Phoenix announce Cup semi final dates
8:07pm Monday 1st February 2010 in Sport By Nigel McFarlane
EPL ICE HOCKEY:
Manchester Phoenix and the Milton Keynes Lightning have been locked in negotiations for over ten days and after considering a myriad of options, the two clubs have finally agreed dates for what promises to be two tremendous match-ups.
The dates for the two games will be as follows: Thursday February 18th at the Altrincham Ice Dome with a 7.30 face-off, and Wednesday February 24th at the Milton Keynes Ice Rink with a 7.30pm face-off.
With no quarter being asked or given in five league meetings to date between the two clubs, the two-legged semi-finals in the EPL Cup promise to be high octane edge-of-the-seat encounters.
The Lightning vs Phoenix games already played this season have become arguably the must-be-at games in the EPL, such is the intensity of the rivalry that has mushroomed between the teams. And officials of both clubs are expecting bumper crowds for the semi-finals as the teams battle for the right to face either Slough or Guildford for the trophy.
A Phoenix spokesman said: "Our two teams are very well matched and every game so far has been a battle, there has been plenty of physical play and indeed needle, so the supporters should be in for a treat in both semis, the atmosphere will not be for the faint-hearted.
"Nick Poole and his Lightning team have won EPL trophies before and will probably start as the favourites and we won't mind that. Tony Hand will have our guys primed and ready to play because we want to reach the final possibly even more than MK do."
Manchester Phoenix are at home to Romford Raiders in the English Premier League this Sunday, February 7th. Face off 5.30pm. For details visit www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk.
