Wildcats scorched by Pheonix
Swindon Wildcats took to the ice to take on a visiting Manchester Phoenix at the newly bannered Swindon Ice Arena.
Despite being without several players on GB U20’s duty as well as import Henri Sandvik, the ‘Cats opened the game well to create a high paced first period.
However, when M
anchester’s James Archer was found behind the defenceman, a breakaway from the wing soon saw the forward net the puck and open the night’s scoring.
At the 30 minute mark of the game the home side then went about making it level, with Ryan Watt being found in front of net after a good team play between both imports Jonas Höög and Jan Kostal.
Unfortunately for the home side the momentum was short lived as a Phoenix counter attack led Robert Schnabel to break away and beat Stevie Lyle past the glove.
A shorthanded goal a minute before time then made it 3-1, as Michal Psurny made the most of a loose puck in front of the Swindon net to score for Manchester.
The third period would see Nathan Chong’s wrap around effort find a fourth for his team on the road before the Wildcats soon responded with goal of their own. One touch passing around the away net quickly led to Jan Kostal shooting from a close angle and with a high shot, would beat netminder Stephen Fone to the roof of the net 
A 4-2 scoreline was to stand as time wound down and after a physical and high paced affair, it would be the Manchester Phoenix who would take the points this night.
Final Score: Swindon Wildcats 2 – 4 Manchester Phoenix
Man of the Match: SWI – Harding / MAN – Psurny
Copy thanks to Scott Gummerson http://www.swindonwildcats.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1453&catid=50
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