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Phoenix looking to keep the winning run going

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J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix have games against the bottom two clubs this weekend. First up on Saturday is a visit to Telford Tigers. As always, a large Phoenix following will travel to Shropshire to cheer their favourites on.

Telford have a tendency to make things difficult for Phoenix, raising their game every time Manchester visit their rink. The teams have played each other 4 times this season with three victories going to Phoenix. The Tigers beat Manchester 4-1 in the first meeting at their barn but Phoenix have the edge in the series, winning 3-1 and 10-2 at the Dome and a 6-1 victory last time out.

Telford have had an unsettled season with far too many player movements for their own good. However, Coach Tom Watkins has steadied the ship somewhat with the signing of Czech forward Tomas Karpov. He has chalked up 6 goals and 18 assists in just 17 games and has been a welcome addition to the squad. Top scorer is Tim Burrows with 20 goals and ex Phoenix forward Scott McKenzie has hit the net 10 times since he returned to his old stomping ground. Declan Ryan always raises his game against Phoenix and he will be hard to beat again on Saturday.

Sunday will see the return of bitter rivals Sheffield Steeldogs to the Dome. Face off is at the usual time of 17:30. Andre Payette’s side have had a torrid season and have failed to make the play offs after their epic run to the semi final last year. The teams have met 4 times in the league with Phoenix winning 3 of them. Sheffield’s one league victory was an impressive 8-4 win last time the teams met.

The Phoenix faithful will not be treated to Andre’s unique type of play this time as he is currently sitting out a 4 game ban. However his team will bring their own brand of hockey to the Dome and the game is sure to be another physical, thrilling game. One to watch in the Steeldogs side is Czech forward Lubomir Korhon, who has hit 16 goals and 24 assists in 27 games for the team. Greg Wood on 22 goals and Edgars Bebris on 20 complement the Czech hitman.

Phoenix are currently in fine form, winning their last 5 games and will be looking to continue this to the play offs. Michal Psurny is 4th top goal scorer in the league with 41 goals and Ondrej Pozivil is second top points scorer in the defensive corps.

The game is sure to be another barn burner and will definitely have some talking points come Sunday night. Another game not to miss as Phoenix wind down the regular season with their penultimate home league match.