Phoenix hold off Hawks

Tuesday, 6th December 2011

Sunday, 27th November 2011

Phoenix U14s 4 Blackburn Hawks 3

Manchester Phoenix U14s headed north to Blackburn to face the Hawks in a local derby. The two young teams have always had close fought games and this one was no exception. Just after 4 minutes into the game the Phoenix took the lead in a power play situation when Max Howard assisted by Max Broadhurst found the back of the net. Undeterred the Hawks drew level 4 minutes later and then went onto take the lead by taking advantage of a 3 on 5 power play situation. The Phoenix fought back and again the combined duo of Max Howard and Max Broadhurst pulled one back to draw level to end the period 2-2.

The puck had only been on the ice for just over a minute of the second and final period when the Hawks found the back of the Phoenix net to take the lead. Both teams had to ride out consecutive penalties as the game became more intense but the Phoenix came out faring better when Max Broadhurst assisted by Max Howard placed the puck between the pipes to put the Phoenix back on level terms. Then Phoenix finally got the break they needed and took the lead when Nathan King assisted by Josh Hartsorn found the back of the Hawks net. Anyone would be mistaken thinking the game was over as the Hawks push the Phoenix hard drawing penalties from Max Broadhurst and James Soens in the final throws of the game. The Hawks took advantage of the 5 on 3 power play and harassed the Phoenix defence, it was nail biting stuff for all concerned but the Phoenix just managed to get to the final buzzer unscathed.

Game Stats,

Period Scores: 2-2, 2-1

Total PIM: 22-20

Phoenix Scoring: Max Howard 2+1, Max Broadhurst 1+2, Nathan King 1+0, Josh Hartsorn 0+1

Net Minder Stats: Joe Murphy 12

MVP: Nathan KIng