WHEN the Manchester Phoenix folded, it meant all the remaining clubs had to take a hasty look at the fixture list for the remainder of the season.

Milton Keynes asked if we could play them on Friday, so we found ourselves playing the two leading teams in the league last weekend.

It’s tough to come away without any points, having played hard in both games.

We put the disappointment of losing a close game against Milton Keynes behind us and came out on Saturday with a strong opening period against Telford.

This was their first game of the weekend, our second, and we were short-benched. They managed to come back from our early goals as the game went on.

Not even the energy of the crowd, who cheered us on with horns and balloons, could push us through to the end of the game and preserve our run of home wins.

Still, it’s better to know your team has left it all out on the ice, even if the result doesn’t go your way.

What is encouraging is that next weekend our players who have been representing the British Universities will be back home, and a few of our injured players are also getting back to fitness.

Aaron Connolly got a great reception when he took to the ice on Saturday, having missed several weeks. Joe Miller is skating again and is keen to rejoin his team-mates.

A pointless weekend is disappointing. To lose a team like Manchester Phoenix is sad. Whether we were meeting them in the Elite League or the Premier League, our games were always memorable for high levels of skill and sportsmanship.

Thanks for all you’ve brought to ice hockey. Our best wishes go out to your players and fans.