Double blow for Phoenix

SHORT-HANDED Manchester Phoenix suffered successive defeats by Sheffield Steelers as their charge up the Elite Ice Hockey League was brought to a halt.

Missing player-coach Tony Hand and netminder Stephen Murphy, both away on GB duty in Poland, they lost 7-3 on Saturday in Sheffield and 5-4 at home last night.

Sunday’s game in Altrincham was a real classic as Sheffield, missing four GB four players, edged home, exploiting the inexperience of little-known Jacey Moore in goal.

On Saturday, Phoenix went with Peterborough’s Stephen Wall in goal but were still put to the sword by Sheffield.

Although they led twice through Nathan Ward - a minute into the game - and Kenton Smith towards the end of the second period, Sheffield pulled away in the third.

To make matters worse, Phoenix forward Bruce Mulherin looks set to be out for a while with a dislocated shoulder sustained on Saturday.