Phoenix U-18s' continue winning run

Monday, 8th October 2007

Grimsby 3 - 10 Phoenix U-18s

The Manchester Phoenix Under-18 squad made it three wins in three games on Saturday with a comfortable win in Grimsby, a game which saw Phil Hamer score six goals.

Phoenix, who arrived on the east coast with just nine skaters and two goalies adjusted quickly to playing on the small ice surface in Grimsby with Richard Ravey switching from his customary forward position to help out on defence. Phoenix were soon on the scoreboard with Phil Hamer scoring shorthanded in the 4th minute. Grimsby were playing their usual physical brand of hockey, but the greater speed and passing skills of the Phoenix were soon evident and by the end of the first period, Hamer had completed his hat trick with an unassisted powerplay marker in the 15th minutes and just over a minute later courtesy of a feed from Elliott Bayne.

Phoenix continued in the second session where they'd left off in the first, John Murray and Jake Nurse adding to the score inside the opening four minutes of the period. The home side pulled a goal back on the half hour mark, but any hopes of a revival were firmly quashed as Hamer hit the goal trail again adding his fourth and fifth markers in quick succession, the fifth latching onto a superb pass from Sam Leaver before rifling home from the slot. Murray bagged his second before Hamer completed his second treble to leave Grimsby floundering at the second break trailing 1-9.

Phoenix had used a lot of energy in those opening two periods and the short bench took its toll, but an excellent defensive display in the third period allowed Grimsby just two further consolation goals before John Murray completed his personal hat trick inside the final two minutes.

Phoenix U-18s Manager Alan Ravey remarked, "I would like to thank Danny Berry for stepping in at short notice as coach, his tactics worked a treat. Once again I commend the players for their attitude and discipline. We have some tough games coming up throughout October and the players need to keep focussed on the goals set to them to keep the momentum they are creating."

Phoenix statistics

Phil Hamer 6+2, John Murray 3+0, Jake Nurse 1+2, Elliot Bayne 0+3, Sam Leaver 0+1, Shaun Dippnall 0+1

Netminder Adam Summerfield 44/3

Phoenix MVP - Richard Ravey.

Phoenix U-18s' continue winning run

Share this article