Bison winning run faces Phoenix test (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Bison winning run faces Phoenix test

1:00pm Thursday 12th January 2012 in Ice Hockey By Graham Merry

THE Basingstoke Bison’s recent five-game winning streak has moved the team right back into the hunt for fourth spot, which is currently held by Saturday’s visitors the Manchester Phoenix.

A victory at Basingstoke Arena would move the Herd to two points behind their rivals with a game in hand.

However, the Phoenix have yet to lose in Basingstoke this season, giving the Bison added incentive for a game which has a 6.30pm face-off.

After highly charged home derby victories over Guildford and Bracknell, Saturday’s game is likely to be no different against Manchester.

The visitors will still be minus player/coach Tony Hand and also have an injury doubt with fellow forward Tom Duggan, who netted a hat-trick in Basingstoke last time.

The Herd will be at full strength and Bison player/coach Steve Moria said: “We are on a nice streak at the moment, but have suffered two embarrassing defeats against Manchester.

“We have to be regimental in our approach and we will be going over that in training. They have a lot of offensive weapons who will capitalise on any mistake.”

On Sunday, the Bison face a trip to basement side Telford Tigers, who they have already beaten twice in Shropshire this season, but the Herd lost the last time the sides met in Basingstoke in early December after penalty shoot-out. Despite the Tigers having lost their last 11 games at home, Moria is taking nothing for granted as Telford have taken some notable scalps this season.

The Bison boss said: “They are going to win games at home and we have to make sure it is not against us.

“We have to mentally ready and try to stop them taking a lead.”