtis Huppe fired in an empty net goal in the final minute to cue celebrations both on the ice and off it as Phoenix clinched the title.