News

Phoenix to start EPL challenge against Hull and Milton Keynes

Tweet

Manchester Phoenix will open their English Premier League campaign against Hull Pirates and Milton Keynes Lightning on September 12th and 13th.

The 2014 EPL champions make the trip to Humberside on the Saturday, before their opening game at Deeside Ice Rink 24 hours later.

September 19th, meanwhile, sees them travel to face likely title challengers Basingstoke Bison, ahead of a home encounter with Guildford Flames the next day.

Neil Morris, owner of The Phoenix, is expecting an entertaining start to the new season.

He said: “We all know about the changes that have happened this summer, so to finally get the fixtures list is a great moment for everybody at the club.

“Playing out of Deeside for a season will be different, but you know what? It is going to make Manchester Phoenix a much stronger organisation.

“It is going to be incredibly interesting to play Hull, in their first ever game. That match will be like stepping into the unknown, but also exciting at the same time.

“The next night is likely to be emotional, but Milton Keynes will give us a very tough start to life at Deeside Ice Rink.”

Games between The Phoenix, Telford Tigers and Bracknell Bees will also count towards the Red Hockey Cup, adding further competition to the season.

A relatively quiet festive period sees The Phoenix host EPL champions Telford Tigers on December 27th, ahead of return trip to Shropshire on January 2nd. 

The next day, they host Hull Pirates at Chester Road.

Mr Morris added: “There is no doubt that every team has strengthened over the summer, as have ourselves. 

“Tony is still bringing players in, so I expect we'll surprise quite a few people. With the squad we already have, Manchester could very well be the dark horses of the EPL.”

The last few weeks of the season includes a double header of games against Guildford Flames, ahead of home encounters with Sheffield and Bracknell.

“Those final few weeks could prove crucial to where we finish up,” Mr Morris said.

“Guildford, as ever, will be extremely tough, but I expect home advantage to play a big part for us. The fact that we have two games at Deeside to finish the season is very promising for us.”

Paul Baker, Director of Red Hockey, is also looking forward to an exciting year, following a busy summer of off-ice activity.

He said: “The supporters deserve a great start to the season, and they’ve got it with games against Hull and MK.

“Finally, we can all concentrate on what’s important – the ice hockey. The summer has been busy, of course, so to find out who we’re playing is fantastic.

  Click Here to download the full fixture list.