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Blaze burned by Heavey debut victory

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Paul Heaveys’ career with the Manchester Phoenix began in perfect fashion with a 3-1 home win over the Coventry Blaze on Friday night.

An even first period ended scoreless but with the Phoenix playing a strong physical game against a team looking to end a three-game losing streak. Phoenix opened the scoring at 23.01 Stockport-born prospect Mark Thomas netted after strong approach work from Mika Skytta. David Kozier backhanded the home side into a two-goal lead in the 42nd minute only for Coventry to hit back through a Hilton Ruggles deflection on a Steve Chartrand shot 90 seconds later. Coventry upped their work rate and Phoenix had to defend manfully before clinching a big win as Mark Bultje scored a last minute empty-netter with Coventry having pulled their goalie for an extra skater.

Speaking afterwards Paul Heavey commented, “Obviously, I’m delighted with the result, it’s often the case when a new guy comes in behind the bench, you get a different level of intensity and that is one of the things we spoke about before the game. I knew we would have to match Coventry’s work ethic and I’m glad the guys responded. It’s good to get back behind a bench and be involved at this level. I thought the guys worked hard and proved they can get the job done.”

He continued, “But, it’s only one game – they’ve set a standard now and mustn’t let it drop. If we’re to get to the playoffs, we’re going to need that sort of commitment every period, every game. Having three games in three nights will mean I get to know the players that much quicker than if it were only a one game weekend, I’ll also get to see what sort of character they have in a very quick time span.”