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Phoenix out to herd the Bison

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J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix play Basingstoke Bison in their only game of the weekend. The game is on Sunday with the usual face off time of 1730hrs.

This will be the second match in the six game league series with the Bison having won the first encounter in Basingstoke in October by 4-2. Bison are currently third in the league, four points behind Phoenix, having played one more game. This match will also count towards cup qualification. Both teams have qualified for the semi finals but a win for Phoenix will guarantee first or second place and a home second leg in the semi final match ups.

The Bison have recently strengthened their squad with the signing of Michael Wales, who left Slough Jets last week. Wales is a very experienced British forward, well known for his agitating role in hockey. His experience will prove valuable to a Bison side looking to land a trophy after having come so close last season.

On defence, Dean Skinns joined to become starting netminder when Stevie Lyle left to join Swindon. Kurt Reynolds, Carl Graham and Slovakian import Miroslav Vantroba form the blue line corps which has been playing very well recently.

Up front, Joe Miller, their equal top goal scorer alongside Joe Rand with 16 each, is ably supported by Tomas Karpov on 27 points so far and top forward Joe Greener on 20.

Phoenix v Bison games are always exciting affairs with both sides playing with attacking flair and this week’s game will be no exception.

Coach Hand had this to say about Sunday’s game:

“It is important to take points every weekend and with this being our only game, we must look to winning it. Bison have quality throughout their roster, but we are formidable at home and a match for any side and we will, as always, be well prepared for the game.”

Get yourself down to the Dome to see two of the league’s best teams in action. You know you want to.