Manchester Phoenix began their English Premier League campaign in style with a four-point weekend including a first win at new home Deeside Ice Rink.
The Manchester side secured two wins out of two, firstly away to Hull Pirates, 4-1, and then at home to Milton Keynes Lightning, 4-2.
Along with Peterborough Phantoms, Phoenix were the only EPL side to come away from the opening weekend with the maximum amount of points on offer.
“When you take two points away from home in the first weekend and then follow that up with win at home, you’ve got to be pleased,” said Phoenix owner Neil Morris.
“I’m really happy with the team and how hard they are willing to work. They all gave 100% of their energy all night and you can fault that.”
The team’s clash with Milton Keynes was their first league match at their home at Deeside in Wales and MM spoke to Morris about the team’s pastures new.
“Moving to Deeside was a step into the unknown but Sunday night was fantastic.
“It was quite moving for everyone involved to see the effort that Phoenix fans made to come and support the boys.
“Thanks to the enthusiasm of the local people who came down and to all those at Deeside who really made the team and the fans feel at home.”
Tony Hand’s men face Guildford Flames and Basingstoke Bisons next as they hope to continue their winning form. However the team face a tough challenge as this weekend’s opposition finished second and third in the league last season.
“We’re really looking forward to the rest of the season. As this weekend’s results showed, having a winning team is not easy but we’ve made a great start,” said Morris
Image courtesy of Doug Kerr via Flickr, with thanks.