A week without training and injuries aplenty has made for a rough few weeks for Manchester Phoenix but things are looking up for Tony Hand’s side.
This weekend – with Basingstoke Bison away on Saturday and Milton Keynes Lightning at Deeside on Sunday – sees two players come back on the ice with playable injuries and the side also hope to bring back key defender, Mark Thomas.
Last week’s home match against Bracknell Bees was postponed due to a faulty ice plant and the team were forced to face the Peterborough Phantoms away without any training, resulting in a 8-3 loss.
Bison sit just one point off the top-spot with two games in hand while table-toppers Milton Keynes Lightning will provide a huge test.
Phoenix, who have won six out of 14 Premier League matches, have faced Lightning twice this season with each side winning at home.
With a fitter team and training under their belts, Manchester Phoenix owner Neil Morris says the team are looking ahead and are remaining positive.
“Back at full strength I think we can compete with any team, we’ve played some amazing hockey even with the injuries we’ve sustained and I’m confident we’ll get stronger.
“The weekend fixtures don’t get any easier, there are no easy games this year.
“I’d like to think we could pick up two points this weekend.”
Morris says the team have worked very hard despite having a short bench.
“James Neil has been absolutely outstanding at the back. He’s pulled double shifts, and chipped in with a few goals too, he’s just been great.
“James Archer’s work rate has been fantastic and our new boys, Michal Satek and Stan Gron have made a great impact going forward.”
Image courtesy of Manchester Phoenix Official via YouTube, with thanks.