Phoenix mauled by rampant Tigers

Monday, 7th September 2015

Manchester Phoenix 3 - Telford Tigers 9

Phoenix Scorers: Michal Satek, Stanislav Gron and Robin Kovar

Tigers came to Deeside determined to avenge their defeat the previous night and showed the fans why they were champions last season. With almost the same squad as last year they put on an offensive clinic to take the points in the Red Hockey Cup Match.

There was no indication of what was to follow as Phoenix won the puck in their defensive zone with less than a minute gone and Mark Thomas found Michal Satek free just inside the Telford half. A mazy run by the tricky winger brought him in front of Tom Murdy in the Telford goal and a lovely shot through the five hole put Phoenix ahead. Telford then found their rhythm to score two goals in 45 seconds. Max Birbraer scored the first on 6.32 and Dan Davies a second on 7.15 to put the visitors ahead. A further 3 goals between the 15th and 19th minutes through Joe Miller (2) and Max Birbraer gave Tigers a 5-1 first period lead.

Phoenix again made a great start to the 2nd period and pulled a goal back just 36 seconds into the action with a Stanislav Gron power play goal assisted by Mark Thomas and Nico Aaltonen. The powerplay came as a result of a delay of game penalty awarded to Tigers for holding up play at the start of the period. Phoenix were making chances but found Tom Murdy in fine form. The visitors, however were turning every chance into a a goal and a further 3 followed through Max Birbraer ( his 3rd and 4th of the evening) and Dale White to end the period 8-2 Tigers.

The third was a more even affair as Phoenix re- grouped and a goal from Robin Kovar, assisted by Michal Satek and Mark Thomas on 45.50 gave the Phoenix fans something to cheer. But it was the Tigers who completed a good night for them with the final goal of the evening giving ex Phoenix forward Joe Millar his hat trick goal in the last minute.

Phoenix captain Luke Boothroyd commented on Phoenix TV after the match: “ It was a tough night for us but we have had a good pre season and we will pick up on mistakes made and work hard in the week and be ready for our games against Hull and Milton Keynes next week.”

Phoenix travel to Hull Pirates on Saturday and have their first home league game of the season on Sunday 13th September, face off 18:30.