Play-off hopefuls

ICE HOCKEY: Manchester Phoenix go in search of their first English Premier League play-off title when they take on Slough Jets in Coventry this weekend.

Tony Hand’s side may have stuttered since they looked invincible back in December, but go into tomorrow’s semi-final full of confidence after a strong back end to the season.

The Jets have proved something of a nemesis to the Phoenix this season, taking all but one of the teams’ six meetings.

But Hand expects his players to respond to the challenge - and come through the match to face either Guildford Flames or Swindon Wildcats in Sunday’s final.