Phoenix ready to start title defence

Manchester Phoenix 4-1 Sheffield Steeldogs (Phoenix win 8-5 agg)

Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix are ready to begin the defence of their English Premier League crown after retaining the War of the Roses pre-season trophy.

Phoenix, who begin their quest for back to back league titles this weekend, drew 4-4 in Sheffield on Saturday after only a couple of training sessions midweek, before beating an improved Steeldogs side 4-1 on Sunday.

New signings Slava Koulikov, Martin Cingel, Juraj Faith and Jaroslav Spelda all found the scoresheet over the weekend as the players began to find their feet ahead of the opening league fixtures this week.

After a goal-less opening period on Sunday, Slava Koulikov broke the tie with his second of the weekend in the 25th minute before powerplay goals from Juraj Faith and Stephen Wallace saw Phoenix lead 3-0 at the second break.

Sheffield pulled a goal back through Chris Sykes in the 47th minute but Jaroslav Spelda hit the empty net with little over a minute remaining to seal the win.

Phoenix are back in action at Altrincham Ice Dome on Sunday against Basingstoke Bison after travelling to Slough Jets on Saturday for their league opening game.