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Three-point weekend for a resurgent Phoenix

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Manchester Phoenix 5 - Milton Keynes Lightning 3

Phoenix Scorers: Adam Walker x 2, Luke Boothroyd, Robin Kovar and Bobby Chamberlain

J Davidson sponsored “Men of Iron” made it a 3 point weekend with a solid win over Milton Keynes Lightning.

The home side took the lead on1.48 after Bobby Chamberlain and Robin Kovar had worked hard behind the MK net. Robin played the puck out to the waiting Luke Boothroyd who smashed it past Stephen Wall. 25 seconds later Phoenix went on the powerplay and it took a good save from Stephen Wall in the MK net to keep the score at 1-0. Blaz Emersic equalised on 11.57 for the Lightning but it was the home side that went to the first break with the lead. 

After an almighty mess in front of Wall’s net, the puck seemed to freeze and the unfortunate Lewis Christie was the first to react only to push the puck into his own net. With “own goals” not credited in ice hockey, Bobby Chamberlain, the last attacker to touch the puck, was awarded the goal. End of 20 minutes, 2-1 to Phoenix. 

Milton Keynes came out for the second period on fire and an excellent goal by Blaz Emersic brought MK’s second equaliser of the night. He swung in from the left, went past Declan Ryan and slipped the puck into the empty net. Phoenix went a man down on 30.21 when James Archer was called for holding the stick but re-took the lead with a superb shorthanded goal by Robin Kovar. Joe Graham and Shaun Thompson combined to clear the defence and the puck found Robin wide on the left. A quick turn and shot deceived Wall and hit the net to make it 3-2. Two further power play goals before the end of the period by Adam Walker gave the home side a 5-2 lead as they went for the second break. Adam’s second goal is well worth watching on Phoenix TV.

The game fizzled out a bit in the third as the effects of a tough weekend for both teams took its toll and the only goal of the period was scored by Leigh Jamieson. Phoenix comfortably closed out the game for an important 5-3 win.

Phoenix man of the match Adam Walker commented: “It has been a good weekend for us. I thought we played well last night in Peterborough and were unlucky not to get both points. Milton Keynes are always a tough side to beat and we worked hard for the win. We are still a bit short on players but we are putting a run together that hopefully will see us climb the table.”

Phoenix are next in action after Christmas on Saturday 27th December with an important clash against league leaders Telford Tigers. Face off is at 19:00 and a large crowd is expected for one of the highlight games of the season.