Manchester Phoenix will be looking for a positive start to their season after a 6-1 thrashing in their final pre-season fixture against Sheffield Steeldogs.
Phoenix will travel to Bracknell Bees for their first league game of the season, before returning to Manchester for their home season debut at the Ice Dome against Swindon Wildcats.
The last time the two sides met was in last year’s play-offs, where the Phoenix triumphed 9-5 on aggregate, and player-coach Tony Hand is confident of repeating the feat despite Sunday’s defeat.
“We have worked hard this week and the team is ready,” said Hand, who did not take the ice against the Steeldogs.
“It will be touch down in Bracknell, but there are no easy games in this league now as every team appears to have strengthened.”
The second half of the Phoenix double-header will also be a play-off rerun: the Manchester side tamed the Wildcats 4-3 in the semi-finals last year.
“Swindon are a good side but we will be looking for the points this weekend,” said Hand.
The Phoenix play Bracknell at The Hive on Saturday September 13 at 5pm, before facing-off against the Wildcats at the Ice Dome, Manchester on Sunday September 14 at 5:30pm.
Main image courtesy of officialphoenix via YouTube, with thanks.
