Phoenix clinch top spot

ICE HOCKEY: MANCHESTER Phoenix became English Premier League champions for the first time in their

history after a 5-2 victory over Swindon Wildcats last night.

A serious loss of form in the final throes of the campaign — highlighted by a 6-2 loss to Peterborough on Saturday — threatened to derail their bid for glory.

But, needing a point to beat second-placed Guildford Flames to top spot, they clinched victory.

Pavel Gomenyuk gave them the lead against Wildcats after six minutes, before James Archer pounced to double the advantage.

Player-coach Tony Hand saw red for high sticking and Egidijus Bauba halved the deficit as Manchester’s opponents hit back.

But Stephen Wallace’s powerplay goal in the second period calmed the jitters.

Archer struck again six minutes into the third and, although James Knight pulled one back, Curtis Huppe got the title party started by extending the lead on the stroke of full-time.

Phoenix finished just two points ahead of Guildford.

All eyes will now turn towards the EPL play-offs quarter-finals this weekend.

Phoenix take on Sheffield over two legs for the right to go the the finals weekend in Coventry on April 9 and 10.

But they will have to do without Hand for the away tie as he will be unavailable through suspension.