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| logo      = Manchester_Phoenix_Logo_2011.jpg
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| city      = [[Manchester]], [[England]]
| city      = [[Altrincham]] (2007–2015) [[Deeside]], [[North Wales]] (2015– 2016), [[Blackpool]] (2016–2017), [[Widnes]] (2017)
| league    = [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]]
| league    = [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]]
| founded    = 2003
| founded    = 2003
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'''Manchester Phoenix''' are a semi professional [[ice hockey]] team from [[Altrincham]], [[Greater Manchester]], [[England]]. The club was formed in 2003 as a result of the efforts of supporters group ''Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey'' to bring top-level ice hockey back to Manchester after [[Manchester Storm]] folded in 2002.
'''Manchester Phoenix''' was a semi professional [[ice hockey]] team from Greater Manchester, [[England]]. The club was formed in 2003 as a result of the efforts of supporters group ''Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey'' to bring top-level ice hockey back to Manchester after [[Manchester Storm (1995–2002)|Manchester Storm]] folded in 2002.


Phoenix were founder members of the [[Elite Ice Hockey League]] upon its formation in 2003, playing in the 17,500 capacity [[MEN Arena]]. The cost of using such a large facility proved financially untenable, and Phoenix suspended playing operations in 2004 pending the construction of a smaller purpose built ice facility. Construction of the [[Altrincham Ice Dome]] commenced in 2006, and the club returned to the Elite League for the 2006–07 season. After three seasons in the EIHL, the club joined the [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]] on April 30, 2009.
The Phoenix team was a founder member of the [[Elite Ice Hockey League]] upon its formation in 2003, playing in the 17,500 capacity [[Manchester Arena]]. The cost of using such a large facility proved financially untenable, and Phoenix suspended playing operations in 2004 pending the construction of a smaller purpose built ice facility. Construction of the [[Altrincham Ice Dome]] commenced in 2006, and the club returned to the Elite League for the 2006–07 season. After three seasons in the EIHL, the club joined the [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]] on 30 April 2009.
 
During their time in EPIHL, the club was fairly successful, having won two league championships and one playoff final, with multiple appearances at the playoff finals weekend.
 
In 2015, the club was left without a home rink within Greater Manchester.  They played their home games at [[Deeside Ice Arena]] in [[North Wales]], [[Fylde Coast Ice Arena]] in [[Blackpool]], and finally at [[Widnes Ice Arena]].
 
The club folded on 31 January 2017 after an unsuccessful meeting with potential investors.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/ice-hockey/38826031| title=Manchester Phoenix: Premier League side fold over financial issues| work=BBC News | access-date=1 February 2017 }}</ref>
 
==History==
 
===Origins===
 
In 2002, the [[Manchester Storm (1995–2002)|Manchester Storm]], once the best-supported Ice Hockey club in Europe, ran into serious financial trouble and was folded. Initially fans protested against SMG, the company who owned the Manchester Evening News Arena as it was perceived that troubles had arisen due to SMG's disinterest in continuing to house the Storm at the Manchester Evening News Arena. This soon turned into a rally in support of the team and a supporters group known as 'The Friends of Manchester Storm' was established after Gary Cowan, the owner of the Storm officially announced he was finalising the organisation's operations due to unsustainable debts.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/149015/storm-clouds-brewing | title=Storm Clouds Brewing | work=SportsBusiness.com| access-date=8 May 2009 }}</ref> Once it became clear that the Storm were not to return, FOMS changed their name, becoming the 'Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey', or 'FOMIH'.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2447365.stm | title=Storm sink as cash bid fails | work=BBC Sport|access-date=8 May 2009 | date=12 November 2002 |last=Hughes|first=Stuart}}</ref>
 
This group had two established aims, namely to bring top level professional ice hockey back to Manchester and to ensure the creation of a new ice rink facility in the region. In 2003, a club was formed and with fans choosing to symbolically title the team the 'Manchester Phoenix', rising from the ashes of the Storm.
 
===Initial playing operations===
 
The newly formed Manchester Phoenix would be one of the founding members of the British [[Elite Ice Hockey League]] and played out of the [[MEN Arena]] for their inaugural season. Under player-coach Rick Brebant, and later Paul Heavey, the team finished sixth out of eight in the league, the final qualifying place for the playoffs. Phoenix finished second in their Playoff group ahead of the [[Belfast Giants]], qualifying for the semi-final, where they were beaten 6–1 by the [[Nottingham Panthers]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/247_phoenix_bow_out_of_playoffs | title=Phoenix Bow Out of Playoffs | work=ManchesterPhoenix.co.uk| access-date=9 May 2009 }}</ref>
 
Despite an impressive beginning, with 3,600 turning out for the first home game against the [[London Racers]], crowds would not be consistent and it soon became apparent that ice hockey at the busiest indoor venue in Europe would no longer be viable with the season's average attendance being just 2,150 per game, falling far short of the rumoured number of 3,000 needed to cover costs. As a result, the Phoenix temporarily suspended playing operations at the end of the 2003–04 season.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/20_phoenix_take_time_out_as_part_of_the_plan_for_the_future | title=Phoenix Take Time Out As Part of Plan For Future | work=ManchesterPhoenix.co.uk| access-date=9 May 2009 }}</ref>
 
In May 2004 the Phoenix announced that they had the funding to construct a new temporary ice rink but problems arose as to exactly where to locate the facility. As a result, the deadline for inclusion in the EIHL passed, and the Phoenix withdrew from the 2004–05 season. The club had still not managed to build a new venue by the following year, and announced that the Phoenix would not be part of the 2005–06 season either.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/162813_phoenix_on_back_burner.html | title=Phoenix on back burner | work=Manchester Evening News|access-date=9 May 2009 |last=Brierley|first=Chris|date=17 June 2005|publisher=M.E.N. Media}}</ref> In November 2005, the club announced details of a new rink to be built in partnership with Nikal, David McLean and Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council. The new rink would seat 2,026, with 24 wheelchair spaces, and standing for approx 4–500.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.altrinchamicedome.co.uk/icedome.pdf| title=Altrincham Ice Dome seating plans | work=Altrincham Ice Dome website | access-date=30 January 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103034429/http://www.altrinchamicedome.co.uk/icedome.pdf | archive-date=3 January 2007}}</ref> Planning permission for the rink was finally granted in early January 2006 and construction began on 30 March, with the rink to be sited in Altrincham.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2006/04/05/050406_manchester_phoenix_feature.shtml | title=Phoenix on ice | work=BBC | access-date=22 January 2007 }}</ref>
 
With progress being made, the Phoenix confirmed their inclusion in the EIHL once again, for the 2006–07 season with the Ice Dome scheduled to host its first game on 24 September 2006. The Phoenix also announced the appointment of Tony Hand as player/head coach. This was regarded as a huge step forward for the organisation, as Hand is regarded by many as the greatest British ice hockey player of all time. Unfortunately for Hand and the team, unexpected delays followed and so in the interim Phoenix home games were held at either [[IceSheffield]] or [[Deeside Leisure Centre]]. After further construction and two further missed completion dates, the rink eventually opened with a reduced capacity of 1,000 on 25 February 2007, with Phoenix playing host to the [[Basingstoke Bison]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/727_bison_partypoop_on_phoenix_opener | title=Bison Partypoop on Phoenix Opener | work=ManchesterPhoenix.co.uk| access-date=9 May 2009 }}</ref> It was the first time professional hockey had been played in Manchester for almost three years. The remaining 700 seats were installed over the following months, with the Dome completely ready for the beginning of the 2007–08 season.
 
===Demise===
On the weekend of the 2015 playoff finals, it was announced by Silver Blades that they were unable to reach agreement with the Club to renew the ice time agreement despite an offer of reduced rental costs. Further details were given on the 8th April.<ref>http://www.silverblades.co.uk/page/individual_news/Altrincham/12{{Dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Manchester Phoenix issued a statement refuting the allegations made of unpaid rental costs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2604/message-md|title=Message from the MD|website=manchesterphoenix.co.uk|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>
 
As a result of this, the club left themselves homeless, but with plans to build a new arena in Manchester City Centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2611/manchester-phoenix-unveil-plans-brand-new-3000-seater-arena|title=Manchester Phoenix unveil plans for a brand-new 3,000-seater arena|website=manchesterphoenix.co.uk|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref> While this was being prepared however, it was announced that the club would play in Deeside for the 2015-2016 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2640/phoenix-play-deeside-2015-16|title=Phoenix to play from Deeside in 2015-16|website=manchesterphoenix.co.uk|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>
 
In June 2016, it was announced that Manchester Phoenix would move to Eastlands for the 2016/2017 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2777/eastlands-confirmed-phoenixs-new-home|title=Eastlands is confirmed as Phoenix's new home|website=manchesterphoenix.co.uk|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref> However unrealistic time scales and planning delays meant that this rink was not able to be started in time for the season. Instead, the club chose to play from the Fylde Ice Arena, Blackpool.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2783/new-rollercoaster-ride-hits-blackpool|title=A new rollercoaster ride hits Blackpool|website=manchesterphoenix.co.uk|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>
 
Again the proposed timescales proved unachievable and, the new rink was not able to be even started in time for January 2017, making the business model of playing from Blackpool unviable. As a result, the club was forced to release its imported playing staff and move to Silver Blades Widnes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2845/new-rink-update|title=New rink update|website=manchesterphoenix.co.uk|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref> This added pressure, and the unlikely prospect of the club being able to fund a permanent home in Manchester, meant that the club was forced to fold halfway through the 2016/17 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2850/end-era|title=End of an Era|website=manchesterphoenix.co.uk|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>
 
===Earlier seasons===
 
====2007–08 season====
Form continued to be hard to find for the Phoenix though. Despite scoring significant numbers of goals, the Phoenix defence proved to be anything but watertight and high scoring games became a regular occurrence. Manchester closed the regular season on 23 April with a 6–2 away loss to the [[Hull Stingrays]], finishing 7th in the EIHL. This was perceived by many fans to be somewhat of an underachievement by the organisation.
 
The Phoenix's seventh-placed finish ensured a post-season matchup with their fiercest rivals, the [[Sheffield Steelers]]. Again two high scoring games would follow; the Phoenix lost 5–4 in Sheffield, ensuring a tense return leg at the Ice Dome. Despite scoring four goals, the Phoenix defence again proved to be a problem, with the game ending 4–4 in front of a sell out crowd of 2150. The draw meant that the Phoenix exited the playoffs in the first round for the second year in a row.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/1133_phoenix_bow_out_of_playoffs_despite_superb_effort | title=Phoenix Bow Out of Playoffs Despite Superb Effort | work=ManchesterPhoenix.co.uk| access-date=6 May 2009 }}</ref>
 
====2009–10 season====
The team finished the season in 3rd place,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/malcolm.preen/OFFICIAL_English_Premier_League.html | title=EPL table as of April&nbsp;12th 2010 | access-date=3 May 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407182847/http://homepage.ntlworld.com/malcolm.preen/OFFICIAL_English_Premier_League.html | archive-date=7 April 2010}}</ref> and qualified for the EPL post season play-offs. They defeated the Peterborough Phantons 6–5 on aggregate in the quarter-finals<ref>{{cite news | url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1202854_phoenix_6_peterborough_5_agg | work=Manchester Evening News | title=Phoenix 6 Peterborough 5 (agg) |access-date=3 May 2010 |last=Brierley|first=Chris|date=4 April 2010|publisher=M.E.N. Media}}</ref> to progress to the finals weekend in Coventry, where they were defeated in their semi final by the Slough Jets.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1209248_hand_offers_hope_for_phoenix_future | work=Manchester Evening News | title=Hand offers hope for Phoenix future |access-date=3 May 2010 |last=Brierley|first=Chris|date=11 April 2010|publisher=M.E.N. Media}}</ref>
 
====2010–11 season====
On 27 March 2011, Manchester Phoenix played [[Swindon Wildcats]] at home on the last day of the season. Going into the game, Manchester Phoenix needed a single point to secure the league title. They beat Swindon 5–2 picking up two points and therefore were crowned league champions, earning the club's first major trophy.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/ice_hockey/9438311.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=Manchester Phoenix champions after 5–2 win over Swindon | date=28 March 2011}}</ref>
 
====2011–12 season====
Despite losing player/coach Tony Hand to a serious injury,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/1990_tony_hand_injury_update |title=Tony Hand: Injury Update |publisher=Manchester Phoenix |date=13 December 2011 |access-date=24 November 2013}}</ref> the club managed to remain competitive and finished a creditable 2nd in the league. The Club subsequently qualified for the play off finals weekend, where they defeated local rivals the [[Sheffield Steeldogs]] in the semi-final, before losing to the [[Slough Jets]] in the final game<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/2093_coventry_weekend_review |title=Coventry Weekend Review – News |publisher=Manchester Phoenix |date=16 April 2012 |access-date=24 November 2013}}</ref>
 
====2012–13 season====
The Phoenix finished the season 3rd in the league, and also reached the Cup semi finals, losing to [[Guildford Flames]]. However, in the end of season play off finals, the club took their revenge beating Guildford 5–2 and emerged victorious, claiming their first play off title in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/boltonsport/10341244.Rampant_Phoenix_claim_Playoff_Title/ |title=Rampant Phoenix claim Playoff Title (From The Bolton News) |publisher=Theboltonnews.co.uk |date=8 April 2013 |access-date=24 November 2013}}</ref>
 
====2013–14 season====
On 16 March 2014 Manchester Phoenix won their second league title after beating close rivals Basingstoke Bison 5–2. The Phoenix had been in contention for the title throughout the season, but only clinched the title with 1 round of fixtures remaining. The club proceeded to qualify for the Play Off Finals weekend, where they were unable to defend their Play Off title, finishing as runner up.
 
====2014–15 season====
On 3 April 2015, the eve of the 2015 playoff finals weekend, it was announced that Red Hockey UK purchased 34% of the Phoenix's shares, Red Hockey UK already owned the Bracknell Bees (49% of shares) and Telford Tigers (100%). The owners announced that they would be leaving Altrincham, moving the club to a new rink in central Manchester.
 
It was also during this weekend that Silver Blades made the announcement that their proposal concerning the renewal of the ice time agreement could not be agreed with the club despite the offer of reduced rental costs,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.silver-blades.co.uk/page/individual_news/Altrincham/12 |title=Silver Blades Altrincham &#124; What's the story? |access-date=8 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819133352/http://www.silver-blades.co.uk/page/individual_news/Altrincham/12 |archive-date=19 August 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> which left the club playing all their "home" games in Deeside, North Wales, Blackpool, and Widnes during the following 2 seasons.
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==

Latest revision as of 19:09, 4 August 2024

Manchester Phoenix
Manchester Phoenix Logo 2011.jpg
City Altrincham (2007–2015) Deeside, North Wales (2015– 2016), Blackpool (2016–2017), Widnes (2017)
League English Premier Ice Hockey League
Founded 2003
Colors

White, Black, Red

              
Owner(s) Flag of the United Kingdom Neil Morris
Affiliates Manchester Minotaurs

main

Manchester Phoenix was a semi professional ice hockey team from Greater Manchester, England. The club was formed in 2003 as a result of the efforts of supporters group Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey to bring top-level ice hockey back to Manchester after Manchester Storm folded in 2002.

The Phoenix team was a founder member of the Elite Ice Hockey League upon its formation in 2003, playing in the 17,500 capacity Manchester Arena. The cost of using such a large facility proved financially untenable, and Phoenix suspended playing operations in 2004 pending the construction of a smaller purpose built ice facility. Construction of the Altrincham Ice Dome commenced in 2006, and the club returned to the Elite League for the 2006–07 season. After three seasons in the EIHL, the club joined the English Premier Ice Hockey League on 30 April 2009.

During their time in EPIHL, the club was fairly successful, having won two league championships and one playoff final, with multiple appearances at the playoff finals weekend.

In 2015, the club was left without a home rink within Greater Manchester. They played their home games at Deeside Ice Arena in North Wales, Fylde Coast Ice Arena in Blackpool, and finally at Widnes Ice Arena.

The club folded on 31 January 2017 after an unsuccessful meeting with potential investors.[1]

History

Origins

In 2002, the Manchester Storm, once the best-supported Ice Hockey club in Europe, ran into serious financial trouble and was folded. Initially fans protested against SMG, the company who owned the Manchester Evening News Arena as it was perceived that troubles had arisen due to SMG's disinterest in continuing to house the Storm at the Manchester Evening News Arena. This soon turned into a rally in support of the team and a supporters group known as 'The Friends of Manchester Storm' was established after Gary Cowan, the owner of the Storm officially announced he was finalising the organisation's operations due to unsustainable debts.[2] Once it became clear that the Storm were not to return, FOMS changed their name, becoming the 'Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey', or 'FOMIH'.[3]

This group had two established aims, namely to bring top level professional ice hockey back to Manchester and to ensure the creation of a new ice rink facility in the region. In 2003, a club was formed and with fans choosing to symbolically title the team the 'Manchester Phoenix', rising from the ashes of the Storm.

Initial playing operations

The newly formed Manchester Phoenix would be one of the founding members of the British Elite Ice Hockey League and played out of the MEN Arena for their inaugural season. Under player-coach Rick Brebant, and later Paul Heavey, the team finished sixth out of eight in the league, the final qualifying place for the playoffs. Phoenix finished second in their Playoff group ahead of the Belfast Giants, qualifying for the semi-final, where they were beaten 6–1 by the Nottingham Panthers.[4]

Despite an impressive beginning, with 3,600 turning out for the first home game against the London Racers, crowds would not be consistent and it soon became apparent that ice hockey at the busiest indoor venue in Europe would no longer be viable with the season's average attendance being just 2,150 per game, falling far short of the rumoured number of 3,000 needed to cover costs. As a result, the Phoenix temporarily suspended playing operations at the end of the 2003–04 season.[5]

In May 2004 the Phoenix announced that they had the funding to construct a new temporary ice rink but problems arose as to exactly where to locate the facility. As a result, the deadline for inclusion in the EIHL passed, and the Phoenix withdrew from the 2004–05 season. The club had still not managed to build a new venue by the following year, and announced that the Phoenix would not be part of the 2005–06 season either.[6] In November 2005, the club announced details of a new rink to be built in partnership with Nikal, David McLean and Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council. The new rink would seat 2,026, with 24 wheelchair spaces, and standing for approx 4–500.[7] Planning permission for the rink was finally granted in early January 2006 and construction began on 30 March, with the rink to be sited in Altrincham.[8]

With progress being made, the Phoenix confirmed their inclusion in the EIHL once again, for the 2006–07 season with the Ice Dome scheduled to host its first game on 24 September 2006. The Phoenix also announced the appointment of Tony Hand as player/head coach. This was regarded as a huge step forward for the organisation, as Hand is regarded by many as the greatest British ice hockey player of all time. Unfortunately for Hand and the team, unexpected delays followed and so in the interim Phoenix home games were held at either IceSheffield or Deeside Leisure Centre. After further construction and two further missed completion dates, the rink eventually opened with a reduced capacity of 1,000 on 25 February 2007, with Phoenix playing host to the Basingstoke Bison.[9] It was the first time professional hockey had been played in Manchester for almost three years. The remaining 700 seats were installed over the following months, with the Dome completely ready for the beginning of the 2007–08 season.

Demise

On the weekend of the 2015 playoff finals, it was announced by Silver Blades that they were unable to reach agreement with the Club to renew the ice time agreement despite an offer of reduced rental costs. Further details were given on the 8th April.[10] Manchester Phoenix issued a statement refuting the allegations made of unpaid rental costs.[11]

As a result of this, the club left themselves homeless, but with plans to build a new arena in Manchester City Centre.[12] While this was being prepared however, it was announced that the club would play in Deeside for the 2015-2016 season.[13]

In June 2016, it was announced that Manchester Phoenix would move to Eastlands for the 2016/2017 season.[14] However unrealistic time scales and planning delays meant that this rink was not able to be started in time for the season. Instead, the club chose to play from the Fylde Ice Arena, Blackpool.[15]

Again the proposed timescales proved unachievable and, the new rink was not able to be even started in time for January 2017, making the business model of playing from Blackpool unviable. As a result, the club was forced to release its imported playing staff and move to Silver Blades Widnes.[16] This added pressure, and the unlikely prospect of the club being able to fund a permanent home in Manchester, meant that the club was forced to fold halfway through the 2016/17 season.[17]

Earlier seasons

2007–08 season

Form continued to be hard to find for the Phoenix though. Despite scoring significant numbers of goals, the Phoenix defence proved to be anything but watertight and high scoring games became a regular occurrence. Manchester closed the regular season on 23 April with a 6–2 away loss to the Hull Stingrays, finishing 7th in the EIHL. This was perceived by many fans to be somewhat of an underachievement by the organisation.

The Phoenix's seventh-placed finish ensured a post-season matchup with their fiercest rivals, the Sheffield Steelers. Again two high scoring games would follow; the Phoenix lost 5–4 in Sheffield, ensuring a tense return leg at the Ice Dome. Despite scoring four goals, the Phoenix defence again proved to be a problem, with the game ending 4–4 in front of a sell out crowd of 2150. The draw meant that the Phoenix exited the playoffs in the first round for the second year in a row.[18]

2009–10 season

The team finished the season in 3rd place,[19] and qualified for the EPL post season play-offs. They defeated the Peterborough Phantons 6–5 on aggregate in the quarter-finals[20] to progress to the finals weekend in Coventry, where they were defeated in their semi final by the Slough Jets.[21]

2010–11 season

On 27 March 2011, Manchester Phoenix played Swindon Wildcats at home on the last day of the season. Going into the game, Manchester Phoenix needed a single point to secure the league title. They beat Swindon 5–2 picking up two points and therefore were crowned league champions, earning the club's first major trophy.[22]

2011–12 season

Despite losing player/coach Tony Hand to a serious injury,[23] the club managed to remain competitive and finished a creditable 2nd in the league. The Club subsequently qualified for the play off finals weekend, where they defeated local rivals the Sheffield Steeldogs in the semi-final, before losing to the Slough Jets in the final game[24]

2012–13 season

The Phoenix finished the season 3rd in the league, and also reached the Cup semi finals, losing to Guildford Flames. However, in the end of season play off finals, the club took their revenge beating Guildford 5–2 and emerged victorious, claiming their first play off title in the process.[25]

2013–14 season

On 16 March 2014 Manchester Phoenix won their second league title after beating close rivals Basingstoke Bison 5–2. The Phoenix had been in contention for the title throughout the season, but only clinched the title with 1 round of fixtures remaining. The club proceeded to qualify for the Play Off Finals weekend, where they were unable to defend their Play Off title, finishing as runner up.

2014–15 season

On 3 April 2015, the eve of the 2015 playoff finals weekend, it was announced that Red Hockey UK purchased 34% of the Phoenix's shares, Red Hockey UK already owned the Bracknell Bees (49% of shares) and Telford Tigers (100%). The owners announced that they would be leaving Altrincham, moving the club to a new rink in central Manchester.

It was also during this weekend that Silver Blades made the announcement that their proposal concerning the renewal of the ice time agreement could not be agreed with the club despite the offer of reduced rental costs,[26] which left the club playing all their "home" games in Deeside, North Wales, Blackpool, and Widnes during the following 2 seasons.

References

  1. ↑ "Manchester Phoenix: Premier League side fold over financial issues". BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/ice-hockey/38826031. 
  2. ↑ "Storm Clouds Brewing". SportsBusiness.com. http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/149015/storm-clouds-brewing. 
  3. ↑ Hughes, Stuart. "Storm sink as cash bid fails", BBC Sport, 12 November 2002. 
  4. ↑ "Phoenix Bow Out of Playoffs". ManchesterPhoenix.co.uk. http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/247_phoenix_bow_out_of_playoffs. 
  5. ↑ "Phoenix Take Time Out As Part of Plan For Future". ManchesterPhoenix.co.uk. http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/20_phoenix_take_time_out_as_part_of_the_plan_for_the_future. 
  6. ↑ Brierley, Chris. "Phoenix on back burner", Manchester Evening News, M.E.N. Media, 17 June 2005. 
  7. ↑ "Altrincham Ice Dome seating plans". Altrincham Ice Dome website. http://www.altrinchamicedome.co.uk/icedome.pdf. 
  8. ↑ "Phoenix on ice". BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2006/04/05/050406_manchester_phoenix_feature.shtml. 
  9. ↑ "Bison Partypoop on Phoenix Opener". ManchesterPhoenix.co.uk. http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/727_bison_partypoop_on_phoenix_opener. 
  10. ↑ http://www.silverblades.co.uk/page/individual_news/Altrincham/12(dead link)
  11. ↑ "Message from the MD". https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2604/message-md. 
  12. ↑ "Manchester Phoenix unveil plans for a brand-new 3,000-seater arena". https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2611/manchester-phoenix-unveil-plans-brand-new-3000-seater-arena. 
  13. ↑ "Phoenix to play from Deeside in 2015-16". https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2640/phoenix-play-deeside-2015-16. 
  14. ↑ "Eastlands is confirmed as Phoenix's new home". https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2777/eastlands-confirmed-phoenixs-new-home. 
  15. ↑ "A new rollercoaster ride hits Blackpool". https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2783/new-rollercoaster-ride-hits-blackpool. 
  16. ↑ "New rink update". https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2845/new-rink-update. 
  17. ↑ "End of an Era". https://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/2850/end-era. 
  18. ↑ "Phoenix Bow Out of Playoffs Despite Superb Effort". ManchesterPhoenix.co.uk. http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/1133_phoenix_bow_out_of_playoffs_despite_superb_effort. 
  19. ↑ "EPL table as of April 12th 2010". http://homepage.ntlworld.com/malcolm.preen/OFFICIAL_English_Premier_League.html. 
  20. ↑ Brierley, Chris. "Phoenix 6 Peterborough 5 (agg)", Manchester Evening News, M.E.N. Media, 4 April 2010. 
  21. ↑ Brierley, Chris. "Hand offers hope for Phoenix future", Manchester Evening News, M.E.N. Media, 11 April 2010. 
  22. ↑ "Manchester Phoenix champions after 5–2 win over Swindon", BBC Sport, 28 March 2011. 
  23. ↑ "Tony Hand: Injury Update". Manchester Phoenix. 13 December 2011. http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/1990_tony_hand_injury_update. 
  24. ↑ "Coventry Weekend Review – News". Manchester Phoenix. 16 April 2012. http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/2093_coventry_weekend_review. 
  25. ↑ "Rampant Phoenix claim Playoff Title (From The Bolton News)". Theboltonnews.co.uk. 8 April 2013. http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/boltonsport/10341244.Rampant_Phoenix_claim_Playoff_Title/. 
  26. ↑ "Silver Blades Altrincham | What's the story?". http://www.silver-blades.co.uk/page/individual_news/Altrincham/12. 

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