Phoenix v Wildcats - Sunday 5th February 2012

After a 3-1 win over MK on Saturday night, Phoenix were looking for a 4 point weekend to try and make a dent in Guildford's lead at the top of the table. Swindon made their way up the M6 for hockey night at the Ice Dome. Swindon haven't had the greatest start to the season but have managed a few surprise wins including one against Guildford where they managed a 6-4 win! They have been struggling in the past few weeks though and have lost their last 5 games which probably stands Phoenix in good stead for a win tonight. Hopefully Phoenix can continue their good form and grab a win from tonight's game.

First Period 

Phoenix started the period well and created some good opportunites, however the first clear chance came from Swindon, Fone made a good pad save and off Phoenix went into the Swindon zone. Phoenix took a shot which bounced up high from Skinns' save who managed to catch the puck mid air. Just over two minutes later Phoenix got another chance to take the lead, Wallace made a great turn and pass to Duggan who managed to get the puck to Archer whose shot was right at Skinns who held on for the whistle. The chances just kept coming for Phoenix including a shot from Koulikov which was just wide of the net. Swindon also managed a few attempts on goal including one which hit the back of the net, unfortunately for them they were offside and the goal was washed out. To be honest it would have been a cracking goal if it had of counted but luckily for Phoenix it didn't which left them free to storm the crease again, this time Spelda and Duggan had at least three attempts on goal but were still unable to hit the back of the net (not this again!) At 16:51, Swindon took the lead following a lack of Phoenix defence which left Richardson one on one with Fone who tried his best to stop the puck from hitting the back of the net but it wasn't to be. With just over one minute left in the period, Archer had a shot on goal and the puck hit Skinns straight in the face. Skinns went down hard and the play was stopped. Luckily he managed to get up and back in the game and the play resumed. At 19:01 the first penalty of the game was called and Hoog was called for slashing. Shortly thereafter another penalty was called, this time Swindlehurst took a seat for tripping and Phoenix would start the second period on a 5 on 3 powerplay. 

After the first period Swindon were leading 1-0 but this didn't really reflect the hockey played that period. Phoenix definitely created more chances and the puck spent most of the period in the Swindon zone but nothing seemed to be going in the back of the net. At the other end however Phoenix were giving away too many one on one and easy chances which Swindon were taking advantage of. Phoenix were lucky not to be another goal down, it seems like we are trying too hard and hence why things don't seem to be be working as well as in previous games. Hopefully Phoenix can take advantage of the 5 on 3 powerplay and level the game with a quick goal at the beginning of the second period. Here's hoping! 

Goals - Swindon 16:51 - Richardson, Assists - Baird, Pinc

Second Period

Phoenix definitely came out fighting in the second and with just 32 seconds gone, Harabin fired a rocket from the blue line which slammed into the back of the net for Phoenix to finally get off the mark. Phoenix kept on digging whilst on the powerplay and as it finished, Phoenix managed to keep the puck in the Swindon zone. Wallace held the puck behind the Swindon goal and made a great pass to Archer who was stood at the post and tapped the puck home for Phoenix to take the lead. At 28:44, Duggan broke away on his own and managed to get a shot off, which Skinns saved, the rebound fell to the skates of Wallace who unfortunately fanned his shot and missed the chance to extend the lead. At 29:32 Swindon started to get frustrated and a few handbags broke out between Spelda and Morgan after the puck had found it's way on to the netting at the back of the net. Nothing came of it and the game continued much to Swindon's disappointment because just under a minute later, Archer launched a shot from the hash marks and right into the back of the net to take the Phoenix lead to 3-1. At 31:27, Archer completed his natural hat trick with the help of Duggan and Wallace much to the Phoenix fans delight. With just over 8 minutes left Swindon called a time out to try and collect themselves which seemed to work and at 32:22 Swindon managed a goal, Fone saved the initial shot but the rebound fell to the stick of Nell who knocked the puck in. Shortly after this, Harabin was called for interference and Swindon got the chance on the powerplay, unfortunately for the Cats it was to no avail and the powerplay slipped away. Phoenix continued to create plenty of chances and with just over 3 minutes remaining Koulikov managed a cracking shot but the puck ricocheted off the iron work. However the Phoenix fans didn't have long to wait for another goal and at 39:15, Archer broke away and made a great pass to Duggan, who did his work and set it up for Long to fire the puck into the back of the net to make it 5-2. 

After an eventful second period, Phoenix had finally managed to find the back of the net. We seemed to be a lot more relaxed this period and things seemed to be flowing. Not as well as against Guildford the other week but at least we are hitting the back of the net. Obviously Archer had helped tremendously with the scoring card and after a couple of games where I was thinking the poor lad is never going to score a goal he has definitely made up for it tonight which his natural hat trick. He has been in the right place at the right time and managed to finish every time he has been close to the goal. Duggan and Koulikov have been creating the play and have been working hard to get the puck in front of the net, as you can tell from the amount of points they have racked up tonight. Fingers crossed we don't slack off too much in the last period.  

Goals - Phoenix 20:32 - Harabin, Assists - Koulikov (powerplay), Phoenix 21:44 - Archer, Assists - Wallace, Duggan, Phoenix 30:24 - Archer, Assists - Koulikov, Phoenix 31:27 - Archer, Assists - Duggan, Wallace, Swindon 32:22 - Nell, Assists - Bullas, Whitfield, Phoenix 39:15 - Long, Assists - Koulikov, Duggan

Third Period

Phoenix took it easy at the beginning of the third period. With just under two minutes gone, Cingel and Baird had a tangle in the Swindon zone and Baird ended up sliding heavily into the boards, the play was stopped and he was helped off the ice. Luckily he was ok and returned to the game after some treatment at the bench. At 42:49, Swindlehurst fired a slap shot from the blue line which Fone had no chance of stopping and reduced the Phoenix lead to two goals. Following the Swindon goal, Phoenix stepped up the offence again and created yet more chances, including a shot from Archer which found the metal work. At 45:30 a bench minor penalty was called against Swindon for an icing infringement and Phoenix got a chance on the powerplay. Shortly thereafter, Harabin was pulled down by Baird behind the Swindon net but nothing was called. To be honest the referee had missed quite a few calls this period for both teams. At 55:56, Pinc was called for holding and Phoenix made the most of the powerplay, Wallace managed to pick up the puck following a rebound, he spun and slotted the puck past Skinns legs into the back of the net. With just over two minutes left, Phoenix made a net minder change, Fone came out and El Hage came in to a standing ovation and a round of applause from the Phoenix fans. Luckily El Hage managed to keep Swindon at bay for the last two minutes and the buzzer sounded to end the game.

So after three periods of hockey, Phoenix got the two points from the game and rounded off a 4 point weekend. Phoenix definitely deserved the win and created a lot more chances than Swindon. Once we got going the goals kept on coming, our pace was quick and we seemed relaxed. We kept the puck in the Swindon zone for most of the game and the Swindon defence seemed to stand around waiting for us to shoot which we aren't normally very good at but managed it tonight. It was great to see Archer finally hitting the mark who seemed to be on fire throughout the game and definitely deserved man of the match. I was so pleased to see El Hage finally get some ice time, granted it was only for 2 minutes but hopefully he will gain some confidence and get a few more opportunities to show us what he can go in net. After all if Fone gets injured (hopefully he won't) El Hage will have to step up to the mark and take his place.

Goals - Swindon 42:49 - Swindlehurst, Assist - Bullas, Phoenix 56:23 - Wallace, Assists - Duggan, Archer (powerplay) 

Final Score - Phoenix 6 - Wildcats 3

MOM - Phoenix - Archer - Wildcats - Hoog 

Phoenix v Steeldogs - Thursday 27th January 2012

Unfortunately the Phoenix streak was broken on Sunday away at Guildford but it was now time to start a new one. Sheffield made the trip to the Ice Dome and given our recent performances I was feeling positive about the game. As long as the Steeldogs didn't manage to injury any of our players and actually played hockey (doubtful I know!) I can see the Phoenix train getting back on track. It is so important at the moment that we get as many points as possible from the games in hand to catch up Guildford at the top of the league. Hopefully this will be the start of yet another streak and it will keep on rolling.

First Period

The Steeldogs started the game pretty much as they always do (dirty) and at 6:20 Kurnigins was called for high sticks and Phoenix got the chance on the powerplay. Unfortunately nothing came of the powerplay and shortly after a face off in the Phoenix zone, Payette decided that it would be a good idea to punch Faith in the face, obviously nothing was called and Steeldogs got away with it as per usual. Phoenix started to get frustrated as there were no calls being made for blatant penalties and at 9:35 Johnson got called for holding but the Steeldogs were unable to make use of the powerplay. Things started to get physical when Ozolins shot after the whistle and a few handbags broke out in front of the Phoenix goal which didn't amount to much (probably because Payette wasn't on the ice) anyway Phoenix did many a few attempts at goal and with just under 8 minutes left in the period we had a few scrappy attempts in front of the Steeldogs net, unfortunately the referee blew the whistle because we were apparently in the blue semi circle (what a load of rubbish) and we were unable to get the puck over the line. At 18:14, Payette finally was called for something and took a seat for hooking but Phoenix still couldn't get the puck in the back of the net and the period ended without a goal for either team. 

After the first period both teams were without a goal but it wasn't for trying. Unfortunately this was one of the scrappiest periods of hockey I have ever watched, even for games against the Steeldogs, there was slashing, prodding and digging and Phoenix couldn't seem to get going. I hate to say this but this is what Steeldogs are good at, making the opposition look bad because they can't get going, they make the players frustrated, the opposition retaliate and then the fans have to watch scrappy hockey. However this is the only thing Steeldogs are good at and I'm hoping that the team that beat Guildford last weekend make an appearance on the ice for the second period. 

Second Period

The second period started where the last one left off, the play was still very scrappy and uneventful until 4 minutes in when Morgan blocked a shot with his back which resulted in him being down at the boards for a while. Luckily he was ok and play resumed. At 24:13, Phoenix got the chance on the powerplay when Steeldogs picked up a bench minor for too many men. Unfortunately Phoenix were still unable to create any chances and the powerplay slipped away. Following this the Steeldogs upped their game and Kurningens broke away which made him one on one with Fone. Luckily for Phoenix Fone saved the shot which was right at him and kept the Steeldogs from taking the lead. The rest of the period remained uneventful apart from a penalty on Greg Wood for high sticks at 35:14 and the clock ran out to signal the end of two goalless periods.

So after two periods, it was still tied 0-0. The play was still scrappy and sluggish and unfortunately this was benefitting the Steeldogs. They had suddenly found some momentum and were putting pressure on the Phoenix defence. Luckily Fone was standing strong in net and was keeping us in it but unfortunately Bowns was also doing his usual thing in the Sheffield goal and Phoenix were still unable to get the puck past him. It didn't help that every face off in the game resulting in the referee blowing his whistle for some reason or another which broke up the play and distracted the players. I have to mention this as it humoured me somewhat but after the whistle had gone and the players were making there way off the ice, Payette was screaming at Greg Wood about something or other, now I obviously don't know whether this was frustration about the face offs and he was just venting or that he is just a great big bully (I somehow think it was the latter) but it did amuse me to watch him get so angry that it looked like he was taking it all out on one of his own players! He then proceeded to have a go with Hand but I do actually think this was in relation to the face offs and not anything else. Anyway I hope that the third period will result in a goal and that Phoenix can manage to get two points from this game as it was becoming very frustrating that we weren't performing to the best of our ability.

Third Period
The third period didn't start brilliantly for Phoenix and due to a mistake in defence, Steeldogs managed to get through to the Phoenix net, luckily Fone made the save and managed to keep them at bay (again!) At 40:56 Gomeniuk was called for charging and Phoenix got yet another chance on the powerplay, yet again the penalty passed without a goal. At 41:48 Sheffield called a time out but this didn't amount to much and at 43:11 a goal was finally scored and Phoenix took the lead. Boothroyd took a shot from the blue line and Duggan found the rebound and kept digging to get the puck in the back of the net (thank God for that!) Following this Phoenix started to find some momentum and form, at 44:18 Cingel broke away and took a shot at goal, unfortunately he was offside and the shot caught Morgan on the knee (he keeps getting in the way of the puck) luckily he was ok and managed to carry on playing. At 49:55, Long broke away, deked all the d-men and came to the right hand side, managed to pull off a backhanded shot which Bowns didn't managed to catch and the puck was in the back of the net. (Get in!) At 51:01, the Phoenix fans had yet another goal to cheer about, this time Cingel made a great pass to Koulikov who fired a beauty straight past Bowns. With just over 8 minutes left of the game, Phoenix called a time out, probably to ensure that Fone got his shut out. At 51:59, Wallace was called for delay of game but Sheffield were unable to break the Phoenix defence. At 54:45 Bowns took a high stick from his own player which saw him fall to the ice, he seemed to be ok but a change of netminder was made and Day took his place in the Sheffield goal. The seconds ticked down on the clock to signal Fone's third shut out of the season and a 3-0 win for Phoenix.

After two goalless periods of hockey, Phoenix finally managed to get going in the third and found a way to get past Bowns. It was definitely not the greatest performance for Phoenix and part of me thought the game was going to end up finishing at 0-0 and we were going to have to go into overtime. To be honest I actually thought that the Steeldogs managed to actually play hockey tonight, granted their were a few incidents but it was nothing compared to previous games and Payette didn't seem to be that bothered about bullying and intimidating the opposition. The referee finally managed to stop blowing his whistle at every face off which helped Phoenix gain momentum. I am so glad that we have managed to get two points from the game and when we finally got going the goals and play were slick and to our normal standard. It may be that the game streak had taken it out of the guys but after what I can only assume was a good talking too from Sir Tony things started to flow again.

Goals - Phoenix 43:11 - Duggan, Assist - Boothroyd, Phoenix 49:55 - Long (unassisted), Phoenix 51:01 - Koulikov, Assist - Cingel 


Final Score - Phoenix 3 - Steeldogs - 0 


MOM - Phoenix - Fone, Steeldogs - Kurnigins

Phoenix v Flames - Saturday 21st January 2012

This was a massive weekend of hockey for Phoenix as we hosted Guildford at home on Saturday and make a trip to their barn on the Sunday. If Phoenix could manage 4 points from this weekend it definitely puts us back in contention for the championship. However I don't think we will beat Guildford in back to back games as they are a very good team, hence the reason why they are top of the league and I personally think the league title is theirs to lose at the moment. I would take 2 points from the weekend and I'm really hoping it's tonight at home in front of the fans. Guildford are missing Huppe from their line up which I think helps us a bit and we are still without Hand but the lads are confident and I know they can do this, granted my nerves are shot entering the rink nevermind watching the game!

First Period
Phoenix started the game well and their confidence was showing, the passing was slick and helped create plenty of chances including two near misses, one from Wallace and the other from Cingel, both of which were just wide of the net. Shortly after this, Duggan went on a mission, he took the puck from the Phoenix zone all the way down to the Guildford net, deked all the d-men and managed a back handed shot which Lee covered to stop play. The Phoenix fans didn't have to wait long for the nerves to be settled (well just a little bit!). At 9:59 the unlikely candidate of Ben Wood fired a shot at Lee which found the back of the net for Phoenix to take the lead. Guildford weren't without their chances though and at 11:00 minutes, Guildford had a shot on goal which Fone saved, but the rebound wasn't cleared and the Phoenix net was unguarded, the follow up shot was so off target it went straight out of play (probably a good candidate for miss of the season!) Phoenix were lucky for Guildford not to draw level. At 12:59 the first penalty of the game was called and Plant took a seat for hooking, unfortunately Guildford killed the powerplay and Phoenix were unable to extend their lead. At 16:19 a further penalty was called against Guildford, this time Towe went to the box for hooking, Phoenix didn't need asking twice and at 16:59, Harabin fired a rocket from the blue line which Lee didn't have a chance at stopping and Phoenix extended their lead, much to the Phoenix fans delight.

So at the end of the first, Phoenix were leading 2-0 and had made a great start. Fone was looking good in net and had managed to keep Guildford at bay (for the time being anyway). The defence was a little shaky but the offence was fabulous the passes were hitting the man every time right on the stick, which has quickened up our pace. We seem to know where every player is on the ice and everyone is where they are suppose to be. The skill and speed seems to be running rings around the Guildford defence. Guildford obviously weren't without their chances and were keeping the pressure on. Hopefully this won't phase Phoenix too much and we keep up the good work in the second

Goals - Phoenix 9:49 - Wood (unassisted), Phoenix 16:59 - Harabin, Assists - Spelda (powerplay) 


Second Period
The second period started pretty much where the last one left off, Phoenix were creating chances and Guildford had the odd breakaway. At 27:16, Archer was called for interference and Guildford tried to take advantage of the powerplay. Unfortunately for Guildford, Fone was on fire and saved everything that came his way, including a great diving save in order to block the puck with his chest and Phoenix killed the powerplay. At 29:25, Spelda was called for delay of game because apparently he covered the puck near the Phoenix net and Guildford got another chance on the powerplay but were still unable to break the Phoenix defence. Phoenix were given their chances on the powerplay when Kveten was called for interference at 30:17 but somehow I think that this period was more about defending the early lead rather than attacking the net and the powerplay slipped away. With just under 2 minutes left in the period, Dixon and Harabin received simultaneous penalties, Dixon for interference and Harabin for hooking resulting in the period ending 4 on 4.

So a goalless second period and Phoenix concentrated on defending rather than storming the crease. Granted Guildford weren't without their chances but the Phoenix defence was standing strong. Phoenix were brilliant on the powerplay kill and Fone made some spectacular saves which pretty much kept us in it. I always think that if the netminder is confident and having a good game, then it reflects on the rest of the team, it relaxes them and things just start to flow. This was happening with Phoenix tonight and I'm loving our performance! On to the third! YOU CAN DO IT!!

Third Period
Phoenix continued to dominate in the third and with just 25 seconds in, following some fabulous passing from Koulikov, the puck found Faith who tapped the puck home for Phoenix to take a 3-0 lead. Get in! At 48:51 Phoenix picked up a bench minor penalty for too many men and Guildford had yet another chance on the powerplay. Unfortunately for them, Fone continued to stand strong in net and they were still unable to get off the mark. At 50:43, Rempel was called for hooking and it was Phoenix's turn on the powerplay. At 51:03 Koulikov, with the help of Cingel fired one home to extend the lead to 4-0 and it looked like it was all over. Unfortunately, with just under 4 minutes to go, Savage fired a rocket from the blue line into the top left hand corner to deny Fone his shut out...Boooooooooooo!!!! It was a consolation prize for Guildford as the buzzer sounded to end the game and concluded Phoenix's 9th win in a row!

At the end of the game, Phoenix win 4-1 and pulled off their best performance of the season. Everything seemed to work and it was great to see. The confidence of the 9 back to back wins showed throughout the game and the guys were more relaxed, which meant the passing was slick, the shots were on target and the defence were ready and waiting for any break away attempts from the opposition. A special mention has to go to Fone who played a blinder in net. It's a shame he didn't get his shut out which was throughly deserved but only letting one past against Guildford is a great achievement in itself. Hopefully the lads can take a lot away from this game to have a decent away game tomorrow. However if our streak of game wins is broken by a loss to Guildford I wouldn't be too disappointed, I have a lot of respect for Guildford because they actually want to play hockey and there are no cheap digs. I would much prefer to lose to Guildford than to a team like the Steeldogs who don't play hockey and bully the opposition. Our streak can not go on forever and I would obviously love it if we would manage a 4 point weekend by beating Guildford tomorrow! Fingers crossed!


Goals - Phoenix 40:25 - Faith, Assist - Koulikov, Phoenix 51:03 - Koulikov, Assist - Cingel, Guildford 56:08 - Savage, Assist - Potts


Final Score - Phoenix 4 - Guildford 1


MOM - Phoenix - Fone, Guildford - Campbell 

Phoenix v Lightning - Sunday 15th January 2012

Going into this game Phoenix were on a massive winning streak which was really helping our chances (dare I say it) at retaining the title. If we beat MK tonight this would be the 8th win on the bounce and it was giving the team a real boost of confidence. Fone was looking great in net and the forwards were managing to find the back of the net. The defence was still a bit hit and miss but with Fone holding the fort I was very confident that this game was going to be another win for Phoenix. However, MK are never an easy side to beat, I imagine that they will be looking to break our winning streak and that there will be plenty of goals in this game. Phoenix were (for once) only without one player through injury, Hand was still doing his coaching from the bench due to his broken ankle.

First Period
Phoenix started the game well and were creating chances early on. With just under a minute gone Wallace found the metal work but the Phoenix fans didn't have to wait long for the first goal of the game. At 1:36 Duggan controlled the puck well, turned in front of Mettam and shot the puck into the bottom left hand corner for Phoenix to take the lead. Following this MK fought back and at 2:51, Carr scored unassisted due to the lack of a Phoenix defence to tie the game. Despite this Phoenix continued to create chances including a great pass from Harabin to Cingel who nearly managed to get the puck past Mettam. At 5:55, the first penalty of the game was called and Brittle went to the box for hooking but Phoenix were unable to take the lead and the powerplay ended. At 11:18, Phoenix got a second chance on the powerplay when Zatopek was called for roughing but yet again Phoenix were unable to take advantage. After two powerplay chances for Phoenix it took for a penalty to be called on Phoenix for us to take the lead (there's the easy way or the Phoenix way!) at 14:45 Ward took a seat for slashing and shorty after Cingel broke away who made a cracking pass to Duggan who slotted the puck home.

Going into the break Phoenix were 2-1 up and were dominating the game. Phoenix had created some great play, the passes were reaching the players they were meant to go to, we were shooting the puck and our play had quickened up. However we always start our games well but it normally all goes horribly wrong in the second. MK will want to level the game as there was only one goal in it and I can see it happening. Yes we were playing well but if there is a mistake in the defence, MK will take advantage and despite how well Fone is playing at the moment, he can't save everything all the time! Fingers crossed for a good second period.

Goals - Phoenix 1:36 - Duggan, Assists - Archer, Wallace, MK 2:51 - Carr (unassisted), Phoenix 16:43 - Duggan, Assists - Cingel, Neil (shorthanded)


Second Period
MK came out fighting for the second (why do they always do that?) and Fone didn't have to wait long before a shot was made on goal. MK managed to break away but Fone made a great save to stop MK from tieing the game. At 24:14, Harabin was called for tripping and MK took advantage of the powerplay and at 25:04, Gracik fired a shot over Fone's head, Fone made a diving save to try and save it but was just a tad too late and the puck hit the back of the net. Shortly after this the referee started to have a bit of a mare and Zatopek (who has got away with quite a lot this game) cross checked Harabin in front of the MK net and nothing was called. Luckily this didn't phase Phoenix and at 29:25 they extended their lead following some great passing from Koulikov and Cingel, the puck found Faith who fed the puck into the back of the net. MK managed to score a very controversial goal (so controversial that I missed the time of the goal) there was a high stick from Wales in front of Fone's net which was obviously not called and McPherson was there to slot the puck into the back of the net. It should never have been a goal and Wales should have been called for high sticking. I think that the referee was watching a completely different play of game as it was so blatantly obvious even I called it from my seat! The referee then continued to put most of the Phoenix players in the box from this point onwards. At 33:55, Harabin was called for charging and at 36:17, Spelda was called for roughing. The next call was the most ridiculous call I have ever seen (maybe worse than some of Wardell's!) Harabin had been working for the puck behind the Phoenix net and somehow managed to end up on the ice with the puck underneath him (possibly a cross check) the MK player who he was fighting for the puck with decided to hold Harabin down on the puck so that the whistle was called. Apparently this was a delay of game call against Harabin!!! Yes, Mr Boardman because he was asking the MK player to hold him down on the ice, you numpty! Despite being down 5 on 3 for nearly two minutes without our two import defencemen, Phoenix held strong and killed the penalties. At 39:20, after possibly the longest delay in the world and a discussion with the Phoenix players, Boardman finally made a call against Farn for delay of game.

Well the second period was full of controversy rather than decent hockey play. MK had found their chippy little selves and managed to get away with a few calls, Phoenix seemed to do nothing and ended up in the box more often than Payette does on his own! Granted MK's second goal was a good goal, Fone was unlucky not to save it though but MK's third goal should not have happened and Wales should have been put in the box instead. Despite Boardman taking MK's side for the whole period, Phoenix were still looking strong and were storming the MK net, it was just unfortunate that every time they managed to get the puck in the MK zone, Boardman would call his whistle for just wearing red and white and were unable to take advantage of their hard work. I still think that we have this one in the bag though, couple of early goals in the third and it will be 8 wins in a row!

Goals - MK 25:04 - Gracik, Assists - Jamieson, Emersic (powerplay), Phoenix 29:25 - Faith, Assists - Koulikov, Cingel, MK (missed time) - McPherson, Assist - Wales


Third Period
Phoenix definitely looked like they wanted to win this one when they came out for the third. They started creating early chances again, Harabin made a great breakaway, his shot was saved and he then attempted a shot on the rebound which just missed the net. Shortly after this Wallace took a puck to his ankle (makes me nervous after what happened to Hand) and limped off to the bench, luckily he did make a return though and seemed to be ok. At 34:35 things started looking up for Phoenix, when Wood managed a shot on the MK goal which went through Mettam's five hole and to much of his surprise (and the fans) into the back of the net for Phoenix to take the lead. At 47:19, Towalski was called for holding the stick and Phoenix took advantage of the extra man (yes, we scored on the powerplay!) at 47:19 the puck found Spelda on the blue line who fired a rocket past Mettam which nearly went clean through the netting! At 49:15 Zatopek was called for hooking and Phoenix went on the powerplay again. Shortly after this McPherson started kicking off for some unbeknown reason, I'm assuming it was only because Hand wasn't on the ice to floor him, it didn't last too long and the crowd starting chanting "you got beat by an old aged pensioner" at him (we will never let him forget that!) Anyway back to the powerplay and yes you guessed it we managed yet another powerplay goal, this time Harabin fired a rocket from the blue line that Mettam didn't have a chance to stop and gave Phoenix a three goal lead. With 8:31 left on the clock MK called a time out to try and compose themselves but unfortunately the only thing that happened was a last minute tripping call against Duggan at 54:06 and the clock ticked down to mark Phoenix's 8th win on the row

So at the end of the game Phoenix beat MK 6-3 and got a throughly deserved win. Phoenix really impressed me tonight and after a few overtime wins at home it's nice to win one in regulation for once! I thought that our passing was really good tonight, ok there were a few loose pucks occasionally but they were getting to the man which quickened up our pace, there was no dumping the puck in the MK zone and watching our breakaways was really freshening and so much better than watching the opposition do it all the time to us. All the team seemed to be working hard and the passion was starting to show a lot more. Not that I am saying they didn't have it before it, it's just that things are working a lot better now. MK just didn't seem to have the pace tonight and at times we ran rings around them. I am loving this whole powerplay goal thing and letting the d-men shoot always gives us something to cheer about when the rockets go into the back of the net. Phoenix have a massive weekend next week when we play Guildford at home and away. I am going to be a nervous wreck next Saturday but if Telford can do it, we can definitely do it!

Goals - Phoenix 44:35 - Wood, Assists - Johnson, Ward, Phoenix 47:55 - Spelda, Assists - Boothroyd, Koulikov (powerplay), Phoenix 51:29 - Harabin, Assist - Duggan (powerplay) 

Final Score - Phoenix 6 - MK - 3

MOM - Phoenix - Boothroyd - MK - Gracik

Phoenix v Bees - Monday 2nd January 2012

After a 4-1 win over MK on Friday night which denied Fone his second shut out of the season, Phoenix had started the train rolling with three victories on the bounce. Bracknell haven't had the greatest start to the season which is a shame because they have some really good players including Masa and Smital who played for Guildford last season. Phoenix were still without Hand (ankle) and Duggan (shoulder) and Jake Nurse got another call up from the Metros to make up the numbers on the bench.

First Period

The first period didn't start as planned for Phoenix when an early penalty on Faith for holding the stick gave Bracknell the chance on the powerplay. Luckily Phoenix managed to kill the powerplay and Bracknell were unable to get off the mark. At 7:57 Kouilkov had a great chance to give Phoenix the lead, but Ambler made himself big and denied him hitting the back of the net. At 8:50, Spearing took a seat for holding and Phoenix went on the powerplay. Phoenix had shot after shot on the powerplay including Harabin hitting the post with a slap shot, but the other shots were either wide, high or right at Ambler. With just over 3 minutes left in the period, Phoenix had the best chance of the period. Ambler came out of his net to try and stop the puck on the boards, but missed, Wood shot the puck and Ambler somehow managed to get himself back in the crease and made a scissor kick type save, which I don't think he meant to do and I don't think he had any idea where the puck was! At 18:08 Smital was called for hooking but Phoenix were unable to take advantage of the situation and the period came to an end. 

So a goalless period to to start the game off. Phoenix had dominated and kept the pressure on but didn't seem to be able to finish (again!) We had shot after shot on the powerplays but we couldn't muster a goal from them. We seemed to be shooting a lot more which is great, as it has been very frustrating recently that we never seem to shoot. It won't go in the back of the net if you don't shoot the damn thing! Anyway...Ambler was keeping Bracknell in the game and was looking quiet strong in goal, I think he must have had his Weetabix this morning! 

Second Period

The second period started with a goal, unfortunately it was Bracknell that got off the mark first when a loose bouncing puck found Spearing who shot from the left circle. The puck flew over Fone's head and into the back of the net. At 32:38, Phoenix finally gave us fans something to cheer about when Koulikov managed to get the puck over the line after a lot of digging at the crease, not really sure how it went in but the red light came on and I don't really care how it happened, a goal is a goal. Just under 4 minutes later Phoenix took the lead, following some great passing, the puck found Spelda and he fired the puck home. The last 4 minutes of the period were reasonably uneventful but Phoenix had plenty of chances to extend the lead. 

At the end of the second it was 2-1 to Phoenix. Bracknell started the period well and had started to dominate, but Phoenix found a spark after the Bracknell goal and started to take control of the game. The Bracknell defence was starting to break and the skill and speed that Phoenix were showing wasn't helping them. The Bees seemed to be swarming (excuse the pun) around the puck and Phoenix took advantage of the space. The atmosphere had been awful up until the first Phoenix goal but hopefully we can spur the lads on in the third. 

Goals - Bracknell 21:06 - Spearing (unassisted), Phoenix 32:38 - Koulikov, Assists - Faith, Cingel, Phoenix 36:28 - Spelda, Assist - Archer

Third Period

The first play of the period saw Faith took a puck to the face, the referee didn't blow the whistle even though he had gone down, luckily he managed to return to the bench and carried on playing for the rest of the period. Following this Ward found himself sitting in the box for two minutes but Phoenix managed to defend the powerplay well and started to create chance after chance. The first came from Ward after he had finished sitting out his penalty, the puck was passed straight to him and he broke away, unfortunately his shot ricocheted off the metal work and a massive sigh echoed round the Ice Dome from the crowd! Just under a minute later it was Koulikov's turn to find the iron when his shot found the post. Despite the great attempts from Phoenix to extend their lead, Bracknell managed to break away and a good goal from Smital saw the game tied at 2-2. At 59:25 Bracknell picked up a late penalty for delay of the game. With just over 30 seconds left, Phoenix called a time out but the time was against us and the game made it's way into overtime...again!

Goals - Bracknell 55:10 - Smital, Assists - Louskins, Masa

Overtime 
With Phoenix on the powerplay for the start of overtime the Phoenix fans didn't have to wait long for the game to be over, just over a minute to be precise. Koulikov shot a rocket from the blue line which Ambler didn't have a chance of stopping and Phoenix won the game 3-2.

Goals - Phoenix 61:06 - Koulikov, Assist - Cingel (powerplay) 


At the end of the game Phoenix managed their fourth consecutive win and were finally getting some confidence. I mentioned that this team had potential at the beginning of the season (granted I didn't think it would take me this long to say that it is starting to show!) I personally didn't think that the game should have gone into overtime as Phoenix were the better team but couldn't quite capitalise on the chances they created. Granted if those shots from Ward and Koulikov had managed to find the net rather then the metal work then overtime wouldn't have happened and given the Phoenix the comfortable win they perhaps deserved. However, Bracknell managed to keep the pressure on and Ambler had possibly one of his best performances I have seen him play, he thoroughly deserved man of the match.

Final Score - Phoenix 3 - Bracknell 2


MOM - Phoenix - Archer, Bracknell - Ambler

Phoenix v Steeldogs - Tuesday 27th December 2011

The last time Sheffield made an appearance at the Ice Dome, they managed their first ever win against Phoenix. I was however going into this game quietly confident, after the win against MK on Sunday we seemed to be playing better together (it had taken a lot longer than I had liked though!) Granted Sheffield get under the skin by playing physical, not even close to the rules but they normally manage an early goal or two. Phoenix were still without Hand (ankle) but Wallace made his return after breaking his wrist and Ward had finished his international spell so was back icing too. Unfortunately Duggan was missing following his early retirement from the MK game following an injury to his shoulder.

First Period
The game didn't start at all well for Phoenix, firstly Wardell was referee and secondly just 2:08 minutes in, Calvert got Sheffield off the mark with his shot finding the back of the net. At 4:55 the mass of penalties started to be called (no surprise there) and Haywood was called for tripping. Unfortunately Phoenix weren't able to take advantage and the powerplay slipped by. At 11:50, Payette and Harabin both got penalties, Payette for holding the stick and Harabin for hooking. Payette has been after Harabin most of the season so no surprise that these two keep on clashing. At 11:19, things went from bad to worse for Phoenix when Bebris managed to slot the puck past Fone. Shortly after this, Morgan blocked Archer's shot and went down, Sheffield did a lot of complaining about the situation, as per usual and Wardell listened! Archer got 2 minutes for high sticking and the puck was taken into the Phoenix zone! God knows what that was all about! At 12:38, Sheffield went on a 5 on 3 powerplay when Faith got called for hooking, luckily for Phoenix they managed to kill the powerplay and Sheffield were unable to extend their lead. At 13:16, Sheffield started complaining again but this time it didn't pay off and Wardell put Gomeniuk in the box for a lovely 10 minute misconduct penalty, together with Greg Wood for tripping. Unfortunately Phoenix couldn't break the Sheffield defence and the period ended without Phoenix getting on the board.


Sheffield were up 2-0 at the end of the first (much to my disgust!) Phoenix were unable to beat the Sheffield defence and we were looking off the pace. However in my experience it always takes us a while to find our form when we play Sheffield due to their "physical" play so I was expecting a better second period. 


Goals - Sheffield 2:08 - Calvert, Assists - Bell, Wood, Sheffield 11:19 - Bebris, Assists - Morgan, Gomeniuk  


Second Period
Phoenix came out fighting in the second (thank God!) At 26:54 Hirst was called for slashing which put Phoenix on the powerplay and this time they took advantage of the extra man. Cingel slotted one into the back of Bown's net, commencing the come back for Phoenix. At 25:05, Wallace and Long somehow managed to get penalties (Wardell playing his own rules again!) Due to this Sheffield managed another goal at 26:55 courtesy of Brittle on the 5 on 3 powerplay. Even then, it came from Morgan misfiring from the blue line and landing on the stick of Brittle at the edge of the crease with Fone wrongfooted. All was not lost though and at 31:10 Koulikov fired one home which Bowns couldn't stop. Sheffield didn't take this lying down and they managed yet another goal at 36:18 which I thought Fone had but unfortunately the red light came on (God damn it!) At 37:38 yet another goal was scored this time Phoenix broke away and Long hit the back of the net. Just under a minute later, Wallace took a shot that fooled Bowns and finally Phoenix were level.


Phoenix worked really hard to get level in this period which given their normal second period performances I was really impressed with. Sheffield's defence was finally breaking but unfortunately Phoenix hadn't managed to defend quite as well as I'd have liked and would expect Fone to be wanting a few of those goals back. I was hoping that we could manage a few more goals in the third and send the Steeldogs home with their tails between their legs!


Goals - Phoenix 23:29 - Cingel, Assists - Harabin, Faith (powerplay), Sheffield 26:55 - Brittle, Assists - Morgan, Gomeniuk, Phoenix 31:10 - Koulikov, Assists - Faith, Cingel, Sheffield 36:18 - Brittle, Assists - Ozolins, Gomeniuk, Phoenix - Long 37:38, Assists - Koulikov, Cingel, Phoenix 38:43 - Wallace, Assist - Long 


Third Period
The third period saw Sheffield getting frustrated (no change there then!) and Wardell still had his rose tinted glasses on. There were numerous opportunities for him to call something but it seems that Sheffield couldn't do anything wrong. The first one came when Gomeniuk sent Harabin flying for no apparent reason, I don't even think he had the puck, and you guessed it, nothing was called. The second involved Harabin again, he broke away and a Sheffield player pulled his shirt causing him to fall to the ice, yet again nothing called. At 52:55 he finally called something. Gomeniuk got a match penalty for boarding Ward whilst he was on his knees by the boards, a very dirty and disgusting play which he deserved to be sent off for, his attitude had stunk all night! Following this Sheffield called a time out and Wardell made another fabulous call after the face off, Payette punched Long and then fell over him whilst trying to check him, apparently this was a tripping call to Long!! Luckily Phoenix killed the powerplay and the buzzer sounded to send the game into overtime.

Overtime
So after regulation the game was tied at 4-4 and into overtime we went. The 5 minutes was pretty uneventful apart from two penalties against Phoenix, one for Faith for hooking and a bench minor for too many imports on the ice. Both teams were unable to score the final goal so off we went into penalties (not good for my nerves!)

Penalty Shots 
Phoenix started off the shoot out and Koulikov did us proud 1-0 Phoenix. Sykes took the stage for Sheffield and missed. Faith (who wouldn't have been my choice, but then again I'm not sure who else I'd choose) blasted one home making in 2-0 Phoenix. Then the ex-Phoenix/mini Payette Greg Wood managed to slip one past Fone to make it 2-1. Wallace stepped up to take the final shot for Phoenix, unfortunately his shot went wide and it was all down to Fone to win the game (no pressure!) Bebris took the spot for Sheffield but sent his shot wide, meaning Phoenix win the game 5-4

So after an eventful game of hockey and a great advertisement for the sport, Phoenix won 5-4 which I think was thoroughly deserved. I think that both teams played well but the way some of the Sheffield players act on the ice makes my skin crawl. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you don't have to be thugs to be hockey players. Unfortunately this seems to be Payette's mentality. I find it disappointing that the main culprits are always our ex-players, who when they played for us, I liked, plus they are all decent and talented players that have been moulded into mini Payettes which is such a shame. I was quietly confident when the game went into overtime and penalties as the mighty Ben Bowns was looking a little shaky towards the end of the third. I personally think that overtime was a fair result for both teams but Phoenix deserved the win. I just hope that this win helps build the players confidence and the so called "fans" can start eating their words. Still want to swap Faith for a Metro now?!...Didn't think so!

Final Score - Phoenix 5 - Sheffield 4

MOM - Phoenix - Koulikov, Sheffield - Brittle

Phoenix v Lightning - Sunday 18th December 2011

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