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Phoenix out to sting the Bees

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J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix take on the Bracknell Bees in a double header weekend. They make the long journey to Berkshire on Saturday and play host at the Dome on Sunday with the usual 1730hrs face off.

Bracknell have had a difficult start to the season after having real expectations of a better season than last time out when they failed to make the play offs.

Coach Gareth Cox made a few changes and was hoping for a good start to this year’s campaign. They retained the services of three of last season’s imports, defenders Jan Bendik and Pavel Strycek along with veteran forward Lukas Smital. With Martin Masa gone, the coach brought Czech forward Kamil Tvrdek in from Milton Keynes to provide the goals. Tom Annetts returned in net but Carl Ambler moved on and was replaced by Alex Mettam, giving the Bees one of the best netminder duos in the league. The experienced Tony Redmond has joined the blue line and the tough Chris Wiggins has joined from Milton Keynes.

Bracknell play a tough, aggressive forechecking game, based around the physical side of the game but are also very potent up front. Shaun Thompson is a very capable British forward who must be close to GB honours. Up  front with Kamil Tvrdek and Lukas Smital, the three forwards have scored 21 goals.

Phoenix will be looking to bounce back against the Bees after a disappointing weekend last time out. The squad are raring to go and maintain their top spot in the Premier League and also add points to their Cup qualification tally.

Coach Hand commented:

“We will be, as always, looking to pick up the points this weekend. I was disappointed with some decisions last Sunday, but we move on and it is another weekend with 4 points up for grabs. Bracknell are always tough opposition in their rink and we will have to be at our best.”