News

Back-to-back wins for Phoenix

Sunday, 8th November 2015

Manchester Phoenix were looking to build on an impressive win in Hull on Saturday night as they hosted the Telford Tigers at Deeside.

A fast-paced first period was dominated by the netminders, who both made excellent saves throughout, particularly Telford’s Sam Gospel who denied Jacob Corson-Heron and Trent Hope in quick succession.  Telford were awarded a late Powerplay, and GB international defenceman Jonathan Weaver blasted home from the point at 18:42 to give Telford a 1-0 lead after twenty minutes.

Phoenix responded well to going behind and created several opportunities before Finnish forward Nico Aaltonen scored on the rebound after a slapshot from Luke Boothroyd at 27:23.  Soon after, Boothroyd was again well denied only for Michal Satek to bury another rebound at 28:17 to put Phoenix in front.  The chances continued at both ends as Stanislav Gron was denied for Phoenix and Jason Silverthorn was unlucky to only find the post for Telford as the period ended 2-1.

The third period saw the visitors push for an equaliser, assisted by a series of penalties awarded against the Phoenix, but the home side stood firm thanks to some solid defensive performances and good netminding from Steve Fone.  Robin Kovar was unlucky to be denied by the post with an empty net opportunity in the dying seconds as Phoenix claimed a deserved 2-1 win.

Coach Tony Hand commented: “We’ve produced two excellent displays this weekend – a commanding win in Hull last night followed by a hard-fought home win this evening.  I thought we matched Telford in every department, which is a credit to the boys, given the strength of their bench.”

Phoenix are at home next Sunday, 15th November, against the Swindon Wildcats with a 6:30pm face-off in Deeside.

Nico Aaltonen in action

Nico Aaltonen in action
(Image: Hollie Godber)

Nico Aaltonen opens the Phoenix's account

Nico Aaltonen opens the Phoenix's account
(Image: Richard Amor Allan)

Luke Boothroyd places a hit

Luke Boothroyd places a hit
(Image: Hollie Godber)

Michal Satek celebrates scoring the game winner

Michal Satek celebrates scoring the game winner
(Image: Richard Amor Allan)

Stan Gron gets upended

Stan Gron gets upended
(Image: Richard Amor Allan)

James Neil patrols the blue line

James Neil patrols the blue line
(Image: Hollie Godber)