The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey team have advanced to the cup semi finals after finishing in top spot in the group round of the Premier Cup table.  For the first time in club history during an advanced Cup round, they will oppose the Manchester Phoenix over a two leg aggregate goal affair.  Spectrum’s tenants will host Leg 2 of the event on Wednesday, February 22^nd at 8.00pm with the opening leg in Manchester on Saturday, February 18^th at 6pm.  The 2^nd leg at Spectrum will be Eagle Radio Kids Go Free.  Season tickets, of course, are valid as usual. 

Surrey’s team topped the table with 12 wins, 4 losses and a pair of points from a couple of overtime/penalty defeats.  The Phoenix finished in the 4^th and final advanced round slot by winning 10 of their 18 games and gaining a pair of points also from overtime disappointments.  During the group round, the clubs hooked up once each in the other team’s building. The Flames hold a 2 win and 0 loss record in those meetings thanks to a pair of 5-3 victories.  Overall the clubs have played 5 times this season with the Flames capturing a win on 4 of those occasions.    

The winner of the semi final will advance to the championship round to complete the competition and crown the first trophy winner this season.   The reigning cup champion Slough Jets have not qualified to make a Cup defence.  The Flames last tasted full Cup success in 2009-2010 when they defeated Milton Keynes Lightning by a 10-4 aggregate score.  Surrey’s team have also picked up Cup silver on three other occasions; claiming the Benson & Hedges Plate in 1998, the ntl: Christmas Cup in 2001 and their first Premier Cup in 2007. 

Flames Head Coach Paul Dixon looked ahead to the semi final:

“Winning trophies is what we are here for so it is obviously a great opportunity now to take a step towards converting one of our objectives this season.  Last season we were very disappointed with how things turned out in the cup. We were tied 4 each on the road against Slough in leg 1 of the semi final heading to the 3^rd period before the roof caved in and we gave up 4 goals to give them a huge advantage. We did well to beat them in leg 2, but before even starting that one we knew we had almost assured ourselves of defeat.  That sort of thing leaves a sour taste in your mouth and now we have another chance to do better.  Manchester is a very skilled side and they have played their best hockey over the past month or so.  We will need to be on top of our game if we are going to hang with them in the opener so we get ourselves back here with a realistic chance to move on to the final.”