The Excel Hull Stingrays were shut out by the Manchester Phoenix for the second time of the season, and failed to score for the fourth time this season, in the first leg of their British Knockout Cup Quarter Final against the Manchester Phoenix.
Buoyed by the return of defensive stalwart Troy Neumeier and Elite League debuts for youngsters Craig Elliot and Matty Davies, a close first period saw just a Kenton Smith powerplay goal separate the sides.
With the Rays understandably doing their best impressions of a river dam, in order to limit the deficit for the second leg against a Manchester side that has beaten them four times out of four this season, a tense affair ensued.
Despite a solid team defensive effort from the Stingrays, Manchester extended their lead in the second period with a lone Brett Cloutier goal handing the Phoenix a two goal lead. They then doubled that lead in the third period with goals from player-coach Tony Hand and Kyle Bruce which gave the Phoenix a handy lead heading into the return leg in Hull on Valentine's Day.
Strach said:
"It was a disappointing result. Manchester do have a big lead but I have seen stranger things happen. They have a Challenge Cup semi-final the following night so they may have their mind on that, who knows?"SOG: 31-26"The two young kids got more ice time than they probably thought and they did well. Troy managed to shake some of the rust off. It will take him a couple of games to get going but I am happy to have him back. "He is a calming influence back there and a valuable player for us"
PIM: 8-8
