Bison physicality proves decisive

Sunday, 27th March 2016

Manchester Phoenix fell to a 5-2 defeat on the night and a 7-3 aggregate loss to the Planet Ice owned Basingstoke Bison in their playoff quarter final.

Phoenix went into the game missing both Ben Wood and Martin Baranek who both sustained injuries during Saturday’s game as a result of late, questionable challenges.

It was the Bison who started the second leg strongly forcing a number of saves from Phoenix netminder Steve Fone. At the other end, Michal Satek stole the puck away but saw his effort well saved by Tomas Hiadlovsky. The only goal of the period went the way of the home side as Rene Jarolin netted at 14:39.

The lead was doubled early in the second period as Tomas Karpov scored at 20:25 before Phoenix had a couple of Powerplay opportunities, including another boarding call against Declan Balmer for dangerous play. Phoenix began to create chances and Satek saw an effort cleared off the line, before James Archer and James Neil were denied in quick succession. Phoenix did get on the board at 34:04 as Satek netted a rebound from a Stanislav Gron shot, however Bison immediately replied through Matt Towalski at 36:34 as the period ended 3-1.

The physical display from the home side forced Gron to miss the final period and Bison took advantage of their extra numbers as they increased the pressure. Phoenix did get another goal back as Robin Kovar set up Gareth O’Flaherty at 48:41 but two further Bison goals effectively ended the tie as Grant Rounding scored at 49:42 and then Alan Lack put home a rebound at 52:42 despite clear interference on Fone.

Following the game, Phoenix were awarded the league’s fair play award after easily collecting the least penalty points throughout the season.