MANCHESTER Phoenix have finally found the goalscoring touch that can bring back the glory days to the M.E.N. Arena.
Now they just need the fans to go with it.
They destroyed Elite League leaders Belfast Giants 7-2 last night with a display of clinical finishing and dominant defence to climb into third place.
Captain George Awada led the charge with two goals and two assists but coach Rick Brebant was disappointed there was fewer than 2,000 fans there to watch it.
"The puck started going in the net tonight," he said. "They came out very hard and our goalie came up big early on. We got stronger as the game progressed, played a smarter game and kept our cool.
"We have had performances like this in the past but have not scored the goals. Tonight those chances went in the net. The puck was bouncing for us.
Disheartening
"We've played some good hockey over the last two or three weeks but it is quite disheartening to look at the size of that crowd. I'm flabbergasted that we are not getting the support."
The bad news for Phoenix is that assistant coach Jeff Sebastian is leaving to join Italian club Bruneck.
"Naturally, I'm a little disappointed that Jeff is leaving," said Brebant, "but I've always said that if a player receives an offer from a club in a better league and can earn more money I would not stand in his way."
Phoenix were a goal down after three minutes but hit back with two in two minutes by Mike Lankshear and Shin Larsson-Yahata to go in ahead at the first break.
Dwight Parrish and Miroslav Skovira made it 4-1 before Jason Bowen pulled one back for Belfast.
Awada quickly restored the advantage and then increased it with his second powerplay goal.
Mike Morin completed the rout to send the Phoenix fans into raptures.
How can Phoenix pull in more fans? have your say
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try and make it cheaper to get into watch them, instead of charging 12pounds for adults charge 8 pounds and put concessions down to 5 pounds. keep up the good work winning as many games as they can and show all missing fans what we really have achieved since coming back from the ashes. go on phoenix show us that we will be better than storm.
Having been a keen follower of Ice hockey in Manchester from the early days of the storm I feel ther a few reasons why fans can not attend games regulary. I have my wife and 2 daughters and we try and attend as a family. I feel the family friendly, fun atmosphere that use to exsist has disapeared (the last few games I have attended I have noted the increase of bad language from suporters at tence times in the game). <br>
Also I feel the fixtures are still not fan frendley, this weekend it is wet and windy, the ideal time to consider going to a game such as Ice hockey in Manchester and there is no game. Weekend games must be better to attract fans!.<br>
I feel the cost of a family ticket is high and there are no incentives to encourage family fans to become regular suporters (the October offers were most welcome.<br>
I attended the last Shefiled game and was one of the many fans who was unfortanate to miss the start, even though I arrived at the arena 45 minites before the game started, something needs to be done re the purchase of tickest on match nights.<br>
If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mr S Rowe
Hoping Ice hockey can survive in Manchester
I am a Sheffield Steelers fan however i have attendend numerous games in both Sheffield and Manchester this season as a fan of ice hockey and i am very dissapointed in the attendances. However i can see the difficulties facing the clubs to try and attract bigger audiences. I think that it is down to the media and the people at the top of sport in this country to try and promote ice hockey. It is a fast and very excting sport and people are missing out that havent seen a match yet. it is much cheaper than a top level football match and far greater value for money!!!