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Double dose of Lightning for Phoenix

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J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix continue their quest for the EPL title at the weekend with a double header against the Milton Keynes Lightning.  They play Lightning in Milton Keynes on Saturday before returning to the Dome on Sunday for the second game with the usual 1730hrs face off.

Phoenix are still likely to be without Robert Schnabel but Liam Chong may make his debut for the team. Liam has been sidelined with injury since the summer and is eager to make his mark in the squad.

Phoenix made a horrendous start to their 2012-13 campaign with an 8-2 defeat in Milton Keynes in week 2 but have had the measure of them since then. A penalty shot win at home was followed by a convincing 4-1 in Milton Keynes and a tight 2-0 victory in their last encounter in Altrincham.

Nick Poole’s charges always provide a tough challenge for Phoenix and they are a team in form, sitting just one place below Phoenix in the league.

The goals have been flowing for Leigh Jamieson and Blaz Emersic and the addition of Czech forward Kamil Tvrdek has given them another dimension. Tvrdek has hit 9 goals in his 13 games so far. As always the agitation will come from Grant McPherson and the tough side of their game is likely to come from Nicky Chinn. Unfortunately tough enforcer Chris Wiggins will be sidelined with a nasty knee injury and will not ice this weekend.
Alex Mettam and Stephen Wall share the netminding duties and, no matter which one gets the nod at the weekend, they will be a tough nut to crack.

Phoenix, however, have come through a tough holiday schedule with 10 points out of 12 and are in fine form and looking to have a successful weekend.

Coach Hand commented: “It has been a very hard couple of weeks over the festive season but I am very pleased with what we have achieved. Apart from a disappointing evening in Sheffield we have played some great hockey and got just reward for our efforts. Our injury problems seem to be receding and we are looking forward to another successful weekend. Milton Keynes always provide a tough test for us and this weekend will be no exception. I expect Nick to have his team fired up and ready for us and we will need our A game to succeed.”

The Christmas pud is all gone, the drinks cabinet is empty so why not get down to the Dome on Sunday to witness what should be another absolute barn burner against the Lightning?

Your support is well noted and commented on by the team as the extra man on the ice. Come on down and support Manchester’s fastest and most exciting sports team, Manchester Phoenix.