Phoenix fall foul of the Dogs

Sunday, 7th September 2014

Manchester Phoenix 1 Sheffield Steeldogs 6 (Phoenix lose 4-9 on aggregate)

Phoenix scorer: Michal Psurny

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix fell to a heavy home defeat in the War of the Roses second leg at the Ice Dome.

Having earned a 3-3 draw on Friday night in Sheffield, they were looking to consolidate and bring the trophy back to Manchester.

Phoenix started strongly and took the game to the Dogs with Sedlar definitely the busier netminder. However it was the visitors who took the lead on 11.40. A turnover in the neutral zone allowed Ben Morgan to find Andre Payette free on the left and his pass was pinpoint to Jeff Legue, who made no mistake. The Dogs doubled their lead on 15.29 as Lubomir Korhon scored, assisted by Lloyd Gibson and Cameron Brownley. The home fans were shocked into silence on 18.03 as Jeff Legue scored his second of the night with a short hander, assisted by Lubomir Korhon. The period ended with the home side out-shooting the Dogs by 21-11 but on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline.

Phoenix pulled an early goal back with just 1.28 gone in the second period to give the fans some hope. Michal Psurny was in the right place to blast the puck home. Frankie Bakrlik was awarded the assist. Sheffield restored their 3 goal advantage 3 minutes later with a delayed penalty goal by Lubomir Korhon and followed that up with an unassisted goal by Craig Elliot on 35 minutes. Once again the period ended with Phoenix outshooting their opponents but losing 5-1.

Phoenix took the game to their opponents in the third period and outshot them 20-4 as the Dogs played out a holding game in the period. Phoenix lost another short-handed goal with 47.29 on the clock as Robin Kovar’s cross ice pass was intercepted by Lubomir Korhon who finished with aplomb for his hat trick goal and Sheffield’s 6th on the night. Despite tremendous pressure on the Sheffield goal, Phoenix were not able to penetrate the Dogs’ defence and a 6-1 win gave the visitors a 9-4 aggregate win to retain the trophy for the third year in a row.

Captain Luke Boothroyd spoke to Phoenix TV after the game and had this to say:

“All credit to Sheffield, who looked sharp and clinical all night. We will get into intensive training next week and will be ready for the start of the league campaign on Saturday against Bracknell.”

Phoenix’s first home league game is on Sunday 14th September against Swindon Wildcats with the usual 1730hrs face off.