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Phoenix U-14's 3 - 2 Sheffield Sabres
With some negotiation with East Midlands junior hockey club Sutton Sting, Rob and Steve managed to buy ice time at Ice Sheffield to play the first Junior Phoenix Hockey Club ‘HOME’ game, albeit on the otherside of the foggy Pennines. The Manchester Phoenix U-14s were short benched through various reasons and skated back into Ice Sheffield after the defeat last Saturday by the same team. The Sabres were again at full strength, so being over a full line of players down was a daunting challenge for the Phoenix youngsters.
As in the previous game, chances were at a premium for both teams with both defences and netminders playing solid hockey in the early stages. At 4.44 Sheffield took the lead as Chris Dale sent Unwin scampering down the wing and avoiding three challenges, he calmly slotted the puck past Bob Browne for a 1-0 lead. The Phoenix though were unruffled as just 42 seconds later Swindlehurst squared a pass into the slot area for Joe Sims to score past Jackson and tie the game. Despite a couple of powerplay chances the ‘home’ team couldn’t convert to take the lead.
Phoenix began the second period on a 5-on-3 powerplay but failed to get any momentum going and squandered their only chance. At 26.48, Brownley for Sheffield broke from defence and laid a perfect pass into the path of Sam Jones to score a great goal and give the 'visitors' their second lead of the game. Phoenix re-doubled their efforts and shortly afterwards were robbed of an equaliser when Bobby Streetly skated past a Sabres winger, cut in from the point and let a looping shot go that pinged off the crossbar and out to safety. Phoenix continues to press for a tying goal but had to settle for a 2-1 deficit at the second break.
A positive, calming team talk by Coach Steve Nurse to the team in the locker room gave the players the imspirational lift they need and at 33.48 Swindlehurst stuffed home a soft goal to tie the game. Phoenix took the upper hand in the last ten minutes of the game and the constant pressure led to the second of the game for Swinny at 43.25. Sabres despite being on their own ice were unable to respond and the sound tactical play of the Phoenix saw them wind the clock down.
Two valuable points were gained and resulted in the U-14s moving up to 4th spot in the standings with games in hand on the three teams above them, with the next outing being a road trip to Solihull on January 6th - the team currently in 2nd place.
Merry Christmas from the Junior Section, and let's hope for points for the Seniors on Boxing Day against the Vipers.
Report submitted by Rob Hutchinson.
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