Phoenix have not had the best of runs recently and our home games have left a lot to be desired. However I said at the beginning of the season that I thought that MK would start the season well but as the teams in the league gelled would slip down the table. This is only because they haven't made many changes from the season and all the other teams have. Phoenix were still without Hand (ankle), Wallace (wrist) and Ward (internationals). James Spur from the Metros was called up to make up the numbers on the bench. I suspected that this game was going to be a tough one as MK are always quite physical on the ice and their play can sometimes be not quite by the book! MK weren't without their injuries as well, McPherson, Wales and Green were all missing which could help us win the game.
First Period
The first period started well for the both teams. MK brought their normal physical game and it wasn't long before a penalty was called at 4:58, Christie took a seat for roughing. Phoenix worked hard on the powerplay but as per usual no goal was forthcoming. At 7:36, the first goal of the game was scored, and a cracking goal it was. Duggan worked for the puck and made a great pass to Long who finished well for Phoenix to take a 1-0 lead. Just under 4 minutes later, Phoenix managed to extend the lead, following a shot on Mettam that he managed to save, but unfortunately for MK the rebound fell to the front of the crease and Cingel came charging in to slam the puck home. Unfortunately for Phoenix, we picked up a couple of consecutive penalties but MK couldn't get off the mark even with the extra man and Phoenix successfully killed both powerplays. At the end of the first period there were a few handbags due to an MK player shooting after the buzzer. Nothing came from it and the players finally left the ice.
Going into the break, Phoenix were 2-0 up (much to my surprise!) and were looking good offensively, the defence still looked a little shaky in parts but they had managed to keep MK at bay much to their frustration. MK had their chances though but they just weren't able to finish (think I have said that numerous times about Phoenix!) I was hoping that we wouldn't slip into our normal second period downer and keep up the pace.
Goals - Phoenix 7:36 - Long, Assists - Duggan, Archer, Phoenix 11:35 - Cingel, Assists - Koulikov, Boothroyd
Second Period
MK came out fighting in the second period (not good news for Phoenix) and following a call on Koulikov for charging MK managed to get off the mark courtesy of Jamieson who shot the puck through Fone's 5 hole. I thought it was a shot he would ordinarily have saved, but it wasn't to be and the puck trickled over the line. The rest of period was pretty much uneventful apart from a few penalties on both teams. MK seemed to be finding their groove though and the puck spent most of the period in the Phoenix zone. Towards the end of the period, Phoenix were hit with more bad luck on the injury front, when Duggan slid awkwardly into the boards and returned to the dressing room for the doctor to be called...just what we needed!
So at the end of the second period, MK had managed to close the gap and were looking a little more threatening. Luckily they had only managed to sneak one goal past Fone and Phoenix were still leading by one goal. I would of liked at least one more goal in that period as MK are no pushovers and would definitely be coming out to win in the third. I was hoping Hand had some inspiring words and we would get an early goal...or two (I'm greedy!)
Goals - MK 26:06 - Jamieson, Assists - Poole, Emersic (powerplay)
Third Period
The third period didn't start well for Phoenix, at 44:29 Cingel was called for tripping and this time MK managed to take advantage of the extra man and tied the game at 46:06. After the MK goal, Phoenix started to speed up their game and at 52:19 Cingel broke away and took a shot from the left side of Mettam's net behind the goal, which managed to bounce off the back of the netminder and into the back of the net for his second of the night to the surprise of everyone! With 6:39 left on the clock, Phoenix called a time out and whatever Hand said to them seemed to do something because just under a minute later, Mr Cingel (that man again!) broke away and completed his hattrick! (Very well done!) MK could see the game was slipping away and with 1:11 left in the game they called a time out to plan their final attack. However the time slowly ticked down and the buzzer sounded for Phoenix to win the game.
Finally a good match report to write! Phoenix beat MK 4-2!! Ok, it wasn't the greatest performance, but my God us Phoenix fans really needed a win! The offensive play seemed to be working and I like the mis-matched combination of lines. Faith is a natural centre and I much prefer him playing there than on the left wing. The injury to Duggan, if long term, would be a massive blow to us. He has been a consistently good player so far this season and I have a sneaky suspicion that his shoulder may have gone again. I doubt that we'll be able to keep him off the ice for long though, he's a fighter! I've waffled on about Phoenix again and forgot to mention MK...MK were good but I think their missing players didn't help them tonight. Mettam was brilliant in net and when they broke away they look dangerous but Phoenix were better! Ha-Ha!
Goals - MK 46:06 - Jamieson, Assists - Poole, Emersic (powerplay), Phoenix 52:19 - Cingel (unassisted), Phoenix 57:41 - Cingel (unassisted)
Final Score - Phoenix 4 - MK 2
MOM - Phoenix - Cingel, MK - Jamieson
28 Dec 2011
Phoenix v Flames - Saturday 10th December 2011
Phoenix had a rare Saturday home game against the reigning EPL play-off winners the Guildford Flames who were starting to click in the league after a slow start. In contrast to Guildford, Phoenix were coming off the back of 2 home defeats and some "fans" were starting to get disgruntled at the way certain players were performing and how the team in general were playing. Phoenix were still without Wallace (wrist) and Hand (ankle). Added to this, Josh Ward was away on international duty with the GB Under 20 team. This was always going to be a tough game but without these players it would be even tougher. 3 players from the Trafford Metros were called up to the Phoenix team to replace the missing bodies; Jake Nurse, Andy Dunn and Jamie Rogerson. However, Coach Hand rarely seems to place much faith in the younger Brits so it remained to be seen how much ice time the trio would see.
This was a big game for me personally as it was a few days after my birthday. By coincidence, last year Phoenix played Guildford on a Saturday around the same time last year with Phoenix scoring 2 late goals to win 4-3 and me dancing up and down the aisles celebrating!
First Period
Despite the missing players, the makeshift Phoenix team started the first period brighter. Duggan and Faith rotated shifts at centre and despite the mixed lines Phoenix were finding good chemistry. Both Archer and Cingel created good scoring chances early on but both were denied by good saves from Lee. It was therefore a little against the run of the play when Guildford opened the scoring. Guildford won a face-off from the right circle which found its way to Kvetan who sent a high wrist shot past Fone's glove and into the net at 10:09. At 10:18 Liddiard earned 2 minutes in the box for tripping but Phoenix could not convert of the powerplay. Then at 13:42 Rempel doubled Guildford's lead. Longstaff sent a long pass from his own zone that split Harabin and Neil and Rempel deked his way around Fone to put the Flames 2-0 up. Phoenix halved the deficit at 17:23 when Duggn collected a pass from Spelda, faked a shot to go past a defender and slipped a shot through Lee's 5-hole and into the net. At 18:24 Boothroyd was sent to the box for a roughing call but Phoenix held out to the end of the period.
Phoenix were playing much better than previous weeks and perhaps deserved to be level at the end of the period. Unfortunately Guildford had made the most of their opportunities and went in to the break ahead and with 24 seconds of a powerplay remaining to open the second period.
Goals - Flames 10:09 - Kvetan, Assist - Melicherik, Flames 13:42 - Rempel, Assist - Longstaff, Phoenix 17:23 - Duggan, Assist - Spelda
Second Period
Phoenix made the worst possible start to the period by conceding a powerplay goal after just 23 seconds. Former Phoenix player Curtis Huppe collected the puck in his own zone, skated down the left wing around the outside of Neil, drove at the net and slid the puck past Fone. Shortly after, the Flames made the score 4-1 with another the gift of a goal at 22:53. Faith mis-controlled a pass on the blue line creating a turnover. Huppe had a shot blocked but the puck squirted back to Melicherik who squared the puck to his left for Plant to put the puck into and unguarded net. Phoenix refused to give up however and pulled a goal back at 32:40. Phoenix were on the powerplay after Liddiard was sent to the penalty box. Before the announcer could let us all know that there was a penalty, Harabin found Cingel streaking through the middle between 2 Guildford defenders and he wristed the puck past Lee's blocker on the left side just inside the post.
Phoenix went in at the end of the second period ruing the defensive lapses that had given the Flames easy goals. However, they were playing with more grit and determination than in recent home games and the game was far from over.
Goals - Flames 20:23 - Huppe (unassisted), Flames 22:53 - Rempel, Assists - Melicherik, Huppe, Phoenix 32:40 - Cingel, Assists - Harabin, Faith
Third Period
Phoenix started the third period on a mission and scored shortly after the start of the period. Duggan skated into the Guildford zone and unleashed a big slap shot from just inside the blue line. Lee could not deal with the shot and Long who was crashing the net swept in the rebound at 40:47. At this point the atmosphere in the Dome was rocking and Guildford looked visibly shaken. Phoenix had all the momentum and sent wave after wave of attacks on the Guildford goal. It seemed almost inevitable that the Flames would crack and both Spelda and Faith went close to tieing the game. Lee looked shaky in the Guildford goal but scrambled defence managed to clear the puck each time Phoenix went close. With time slipping by Phoenix pulled Fone from his goal to be replaced by an extra attacker to force the puck home. Unfortunately with less that 30 seconds to go the puck dropped to the stick of Lundin deep in his own zone with little pressure and he sent the puck the length of the ice for an empty net goal at 59:40 to seal a 5-3 win for the Flames.
At the end of the game, although Phoenix had lost the game, the fans were much less downbeat than after recent home games. Phoenix were weakened by the absent players but the players on the ice had given a spirited performance against a very strong Guildford team and probably deserved to at least send the game into overtime. That said, Guildford defended doggedly in the third period and were clinical in their finishing and perhaps showed that they will be the team to beat this season. The fans played their part, singing from start to finish and the players seemed to feed off that energy, particularly in the third period.
Goals - Phoenix 40:47 - Long, Assists - Duggan, Cingel, Flames 59:40 - Lundin (unassisted)
Final Score - Phoenix - 3 - Guildford - 5
MOM - Phoenix - Duggan, Flames - Huppe
This was a big game for me personally as it was a few days after my birthday. By coincidence, last year Phoenix played Guildford on a Saturday around the same time last year with Phoenix scoring 2 late goals to win 4-3 and me dancing up and down the aisles celebrating!
First Period
Despite the missing players, the makeshift Phoenix team started the first period brighter. Duggan and Faith rotated shifts at centre and despite the mixed lines Phoenix were finding good chemistry. Both Archer and Cingel created good scoring chances early on but both were denied by good saves from Lee. It was therefore a little against the run of the play when Guildford opened the scoring. Guildford won a face-off from the right circle which found its way to Kvetan who sent a high wrist shot past Fone's glove and into the net at 10:09. At 10:18 Liddiard earned 2 minutes in the box for tripping but Phoenix could not convert of the powerplay. Then at 13:42 Rempel doubled Guildford's lead. Longstaff sent a long pass from his own zone that split Harabin and Neil and Rempel deked his way around Fone to put the Flames 2-0 up. Phoenix halved the deficit at 17:23 when Duggn collected a pass from Spelda, faked a shot to go past a defender and slipped a shot through Lee's 5-hole and into the net. At 18:24 Boothroyd was sent to the box for a roughing call but Phoenix held out to the end of the period.
Phoenix were playing much better than previous weeks and perhaps deserved to be level at the end of the period. Unfortunately Guildford had made the most of their opportunities and went in to the break ahead and with 24 seconds of a powerplay remaining to open the second period.
Goals - Flames 10:09 - Kvetan, Assist - Melicherik, Flames 13:42 - Rempel, Assist - Longstaff, Phoenix 17:23 - Duggan, Assist - Spelda
Second Period
Phoenix made the worst possible start to the period by conceding a powerplay goal after just 23 seconds. Former Phoenix player Curtis Huppe collected the puck in his own zone, skated down the left wing around the outside of Neil, drove at the net and slid the puck past Fone. Shortly after, the Flames made the score 4-1 with another the gift of a goal at 22:53. Faith mis-controlled a pass on the blue line creating a turnover. Huppe had a shot blocked but the puck squirted back to Melicherik who squared the puck to his left for Plant to put the puck into and unguarded net. Phoenix refused to give up however and pulled a goal back at 32:40. Phoenix were on the powerplay after Liddiard was sent to the penalty box. Before the announcer could let us all know that there was a penalty, Harabin found Cingel streaking through the middle between 2 Guildford defenders and he wristed the puck past Lee's blocker on the left side just inside the post.
Phoenix went in at the end of the second period ruing the defensive lapses that had given the Flames easy goals. However, they were playing with more grit and determination than in recent home games and the game was far from over.
Goals - Flames 20:23 - Huppe (unassisted), Flames 22:53 - Rempel, Assists - Melicherik, Huppe, Phoenix 32:40 - Cingel, Assists - Harabin, Faith
Third Period
Phoenix started the third period on a mission and scored shortly after the start of the period. Duggan skated into the Guildford zone and unleashed a big slap shot from just inside the blue line. Lee could not deal with the shot and Long who was crashing the net swept in the rebound at 40:47. At this point the atmosphere in the Dome was rocking and Guildford looked visibly shaken. Phoenix had all the momentum and sent wave after wave of attacks on the Guildford goal. It seemed almost inevitable that the Flames would crack and both Spelda and Faith went close to tieing the game. Lee looked shaky in the Guildford goal but scrambled defence managed to clear the puck each time Phoenix went close. With time slipping by Phoenix pulled Fone from his goal to be replaced by an extra attacker to force the puck home. Unfortunately with less that 30 seconds to go the puck dropped to the stick of Lundin deep in his own zone with little pressure and he sent the puck the length of the ice for an empty net goal at 59:40 to seal a 5-3 win for the Flames.
At the end of the game, although Phoenix had lost the game, the fans were much less downbeat than after recent home games. Phoenix were weakened by the absent players but the players on the ice had given a spirited performance against a very strong Guildford team and probably deserved to at least send the game into overtime. That said, Guildford defended doggedly in the third period and were clinical in their finishing and perhaps showed that they will be the team to beat this season. The fans played their part, singing from start to finish and the players seemed to feed off that energy, particularly in the third period.
Goals - Phoenix 40:47 - Long, Assists - Duggan, Cingel, Flames 59:40 - Lundin (unassisted)
Final Score - Phoenix - 3 - Guildford - 5
MOM - Phoenix - Duggan, Flames - Huppe
Phoenix v Bison - Sunday 4th December 2011
Phoenix came into the game off the back of a good 6-2 win away at Bracknell. This was a good win as it also counted toward the EPL Cup, which Phoenix still have a chance for qualifying for. Phoenix were without Hand and Wallace again for the weekend and there were also reports that a sickness bug had also got into the camp. Just what we needed with a short bench!! Bison and Phoenix games are always tough to call and a good measure of how we're shaping up. This is the last home game against Bison this season unless we meet in the playoffs. Phoenix won the first game early on this season in overtime but Bison shut out the Phoenix 3-0 at the end of October.
First Period
Phoenix started the game well and with just over 3 minutes gone, Koulikov slammed a cracking hook shot into the top left hand corner past Colclough to get Phoenix off the mark. The lead was doubled shortly after at 9:01 when Cingel stuffed the puck past Colclough after good work by Koulikov and Faith. After weathering a bit of a storm, Bison clawed their way back into the game at 12:26 with a pretty good goal to be honest. Redmond and Chinn worked the puck forward to a breaking Kubenko who blasted the puck past Fone from just inside the blueline. At 15:31 Phoenix picked up the first penalty of the game when Johnson was assessed 2 minutes for tripping, however Bison could not force the equaliser with the man advantage. Fone should take a lot of credit for that as he made a superb diving save with 3:27 left on the period to stop a certain goal. Even King Henry would have been proud with that save!! At 18:03 Bison's Oakford picked up a holding penalty but the Phoenix could not make the extra man count and went in to the period break up by just the one goal.
The Phoenix fans went into the break reasonably satisfied. The lads had made a much better start then they had against Slough and were rewarded by the 2 goals. However it was disappointing to let Bison back in the game and the ease that Bison were able to work the puck forward for their goal was a bit of a worry.
Goals - Phoenix 3:18 - Koulikov, Assists - Faith, Spelda, Phoenix 9:01 - Cingel, Assists - Koulikov, Faith, Bison 12:26 - Kubenko, Assists - Chinn, Redmond
Second Period
Unfortunately for Phoenix, defensive errors were to prove costly as Bison got back into the game. Phoenix had an early let off with less than 2 minutes gone. Fone went walkabout to clear the puck but sent it straight to a Bison player. Fortunately Spelda was on hand in the crease to sweep the puck clear with Fone stranded. At times like that I wish I could tie him to the net like Coach Bombay does to Goldberg in the Mighty Ducks!! Phoenix had some respite when Volrab picked up a holding penalty at 24:43 but they could not break through the stout Bison defence. At 29:17 Bison picked up the equaliser when the Phoenix defence parted and Kubenko skated through one on one against Fone and put the puck between Fone's legs to score. Then less than a minute later Phoenix's defence went to sleep again. This time former player Joe Miller danced his way around some static defenders, skated round Fone and put the Bison up by one. At that point, the Phoenix players looked like their heads had dropped and something really special was needed to get back in the game. Luckily, at 31:33 something special did happen as Harabin scored what was probably the best goal I have ever seen! He got the puck just inside his own zone and set about taking on every Bison player on the ice. As he skated between (or rather through) 2 Bison defenders at their blue line he was tripped and the ref raised his arm for a delayed penalty. Then while sliding on his knees he somehow managed to settle the puck and roof it past Colclough to tie the game. Unbelievable! I hadn't heard the Dome celebrate as loud for a goal since Huppe's empty netter won the league in the last game of last season.
Although all the talk at the end of the period was about Harabin's goal, it was worrying how easy Bison had found their goals. When Miller scored he needed to be checked off his skates but no-one touched him. Bison's forwards are good at dragging the opposition defenders wide and then sending a player through the gap down the middle and Phoenix were letting the gap between them get too big.
Goals - Bison 29:17 - Kubenko, Assists - Moria, Chinn, Bison - 29:59 Miller, Assist - Redmond, Phoenix 31:33 - Harabin, Assist - Neil (delayed penalty)
Third Period
The period started tied with it all to play for but Phoenix seemed to fade as the period went on as the shorter bench and Saturday's game caught up with them. Early on in the period at 43:57 Volrab went to the penalty box for hooking but Phoenix could not seriously test Colclough. At 46:10 Bison got the go ahead goal as the Phoenix defence took another nap and Nicky Chinn calmly put the puck past Fone. Although Bison ran into a bit of penalty trouble half way through the period with Bronnimann called for hooking at 48:09 and Wiggins called for roughing at 51:05, Colclough stood firm between the pipes. At 57:14 Harabin was called for clipping when he hip-checked a Bison forward and any momentum Phoenix had slipped away. Although Phoenix played the last 20 seconds or so with an extra skater when Volrab was assessed a tripping minor, Bison stood up to the challenge and held on for the win.
At the final horn Phoenix had dropped another 2 points at home and again could only manage around 20 minutes of playing well. The players visibly tired as the game went on and never seriously looked like getting a point when Bison took the lead. In many respects, these sorts of results are to be expected. The league is more competitive than last year and Phoenix have been battling against the odds with an injury crisis. Despite the short bench and players playing through the pain, we were still playing 50/50 hockey. However, it was becoming frustrating that Phoenix were playing well and winning away on the Saturday but being unable to come back, play well for the whole game and win in front of the home fans on the Sunday. I think everyone would swap winning away to winning at home! With the Guildford home game being a Saturday next week, we were hoping that the "win on Saturday" streak continues and we can remember what it's like to win a home game again!
Goals - Bison 46:10 - Chinn, Assists - Kubenko, Volrab
Final Score - Phoenix 3 - Bison 4
MOM - Phoenix - Harabin, Bison - Kubenko
First Period
Phoenix started the game well and with just over 3 minutes gone, Koulikov slammed a cracking hook shot into the top left hand corner past Colclough to get Phoenix off the mark. The lead was doubled shortly after at 9:01 when Cingel stuffed the puck past Colclough after good work by Koulikov and Faith. After weathering a bit of a storm, Bison clawed their way back into the game at 12:26 with a pretty good goal to be honest. Redmond and Chinn worked the puck forward to a breaking Kubenko who blasted the puck past Fone from just inside the blueline. At 15:31 Phoenix picked up the first penalty of the game when Johnson was assessed 2 minutes for tripping, however Bison could not force the equaliser with the man advantage. Fone should take a lot of credit for that as he made a superb diving save with 3:27 left on the period to stop a certain goal. Even King Henry would have been proud with that save!! At 18:03 Bison's Oakford picked up a holding penalty but the Phoenix could not make the extra man count and went in to the period break up by just the one goal.
The Phoenix fans went into the break reasonably satisfied. The lads had made a much better start then they had against Slough and were rewarded by the 2 goals. However it was disappointing to let Bison back in the game and the ease that Bison were able to work the puck forward for their goal was a bit of a worry.
Goals - Phoenix 3:18 - Koulikov, Assists - Faith, Spelda, Phoenix 9:01 - Cingel, Assists - Koulikov, Faith, Bison 12:26 - Kubenko, Assists - Chinn, Redmond
Second Period
Unfortunately for Phoenix, defensive errors were to prove costly as Bison got back into the game. Phoenix had an early let off with less than 2 minutes gone. Fone went walkabout to clear the puck but sent it straight to a Bison player. Fortunately Spelda was on hand in the crease to sweep the puck clear with Fone stranded. At times like that I wish I could tie him to the net like Coach Bombay does to Goldberg in the Mighty Ducks!! Phoenix had some respite when Volrab picked up a holding penalty at 24:43 but they could not break through the stout Bison defence. At 29:17 Bison picked up the equaliser when the Phoenix defence parted and Kubenko skated through one on one against Fone and put the puck between Fone's legs to score. Then less than a minute later Phoenix's defence went to sleep again. This time former player Joe Miller danced his way around some static defenders, skated round Fone and put the Bison up by one. At that point, the Phoenix players looked like their heads had dropped and something really special was needed to get back in the game. Luckily, at 31:33 something special did happen as Harabin scored what was probably the best goal I have ever seen! He got the puck just inside his own zone and set about taking on every Bison player on the ice. As he skated between (or rather through) 2 Bison defenders at their blue line he was tripped and the ref raised his arm for a delayed penalty. Then while sliding on his knees he somehow managed to settle the puck and roof it past Colclough to tie the game. Unbelievable! I hadn't heard the Dome celebrate as loud for a goal since Huppe's empty netter won the league in the last game of last season.
Although all the talk at the end of the period was about Harabin's goal, it was worrying how easy Bison had found their goals. When Miller scored he needed to be checked off his skates but no-one touched him. Bison's forwards are good at dragging the opposition defenders wide and then sending a player through the gap down the middle and Phoenix were letting the gap between them get too big.
Goals - Bison 29:17 - Kubenko, Assists - Moria, Chinn, Bison - 29:59 Miller, Assist - Redmond, Phoenix 31:33 - Harabin, Assist - Neil (delayed penalty)
Third Period
The period started tied with it all to play for but Phoenix seemed to fade as the period went on as the shorter bench and Saturday's game caught up with them. Early on in the period at 43:57 Volrab went to the penalty box for hooking but Phoenix could not seriously test Colclough. At 46:10 Bison got the go ahead goal as the Phoenix defence took another nap and Nicky Chinn calmly put the puck past Fone. Although Bison ran into a bit of penalty trouble half way through the period with Bronnimann called for hooking at 48:09 and Wiggins called for roughing at 51:05, Colclough stood firm between the pipes. At 57:14 Harabin was called for clipping when he hip-checked a Bison forward and any momentum Phoenix had slipped away. Although Phoenix played the last 20 seconds or so with an extra skater when Volrab was assessed a tripping minor, Bison stood up to the challenge and held on for the win.
At the final horn Phoenix had dropped another 2 points at home and again could only manage around 20 minutes of playing well. The players visibly tired as the game went on and never seriously looked like getting a point when Bison took the lead. In many respects, these sorts of results are to be expected. The league is more competitive than last year and Phoenix have been battling against the odds with an injury crisis. Despite the short bench and players playing through the pain, we were still playing 50/50 hockey. However, it was becoming frustrating that Phoenix were playing well and winning away on the Saturday but being unable to come back, play well for the whole game and win in front of the home fans on the Sunday. I think everyone would swap winning away to winning at home! With the Guildford home game being a Saturday next week, we were hoping that the "win on Saturday" streak continues and we can remember what it's like to win a home game again!
Goals - Bison 46:10 - Chinn, Assists - Kubenko, Volrab
Final Score - Phoenix 3 - Bison 4
MOM - Phoenix - Harabin, Bison - Kubenko
Phoenix v Jets - Sunday 27th November 2011
After two away defeats to Guildford and Peterborough, the Phoenix had bounced back with a home win against Peterborough and a road win against Basingstoke. Me and the boy had missed the Peterborough game as were at my godson's Christening (he will be brought to a Phoenix game very soon!!) so we were both looking forward to Slough Jets' visit to the Dome. Slough have the dangerous Adam Calder in their ranks so the Phoenix defence were to be in for a tough game all night but were boosted by the return of import Jaro Spelda from injury who returned in the previous night's win against Bison. Slough also like to play on the edge of the rules with the Greener "sisters" (as the boy calls them) and Watt so Wardell was to have a busy night if he wanted to keep them in check!
First Period
The first period started fairly even and both teams created plenty of chances but Fone and Rockman were making things difficult for either team to get off the mark. However Slough were creating the more positive play and unfortunately for Phoenix, at 7:59, Calder rifled the puck past Fone's left shoulder and into the back of the net. The rest of the period continued as it started with both teams generating fast play, making an entertaining period of hockey to watch. With 10 seconds left of the period, Phoenix had a great opportunity to tie the game, but Archer could only find the metal work rather than the net.
Phoenix started the game pretty much like every other game, created plenty of chances but were unable to finish. Rockman, as always, was standing strong between the pipes and making things very difficult for us to find the back of the net. However if it wasn't for that bloody metal work (again) we'd be even stevens. Slough weren't having that much luck either apart from the goal, which I have to admit was a cracker, they were also finding it hard to get past Fone. Hopefully in the next period, lady luck will shine down on Phoenix!
Goals - Slough 7:59 - Calder, Assists - Sheppard, J Greener
Second Period
God only knows what happened to Phoenix in the second period, they fell asleep and Slough rang rings around them. The onslaught began just 51 seconds in when on a delayed penalty call Calder found the back of the net again for Slough's second of the game. At 27:37, Wardell made an awful call which didn't help matters and put Neil in the box for hooking. This put Phoenix at a disadvantage and Slough extended their lead at 27:57 when Joe Greener was left to his own devices to slot the puck past Fone. Shortly after this Phoenix called a time out to try and compose themselves but the frustration seemed to get the better of them and after Symonds decided to check one of the Phoenix players from behind, tempers started to flare and Cingel found himself in the box for charging along with Symonds sitting out for a lovely 2 plus 10. Even these penalties didn't help matters and at 29:51 Sheppard scored shorthanded for Slough's fourth of the game. Phoenix started to look dead and buried and the team that were managing to give Slough a run for their money in the first period seemed to have disappeared. It was like a totally different team had come out for the second! At 35:21, Phoenix conceded the most awfully defended goal I have ever seen and Davies easily finished it off by hitting the back of the net. Towards the end of the period, Slough managed to get another goal past Fone, but luckily for the Phoenix fans it was washed out due to a player being in the crease and the period ended (thank god!)
This was possibly one of the worst periods of Phoenix hockey I have ever witnessed. It was like they were coming out for the second to a deficit of 10 goals and that they knew they couldn't come back from it. There was only one goal in it and now Phoenix were 5-0 down to which I couldn't see ever coming back from. Ok, Wardell's call on Neil did not help matters, but then again I'm not entirely sure having an even number of players on the ice would have helped. At least it gave us Phoenix fans something to shout about and blame someone other than our players (granted it was a shocking call!) What makes it even more frustrating is that Slough weren't playing brilliantly, they just took advantage of the mistakes. However I am never one to give up on my team and I will never walk out of a game early because anything can happen in hockey and I don't want to miss it! I just hoped that the players weren't too down and out and give us Phoenix fans something to cheer about in the third period. It is not over until the fat lady sings!
Goals - Slough 20:51 - Calder, Assists - Sheppard, J Greener, Slough 27:57 - J Greener (powerplay) Slough 29:51 - Sheppard, Assists - J Greener, Waller (shorthanded), Slough 35:21 - Davies, Assist - Pliskauskas
Third Period
After what I can only assume was a rollocking from Sir Tony in the break, Phoenix finally pulled their fingers out in the third period and got a grasp of the game. With the help of Wardell (good God, did I really say that!) Phoenix went on a 5 on 3 power play and at 44:37 Duggan found the back of the net and finally got Phoenix off the mark. At 45:54, after Calder was sent to the box for hooking, Spelda fired a rocket from the blue line which there was no stopping and gave us Phoenix fans some hope that a come back was on the cards. Phoenix continued to dominate the rest of the period and at bang on 49 minutes, Koulikov got his name on the score card following some help from Faith and Spelda. Unfortunately Phoenix were running out of time and the buzzer sounded to signal the end of the game.
At the end of the game Phoenix lost 5-3 after a game that Slough dominated. Phoenix only really seemed to get going in the third period but I have a feeling that if they managed to play like that for the whole of the game (especially during the second period) it would have been a lot closer. Slough did what they needed to do and took advantage of the mistakes made by Phoenix which was enough for them to win the game. One of my friends had brought his uncle and cousin to their first hockey game and I'm hoping that they remember the third period rather than the shambles that was the second period. We can't expect to draw the public in if we can't put on a performance to bring them back to watch again. I'm not expecting us to win every game and Slough are a tough team to beat, with the Greener sisters and Watt getting under everyone's skin (including mine) but I would like to see us put up a fight!
Goals - Phoenix 44:37 - Duggan, Assist - Harabin (powerplay), Phoenix 45:54 - Spelda, Assists - Harabin, Duggan (powerplay), Phoenix 49:00 - Koulikov, Assists - Faith, Spelda
Final Score - Phoenix 3 - Jets 5
MOM - Phoenix - Duggan, Slough - Rockman
First Period
The first period started fairly even and both teams created plenty of chances but Fone and Rockman were making things difficult for either team to get off the mark. However Slough were creating the more positive play and unfortunately for Phoenix, at 7:59, Calder rifled the puck past Fone's left shoulder and into the back of the net. The rest of the period continued as it started with both teams generating fast play, making an entertaining period of hockey to watch. With 10 seconds left of the period, Phoenix had a great opportunity to tie the game, but Archer could only find the metal work rather than the net.
Phoenix started the game pretty much like every other game, created plenty of chances but were unable to finish. Rockman, as always, was standing strong between the pipes and making things very difficult for us to find the back of the net. However if it wasn't for that bloody metal work (again) we'd be even stevens. Slough weren't having that much luck either apart from the goal, which I have to admit was a cracker, they were also finding it hard to get past Fone. Hopefully in the next period, lady luck will shine down on Phoenix!
Goals - Slough 7:59 - Calder, Assists - Sheppard, J Greener
Second Period
God only knows what happened to Phoenix in the second period, they fell asleep and Slough rang rings around them. The onslaught began just 51 seconds in when on a delayed penalty call Calder found the back of the net again for Slough's second of the game. At 27:37, Wardell made an awful call which didn't help matters and put Neil in the box for hooking. This put Phoenix at a disadvantage and Slough extended their lead at 27:57 when Joe Greener was left to his own devices to slot the puck past Fone. Shortly after this Phoenix called a time out to try and compose themselves but the frustration seemed to get the better of them and after Symonds decided to check one of the Phoenix players from behind, tempers started to flare and Cingel found himself in the box for charging along with Symonds sitting out for a lovely 2 plus 10. Even these penalties didn't help matters and at 29:51 Sheppard scored shorthanded for Slough's fourth of the game. Phoenix started to look dead and buried and the team that were managing to give Slough a run for their money in the first period seemed to have disappeared. It was like a totally different team had come out for the second! At 35:21, Phoenix conceded the most awfully defended goal I have ever seen and Davies easily finished it off by hitting the back of the net. Towards the end of the period, Slough managed to get another goal past Fone, but luckily for the Phoenix fans it was washed out due to a player being in the crease and the period ended (thank god!)
This was possibly one of the worst periods of Phoenix hockey I have ever witnessed. It was like they were coming out for the second to a deficit of 10 goals and that they knew they couldn't come back from it. There was only one goal in it and now Phoenix were 5-0 down to which I couldn't see ever coming back from. Ok, Wardell's call on Neil did not help matters, but then again I'm not entirely sure having an even number of players on the ice would have helped. At least it gave us Phoenix fans something to shout about and blame someone other than our players (granted it was a shocking call!) What makes it even more frustrating is that Slough weren't playing brilliantly, they just took advantage of the mistakes. However I am never one to give up on my team and I will never walk out of a game early because anything can happen in hockey and I don't want to miss it! I just hoped that the players weren't too down and out and give us Phoenix fans something to cheer about in the third period. It is not over until the fat lady sings!
Goals - Slough 20:51 - Calder, Assists - Sheppard, J Greener, Slough 27:57 - J Greener (powerplay) Slough 29:51 - Sheppard, Assists - J Greener, Waller (shorthanded), Slough 35:21 - Davies, Assist - Pliskauskas
Third Period
After what I can only assume was a rollocking from Sir Tony in the break, Phoenix finally pulled their fingers out in the third period and got a grasp of the game. With the help of Wardell (good God, did I really say that!) Phoenix went on a 5 on 3 power play and at 44:37 Duggan found the back of the net and finally got Phoenix off the mark. At 45:54, after Calder was sent to the box for hooking, Spelda fired a rocket from the blue line which there was no stopping and gave us Phoenix fans some hope that a come back was on the cards. Phoenix continued to dominate the rest of the period and at bang on 49 minutes, Koulikov got his name on the score card following some help from Faith and Spelda. Unfortunately Phoenix were running out of time and the buzzer sounded to signal the end of the game.
At the end of the game Phoenix lost 5-3 after a game that Slough dominated. Phoenix only really seemed to get going in the third period but I have a feeling that if they managed to play like that for the whole of the game (especially during the second period) it would have been a lot closer. Slough did what they needed to do and took advantage of the mistakes made by Phoenix which was enough for them to win the game. One of my friends had brought his uncle and cousin to their first hockey game and I'm hoping that they remember the third period rather than the shambles that was the second period. We can't expect to draw the public in if we can't put on a performance to bring them back to watch again. I'm not expecting us to win every game and Slough are a tough team to beat, with the Greener sisters and Watt getting under everyone's skin (including mine) but I would like to see us put up a fight!
Goals - Phoenix 44:37 - Duggan, Assist - Harabin (powerplay), Phoenix 45:54 - Spelda, Assists - Harabin, Duggan (powerplay), Phoenix 49:00 - Koulikov, Assists - Faith, Spelda
Final Score - Phoenix 3 - Jets 5
MOM - Phoenix - Duggan, Slough - Rockman
Phoenix v Tigers - Saturday 12th November 2011
So after an unexpected loss against the Steeldogs on Thursday it was time for the Tigers to make their first appearance at the Ice Dome this season. Telford are definitely an improved team from last season and have put most teams under pressure already this season and proved that players cannot slack off whilst playing against them. However, I think that Phoenix are the better side and should manage to gain two points from this game. Unfortunately Spelda is still out with his ankle injury and Wallace could be out for up to 6 weeks with a fractured wrist which he picked up in the Steeldogs game on Thursday. In my experience, Phoenix and Tigers games are normally high scoring games so I may have my work cut out for me with this review!
First Period
The first period started well for Phoenix and they created plenty of chances, Faith with two which should haven been in the back of the net. The Phoenix fans didn't have to wait long though and at 4:49 following a great pass from Duggan, Cingel slotted one home for Phoenix to take the lead. Two minutes later Harabin fired a rocket past Blais and Phoenix extended their lead. Immediately after the goal Telford called a time out to try and compose themselves but unfortunately for them the goals kept on coming for Phoenix and at 9:08 Archer extended the lead with some great work from Faith and Koulikov. After a great start from Phoenix, Telford managed to find some momentum and caught Phoenix's defence napping, Bruce slotting one home to get Telford off the mark. At 17:08, Telford managed another goal following a face off in the Phoenix zone, this time Soar fired the puck past Fone from the left side. Phoenix didn't let these two goals get to them and at 19:02, Wood scored with the help of Sir Tony. Just before the end of the period, Blais grabbed the back of Ward as he was chasing a puck into the Telford zone and the first penalty of the game was called for interference.
So at the end of the period, Phoenix were leading 4 -2. It was a good start for Phoenix and had given the Phoenix faithful something to cheer about following the loss to the Steeldogs. We still seemed to be missing Spelda in defence and were caught napping a few times but the attack seemed to be working and we didn't seem to be missing Wallace as much as I had expected. Telford had some glimmers and when they managed to break the already fragile Phoenix defence they finished well. Hopefully there will be more goals in the next period.
So at the end of the period, Phoenix were leading 4 -2. It was a good start for Phoenix and had given the Phoenix faithful something to cheer about following the loss to the Steeldogs. We still seemed to be missing Spelda in defence and were caught napping a few times but the attack seemed to be working and we didn't seem to be missing Wallace as much as I had expected. Telford had some glimmers and when they managed to break the already fragile Phoenix defence they finished well. Hopefully there will be more goals in the next period.
Goals - Phoenix 4:49 - Cingel, Assists - Duggan, Harabin, Phoenix 6:06 - Harabin, Assists - Koulikov, Archer, Phoenix 9:08 - Archer, Assists - Faith, Koulikov, Telford 13:35 - Bruce, Assists - Brittle, Heaton, Telford 17:08 - Soar, Assist - Bowley, Phoenix 19:02 - Wood, Assist - Hand
Second Period
Phoenix dominated the second period and the goals just kept on coming. At 23:33, Long fired the puck from the left circle and found the back of the net for Phoenix to extend their lead. Three minutes later, Cingel got his second of the night following a great pass from Koulikov. At 32:25, Phoenix had a chance to go on the power play (not that they needed it!) when Watkins was given two minutes for holding. Shortly afterwards Long was given two minutes for cross-checking but even that didn't help Telford out and at 33:55 Duggan scored Phoenix's seventh goal of the evening. At 35:48, Cingel completed his hat-trick and what looked like the deal breaker.
At the end of the second it was 8-2 to Phoenix and the game was all but over for Telford. It seemed to be on a plate for Phoenix and now that they had such a big lead Phoenix were likely to ease off in the third period so as not to embarrass the Tigers, hopefully not too much though as that could lead to Telford taking advantage and making things a little too close for comfort. If Telford manage to find a few goals it could lead to an interesting third period but it seemed a little too late now.
Goals - Phoenix 23:22 - Long (unassisted), Phoenix 26:34 - Cingel, Assist - Koulikov, Phoenix 33:55 - Duggan, Assists - Cingel, Boothroyd, Phoenix
Third Period
At the beginning of the third period, Telford changed netminders and brought Ryan in. Telford seemed to find some comfort in this change and looked like they weren't going to go down without a fight. Unfortunately for us Phoenix fans, Sir Tony took a puck to the ankle after just two minutes of the period and went down. He managed to get himself up but it didn't look good and he wasn't to return for the rest of the game. At 43:16 Phoenix scored their ninth goal of the game courtesy of Harabin and it all seemed too easy for him! After this Phoenix took a back seat and Telford took the reins at 46:23 Ryan broke away and after Phoenix had called a time out they scored again this time courtesy of Bruce. It seemed that Telford had finally got their game on and at 54:55 Janak scored to bring the game closer, however it was the final play of the game and was a little to late.
At the end of the game Phoenix win 9-5 and pull off a decent win at home. We seemed to play better tonight, I'm not sure whether this is because Telford didn't appear to be on form or not or whether the team had something to prove since losing to the Steeldogs. This was far from a perfect performance from Phoenix and the defence at times wasn't great, but we managed to score the goals and gain the well needed two points. I would have preferred for the last two goals for Telford not to have happened but at least we had done enough for them to not effect the overall score too much.
Goals - Phoenix 43:16 - Harabin, Assist - Johnson, Telford 46:23 - Henry (unassisted), Telford 52:46 - Bruce, Assists - Johnson, Heaton, Telford 54:55 - Janak, Assists - McKenzie, Hornak
Final Score - Phoenix 9 - Telford - 5
MOM - Phoenix - Cingel, Telford - Bruce
Second Period
Phoenix dominated the second period and the goals just kept on coming. At 23:33, Long fired the puck from the left circle and found the back of the net for Phoenix to extend their lead. Three minutes later, Cingel got his second of the night following a great pass from Koulikov. At 32:25, Phoenix had a chance to go on the power play (not that they needed it!) when Watkins was given two minutes for holding. Shortly afterwards Long was given two minutes for cross-checking but even that didn't help Telford out and at 33:55 Duggan scored Phoenix's seventh goal of the evening. At 35:48, Cingel completed his hat-trick and what looked like the deal breaker.
At the end of the second it was 8-2 to Phoenix and the game was all but over for Telford. It seemed to be on a plate for Phoenix and now that they had such a big lead Phoenix were likely to ease off in the third period so as not to embarrass the Tigers, hopefully not too much though as that could lead to Telford taking advantage and making things a little too close for comfort. If Telford manage to find a few goals it could lead to an interesting third period but it seemed a little too late now.
Goals - Phoenix 23:22 - Long (unassisted), Phoenix 26:34 - Cingel, Assist - Koulikov, Phoenix 33:55 - Duggan, Assists - Cingel, Boothroyd, Phoenix
Third Period
At the beginning of the third period, Telford changed netminders and brought Ryan in. Telford seemed to find some comfort in this change and looked like they weren't going to go down without a fight. Unfortunately for us Phoenix fans, Sir Tony took a puck to the ankle after just two minutes of the period and went down. He managed to get himself up but it didn't look good and he wasn't to return for the rest of the game. At 43:16 Phoenix scored their ninth goal of the game courtesy of Harabin and it all seemed too easy for him! After this Phoenix took a back seat and Telford took the reins at 46:23 Ryan broke away and after Phoenix had called a time out they scored again this time courtesy of Bruce. It seemed that Telford had finally got their game on and at 54:55 Janak scored to bring the game closer, however it was the final play of the game and was a little to late.
At the end of the game Phoenix win 9-5 and pull off a decent win at home. We seemed to play better tonight, I'm not sure whether this is because Telford didn't appear to be on form or not or whether the team had something to prove since losing to the Steeldogs. This was far from a perfect performance from Phoenix and the defence at times wasn't great, but we managed to score the goals and gain the well needed two points. I would have preferred for the last two goals for Telford not to have happened but at least we had done enough for them to not effect the overall score too much.
Goals - Phoenix 43:16 - Harabin, Assist - Johnson, Telford 46:23 - Henry (unassisted), Telford 52:46 - Bruce, Assists - Johnson, Heaton, Telford 54:55 - Janak, Assists - McKenzie, Hornak
Final Score - Phoenix 9 - Telford - 5
MOM - Phoenix - Cingel, Telford - Bruce
Flames v Phoenix - Sunday 13th November 2011
It was the boy's birthday last month and as a belated surprise, I had organised a trip down to Cadbury's World because we're both big kids at heart and he's a massive chocolate fiend! As we were half way down the country anyway and hadn't caught an away game this season, we decided to carry on south after the tour to see Phoenix take on Guildford. A small band of Phoenix fans also made the trip down and after the performance against Tigers the night before, we were quietly confident of a positive result. However, Sir Tony was out having taken a puck to the ankle the night before and didn't even make the trip down. With Wallace and Spelda out too, John Connolly got a call early morning to play and a makeshift Phoenix team hit the ice.
First Period
The last time Phoenix played Guildford, the Flames scored with less than a minute gone. This time Phoenix held out until 1:28 when Longstaff squeezed the puck past Fone. However, Phoenix kept their heads up and at 2:02 Ward found Faith who beat Lee to equalise. Just over a minute later, Harabin passed to Cingel who drove the net and shot past Lee to give Phoenix the lead! (much to my surprise!) Halfway through the period Archer blatantly had his stick held by a Guildford player with referee Cloutman a few feet away staring right at it. Instead of making the call, he let play go on (something he'd do for the whole game) and less than ten seconds later the puck was at the other end of the ice and Chambers scored the equaliser for Guildford. At 11:15 Cloutman finally called a penalty and Campbell got 2 minutes for cross checking. Unfortunately for Phoenix, things didn't go to plan on the powerplay. The puck couldn't be kept in the Guildford zone and bounced past the defence man, much to Hemmings delight who rushed up with the puck and scored past Fone to take the lead.
The period ended 3-2 to the Flames but the Phoenix fans were reasonably upbeat. Although Phoenix were playing mixed lines, they were working hard and Guildford did not look great defensively. But for the bounce of the puck Phoenix could have gone into the break in the lead, despite Guildford out shooting us.
Goals - Guildford 1:28 - Longstaff, Assists - Potts, Dixon, Phoenix 2:02 - Faith, Assist - Ward, Phoenix 3:16 - Cingel, Assist - Harabin, Guildford 12:24 - Hemmings (shorthanded)
Second Period
Phoenix started the second period a little slowly with some mis-placed passes and didn't seem to be able to control the puck. This unfortunately allowed Guildford to score their fourth goal after Wood had his stick lifted and the puck stolen off him. Unfortunately Phoenix couldn't fight back like they did in the first period and Guildford extended the lead through former Phoenix player Curtis Huppe slapping the puck into the unguarded net from around the left circle. Phoenix fans hearts were in their mouths when Harabin blocked a shot with his face just a few weeks after smashing his teeth doing the same thing. Thankfully he was still wearing a full face cage to protect his injury and the puck bounced away leaving Harabin unhurt. That man has no fear! Guildford continued to extend their lead and at 38:27 Longstaff poked home from close range for his second of the game. A bit of handbags between Archer and Kvetan seemed to put a bit of spark back into the Phoenix team and at 39:04 Koulikov slapped a shot past Lee from near the blue line on a delayed penalty call.
At the end of the second period Flames led 6-3 and it was all too comfortable for them. Phoenix were making too many mistakes and after Guildford scored their fourth goal the players' heads seemed to drop a bit. Archer's scrap seemed to fire the players up a bit and it was hoped that some of the energy could be carried into the final period and if we went down at least it wouldn't be without a fight.
Goals - Guildford 22:49 - Campbell, Assists - Kvetan, Hemmings, Guildford 27:42 - Huppe, Assists - Melicherik, Dixon, Guildford - Longstaff, Assists - Campbell, Dixon, Phoenix 39:04 - Koulikov, Assist - Boothroyd
Third Period
Unfortunately for Phoenix the third period went from bad to worse. Huppe scored twice at 42:29 and 45:44 to complete his hat-trick against his former club. At 8-3 and with less than 15 minutes to go, Phoenix called a time out to try and collect themselves and Guildford took the opportunity to replace netminders to give Hadfield more experience. The time out did not stem the tide and Longstaff completed his own hat-trick at 53:41. Johnson then vented his frustration and picked up a 2 minute slashing penalty at 54:05. Phoenix did have glimmers when they ventured forward and whilst killing the powerplay Archer broke free and almost scored but his shot rang off the crossbar and away. Phoenix were able to get another goal at 59:17 when Koulikov broke free and scored his second of the game to give the travelling fans something the cheer about and saw the game out to keep Guildford at single figures.
At the end of the game Phoenix were on the wrong end of a heavy defeat. This was far from a great defensive performance and showed how important having both Spelda and Harabin are to our team. Without one (or both of them) a lot is expected of Neil, Johnson and Wood and it perhaps seems too much as times. Neil is still learning his role and Wood is having to switch between forward and defence too much for him to convince as either. Not having Hand playing also showed how much we miss his control of the puck and his set up of the power plays. Although he perhaps hasn't had the greatest of starts, he does control the tempo of the game for Phoenix and we seemed rudderless without him. There were positives though. Duggan, Long and Ward all worked hard throughout the game. Unfortunately for Phoenix, there just seems to be too many injuries to cope with at the moment and it's worrying that a lot of them may be long term. As well as Spelda, Wallace and Hand, Archer and Harabin don't seem their usual selves and may be playing simply because they have to. Plus Ward has been called up by the GB Under 20 team and will miss important games in December against Guildford, Peterborough, Slough and Milton Keynes. I've never known a season like this for injuries in all my years of watching hockey and I just hope that the players that are fit can keep digging hard.
Goals - Guildford 42:49 - Huppe, Assist - Melicherik, Guildford 45:44 - Huppe, Assists - Plant, Melicherik, Guildford 53:41 - Longstaff, Assist - Savage, Phoenix 59:17 - Koulikov, Assist - Johnson
Final Score - Flames 9 - Phoenix 4
MOM - Flames - Longstaff - Phoenix - Cingel
First Period
The last time Phoenix played Guildford, the Flames scored with less than a minute gone. This time Phoenix held out until 1:28 when Longstaff squeezed the puck past Fone. However, Phoenix kept their heads up and at 2:02 Ward found Faith who beat Lee to equalise. Just over a minute later, Harabin passed to Cingel who drove the net and shot past Lee to give Phoenix the lead! (much to my surprise!) Halfway through the period Archer blatantly had his stick held by a Guildford player with referee Cloutman a few feet away staring right at it. Instead of making the call, he let play go on (something he'd do for the whole game) and less than ten seconds later the puck was at the other end of the ice and Chambers scored the equaliser for Guildford. At 11:15 Cloutman finally called a penalty and Campbell got 2 minutes for cross checking. Unfortunately for Phoenix, things didn't go to plan on the powerplay. The puck couldn't be kept in the Guildford zone and bounced past the defence man, much to Hemmings delight who rushed up with the puck and scored past Fone to take the lead.
The period ended 3-2 to the Flames but the Phoenix fans were reasonably upbeat. Although Phoenix were playing mixed lines, they were working hard and Guildford did not look great defensively. But for the bounce of the puck Phoenix could have gone into the break in the lead, despite Guildford out shooting us.
Goals - Guildford 1:28 - Longstaff, Assists - Potts, Dixon, Phoenix 2:02 - Faith, Assist - Ward, Phoenix 3:16 - Cingel, Assist - Harabin, Guildford 12:24 - Hemmings (shorthanded)
Second Period
Phoenix started the second period a little slowly with some mis-placed passes and didn't seem to be able to control the puck. This unfortunately allowed Guildford to score their fourth goal after Wood had his stick lifted and the puck stolen off him. Unfortunately Phoenix couldn't fight back like they did in the first period and Guildford extended the lead through former Phoenix player Curtis Huppe slapping the puck into the unguarded net from around the left circle. Phoenix fans hearts were in their mouths when Harabin blocked a shot with his face just a few weeks after smashing his teeth doing the same thing. Thankfully he was still wearing a full face cage to protect his injury and the puck bounced away leaving Harabin unhurt. That man has no fear! Guildford continued to extend their lead and at 38:27 Longstaff poked home from close range for his second of the game. A bit of handbags between Archer and Kvetan seemed to put a bit of spark back into the Phoenix team and at 39:04 Koulikov slapped a shot past Lee from near the blue line on a delayed penalty call.
At the end of the second period Flames led 6-3 and it was all too comfortable for them. Phoenix were making too many mistakes and after Guildford scored their fourth goal the players' heads seemed to drop a bit. Archer's scrap seemed to fire the players up a bit and it was hoped that some of the energy could be carried into the final period and if we went down at least it wouldn't be without a fight.
Goals - Guildford 22:49 - Campbell, Assists - Kvetan, Hemmings, Guildford 27:42 - Huppe, Assists - Melicherik, Dixon, Guildford - Longstaff, Assists - Campbell, Dixon, Phoenix 39:04 - Koulikov, Assist - Boothroyd
Third Period
Unfortunately for Phoenix the third period went from bad to worse. Huppe scored twice at 42:29 and 45:44 to complete his hat-trick against his former club. At 8-3 and with less than 15 minutes to go, Phoenix called a time out to try and collect themselves and Guildford took the opportunity to replace netminders to give Hadfield more experience. The time out did not stem the tide and Longstaff completed his own hat-trick at 53:41. Johnson then vented his frustration and picked up a 2 minute slashing penalty at 54:05. Phoenix did have glimmers when they ventured forward and whilst killing the powerplay Archer broke free and almost scored but his shot rang off the crossbar and away. Phoenix were able to get another goal at 59:17 when Koulikov broke free and scored his second of the game to give the travelling fans something the cheer about and saw the game out to keep Guildford at single figures.
At the end of the game Phoenix were on the wrong end of a heavy defeat. This was far from a great defensive performance and showed how important having both Spelda and Harabin are to our team. Without one (or both of them) a lot is expected of Neil, Johnson and Wood and it perhaps seems too much as times. Neil is still learning his role and Wood is having to switch between forward and defence too much for him to convince as either. Not having Hand playing also showed how much we miss his control of the puck and his set up of the power plays. Although he perhaps hasn't had the greatest of starts, he does control the tempo of the game for Phoenix and we seemed rudderless without him. There were positives though. Duggan, Long and Ward all worked hard throughout the game. Unfortunately for Phoenix, there just seems to be too many injuries to cope with at the moment and it's worrying that a lot of them may be long term. As well as Spelda, Wallace and Hand, Archer and Harabin don't seem their usual selves and may be playing simply because they have to. Plus Ward has been called up by the GB Under 20 team and will miss important games in December against Guildford, Peterborough, Slough and Milton Keynes. I've never known a season like this for injuries in all my years of watching hockey and I just hope that the players that are fit can keep digging hard.
Goals - Guildford 42:49 - Huppe, Assist - Melicherik, Guildford 45:44 - Huppe, Assists - Plant, Melicherik, Guildford 53:41 - Longstaff, Assist - Savage, Phoenix 59:17 - Koulikov, Assist - Johnson
Final Score - Flames 9 - Phoenix 4
MOM - Flames - Longstaff - Phoenix - Cingel
6 Dec 2011
Phoenix v Steeldogs - Sunday 10th November 2011
This was the first game of another three game week for Phoenix and the first time the Steeldogs had visited the Ice Dome since Phoenix retained the War of the Roses Cup just before the start of the regular season. I had no doubt that the Steeldogs would be their usual selves on the ice and hoped this would cause no more injuries to any of our players. Steeldogs have started their season well and with their physicality (which isn't always within the rules) I thought that this will be a tough game for Phoenix, especially with Payette doing everything in his power to stop anyone touching Ozolins, who is, in my opinion their best player and is good enough to play in the Elite League. Phoenix needed to be on their guard tonight and be as physical as possible if they were going to win this game. Anyway enough talk...on with the game!
First Period
Phoenix started the period well and with just over two minutes gone, Cingel had a chance to give Phoenix the early lead following a great pass from Hand, but the puck was clipped just over the top of the net and out of play. A minute later, Duggan and Long paired up and went on the breakaway but their hard work didn't pay off and the game remained goalless. It didn't take long for the Steeldogs to find their "usual" form and at 3:24 Harabin and Elliot found themselves sitting out for 2 minutes in the penalty box following a few handbags. The 4 on 4 play didn't help Phoenix and after 3 seconds, Steeldogs took the lead courtesy of ex-Phoenix player, Greg Wood. Things started to go from bad to worse for Phoenix and at 4:15, following an error in the defence, Steeldogs extended the lead following a shot from Ozolins which went straight through Fone legs and into the back of the net. At 5:12, much to the Phoenix fans delight, Payette got a 10 minute penalty for misconduct, which I can only assume was for mouthing off at the referee. Whilst Payette was out of the game, Phoenix decided to take advantage of the situation and stormed the Steeldogs net. Unfortunately Bowns was playing to his usual high standard and stopped pretty much anything that came at him. Faith had a great chance to score Phoenix's first goal of the night, but he couldn't get his stick to it fast enough and yet again Bowns covered the puck up to get the whistle. At 15:34, Long landed a sneaky slash to Gomeniuk and as there was a small matter of that kneeing incident at the beginning of the season, both players dropped the gloves. Following a couple of punches, both coming from Long, Gomeniuk hung on to him and they both ended up on the ice. Not really a "hulk smash" but good enough for me!
Not a great start for Phoenix, we started well but as soon as there was an incident it seemed to knock the momentum out of the players. It was obvious that the Phoenix defence was still struggling without Spelda and a couple of errors had resulted in the Steeldogs goals. Bowns, as always. was looking very good in net and no matter what the Phoenix forwards did there didn't seem to be anyway past him. Payette was his usual self and getting under the skin of the Phoenix players causing tempers to flare, which is exactly what he wants and gets me very frustrated! I have seen Phoenix comes back from more than 2 goals down before and I was hopeful that the second period would see at least two Phoenix goals to tie the game.
Goals - Steeldogs 3:27 - Wood - Assists - Payette, Gomeniuk, Steeldogs 4:15 - Ozolins - Assists - Bebris, Gomeniuk
Second Period
The second period started pretty much where the first left off with Steeldogs still frustrating Phoenix and getting under their skin. Unfortunately the hockey took a back seat in this period as the dirty play started to appear from the Steeldogs (mainly Payette) and some controversial decisions by the referee resulting in a lot of angry Phoenix fans (including myself!) The first came after Johnson was brought down on a breakaway after he had become one on one with Bowns. The referee didn't call anything! I wasn't expecting a penalty shot but the Steeldogs' player definitely deserved to take a seat for it. The next came from what I can only describe as the most disgusting and dangerous play I have ever seen in my time watching hockey. Payette's "hit" to Boothroyd was more like a wrestling move and Boothroyd was clothes-lined to the ice! To be honest it knocked me sick. I thought that Boothroyd would be taken off on a stretcher with a broken neck. What made it worse is that he got away with it! It just shows that he has absolutely no respect for anyone apart from himself. Payette used to play with Boothroyd and he still thinks that this is an "acceptable" move to pull on anyone, never mind an ex-team mate. Despite all this there was a Phoenix goal in this period (a power play one at that!) and after a lot of complaining from Bowns and the rest of the Steeldogs (no surprise there!) the goal was finally awarded to Harabin. Unfortunately not long after this the Steeldogs extended their lead and Greg Wood scored his second of the night.
End of the second and the Steeldogs were still leading 3-1. Phoenix were looking tired and as much as I hate to say it the Steeldogs defence was making it very difficult for Phoenix to string any passes together in their zone. Steeldogs looked hungry for the win but they will get no respect or praise for the way they were going about it. I personally think that Payette should have been suspended/banned for the clothes-line to Boothroyd. If Boothroyd had been seriously injured I have no doubt that Payette would have been marched off the ice but just because he wasn't hurt doesn't mean that he shouldn't be penalised for it. If he keeps getting away with it, he'll keep doing it until someone has the balls to do something about it. Ok...rant over!
Goals - Phoenix 34:27 - Harabin, Assist - Hand (powerplay), Steeldogs 35:38 - Wood, Assists - Ozolins, Payette
Third Period
Phoenix appeared to come out fighting for this period and created some good chances which, yet again, we were unable to finish. The best chance came from Cingel but the puck couldn't find it's way past Bowns toe and Faith couldn't get his stick on the rebound. A breakaway from Hand gave Phoenix their next chance. This time Hand was tripped by Gomuniuk and a penalty shot was awarded. Unfortunately he just missed and Steeldogs still had the lead. At 54:33, Steeldogs again extended their lead when Ozolins managed to slide the puck into the back of the net for his second of the night. With 20 seconds left of the game the phrase "if you can't win the game, have a fight" sprang to mind and Hand and Elliot dropped the gloves. If there is one thing I have learnt since watching Phoenix is that you do not mess with Tony when he's angry and this was no different as he was the clear winner! Once Tony had put Elliot on his arse, Elliot resisted the linesmen when they were trying to break them up and so got himself a nice match penalty! Oh dear!
So at the end of the game, the Steeldogs get their first ever win against Phoenix. Phoenix looked tired and were completely off the pace tonight. Phoenix know that the Steeldogs play a physical game and we just weren't up for the fight. To be honest the Steeldogs team has been getting better so it is no surprise that they finally managed a win against us. The Steeldogs deserved the win. However there was absolutely no need for the disgraceful way they went about their game. If they concentrated more on the hockey than "attacking" their opponent they have a decent team. They have some great players, Ozolins is their stand out player for me, but he doesn't need his Payette bodyguard for people to recognise him for his hockey. However with Payette in charge I cannot see their "style" of play changing anytime soon. Greg Wood has become a mini Payette which is such a waste of talent. To be honest I feel sorry for the decent players that actually try and play hockey that have been dragged down with the Payette mentality.
Goals - Steeldogs 54:55 - Ozolins, Assists - Payette, Wood
Final Score - Phoenix 1 - Steeldogs 4
MOM - Phoenix - Harabin, Steeldogs - Wood
Second Period
The second period started pretty much where the first left off with Steeldogs still frustrating Phoenix and getting under their skin. Unfortunately the hockey took a back seat in this period as the dirty play started to appear from the Steeldogs (mainly Payette) and some controversial decisions by the referee resulting in a lot of angry Phoenix fans (including myself!) The first came after Johnson was brought down on a breakaway after he had become one on one with Bowns. The referee didn't call anything! I wasn't expecting a penalty shot but the Steeldogs' player definitely deserved to take a seat for it. The next came from what I can only describe as the most disgusting and dangerous play I have ever seen in my time watching hockey. Payette's "hit" to Boothroyd was more like a wrestling move and Boothroyd was clothes-lined to the ice! To be honest it knocked me sick. I thought that Boothroyd would be taken off on a stretcher with a broken neck. What made it worse is that he got away with it! It just shows that he has absolutely no respect for anyone apart from himself. Payette used to play with Boothroyd and he still thinks that this is an "acceptable" move to pull on anyone, never mind an ex-team mate. Despite all this there was a Phoenix goal in this period (a power play one at that!) and after a lot of complaining from Bowns and the rest of the Steeldogs (no surprise there!) the goal was finally awarded to Harabin. Unfortunately not long after this the Steeldogs extended their lead and Greg Wood scored his second of the night.
End of the second and the Steeldogs were still leading 3-1. Phoenix were looking tired and as much as I hate to say it the Steeldogs defence was making it very difficult for Phoenix to string any passes together in their zone. Steeldogs looked hungry for the win but they will get no respect or praise for the way they were going about it. I personally think that Payette should have been suspended/banned for the clothes-line to Boothroyd. If Boothroyd had been seriously injured I have no doubt that Payette would have been marched off the ice but just because he wasn't hurt doesn't mean that he shouldn't be penalised for it. If he keeps getting away with it, he'll keep doing it until someone has the balls to do something about it. Ok...rant over!
Goals - Phoenix 34:27 - Harabin, Assist - Hand (powerplay), Steeldogs 35:38 - Wood, Assists - Ozolins, Payette
Third Period
Phoenix appeared to come out fighting for this period and created some good chances which, yet again, we were unable to finish. The best chance came from Cingel but the puck couldn't find it's way past Bowns toe and Faith couldn't get his stick on the rebound. A breakaway from Hand gave Phoenix their next chance. This time Hand was tripped by Gomuniuk and a penalty shot was awarded. Unfortunately he just missed and Steeldogs still had the lead. At 54:33, Steeldogs again extended their lead when Ozolins managed to slide the puck into the back of the net for his second of the night. With 20 seconds left of the game the phrase "if you can't win the game, have a fight" sprang to mind and Hand and Elliot dropped the gloves. If there is one thing I have learnt since watching Phoenix is that you do not mess with Tony when he's angry and this was no different as he was the clear winner! Once Tony had put Elliot on his arse, Elliot resisted the linesmen when they were trying to break them up and so got himself a nice match penalty! Oh dear!
So at the end of the game, the Steeldogs get their first ever win against Phoenix. Phoenix looked tired and were completely off the pace tonight. Phoenix know that the Steeldogs play a physical game and we just weren't up for the fight. To be honest the Steeldogs team has been getting better so it is no surprise that they finally managed a win against us. The Steeldogs deserved the win. However there was absolutely no need for the disgraceful way they went about their game. If they concentrated more on the hockey than "attacking" their opponent they have a decent team. They have some great players, Ozolins is their stand out player for me, but he doesn't need his Payette bodyguard for people to recognise him for his hockey. However with Payette in charge I cannot see their "style" of play changing anytime soon. Greg Wood has become a mini Payette which is such a waste of talent. To be honest I feel sorry for the decent players that actually try and play hockey that have been dragged down with the Payette mentality.
Goals - Steeldogs 54:55 - Ozolins, Assists - Payette, Wood
Final Score - Phoenix 1 - Steeldogs 4
MOM - Phoenix - Harabin, Steeldogs - Wood
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