Well, it sure has been one hell of a week, hasn’t it? From the initial statement issued on Saturday (in what seems like a fit of pique by SilverBlades/Planet Petrouis), through to last nights release from the Phoenix & Red Hockey, things have been interesting to say the least.
So, quick recap for those who require one:
Saturday: Silver Blade issue statement which appears to be kicking the Phoenix out of Altrincham Ice Dome. Say further comment will be made by no later than 5pm Tuesday.
Saturday/Sunday/Monday: lots of talk on forums and Twitter regarding the statement. Some not entirely serious threats (and one which might have been, but is unlikely) made against the rink via Twitter. The rink threaten to involve the Police. Is revealed that the rink management and staff had no knowledge of the release by their parent company.
Tuesday: At 5pm on the nose, Silver Blades/Planet Petrouis release their statement. Splits fans across the country. Many seem only too eager to believe the accusations leveled at the Phoenix by Petrouis (misuse of funds from the Junior club being the main one). No “proof” id given for anything in the statement, only Petrouis word, and a promise to show “proof” to select parties is Petrouis deems them suitable. Claims Silver Blades will run their own EPIHL side from the rink next season. Phoenix & Red Hockey issue brief statements later that evening, denying the allegations, but offering no details. Both seem unwilling to indulge in any public slanging match with Petrouis.
Thursday: Statement from Phoenix Juniors appears to contradict Petrouis claims about them not being part of the Phoenix anymore. Petrouis stays silent.
Friday: Statement from Phoenix and Red Hockey confirms that the EIHA has confirmed that the Manchester Phoenix will be granted entry into the EPIHL for the 2015-2016 season as promised. Rumours abound of a plot to have all Red Hockey affiliated teams removed from the EPIHL by unnamed persons (presumably PI/SB/Petrouis).
So, that is where we are.
Some commentary is required I think.
The statement from Tuesday by Petrouis made for interesting reading. As was pointed out by a user on Official Phoenix Forum:
The statement is actually quite cleverly worded and constructed, start with something really negative to get the reader on your side (suggesting Neil steals from children is a good start – no idea how the accounting side works so not going to go any further other than to say it’s a fairly vague/flimsy but emotive start).
Then make follow up statements about Neil advising Silver Blades he has other plans for 2015/16 (this must be bad, he steals from children remember). Silver Blades offer discounted over time (we didn’t beg him to stay, we wanted to help – Silver Blades are the good guys, Neil steals from children).
We warned Neil not to continue running his business and offering season tickets because his plans don’t include us (you still remember we’re the good guys and he steals from children right?).
We hound Neil at the playoffs because he hasn’t agreed to buy ice time from us (you remember we offered him a discount through the kindness of our warm heart, as we want to continue working with a guy who steals from children, erm I mean help the community and hockey in Manchester). He may have reacted strongly when we approached (definitely not harassed) him.
So, yes. Start the statement with a highly emotive claim, which then colours your reading of the rest of the information presented. Clever, but not clever enough to fool everyone. Funnily enough though, I was called “naive” over on THF (The Hockey Forum) for believing the clubs word on the situation, by people who were (and likely still are) taking Petrouis word as being 100% honest. Quite.Naive is accepting anything said by anyone in charge in any business as being 1105 honest and spin free. Everyone wants to be seen in as positive a light as possible. So whilst I support the club, I know we have in the past spun information into as positive a light as possible. So Naive? Nope. But loyal? Damn right.
Anyways. There are a few things that just don’t make sense to me. SB state that we (Phoenix) misused funds from the Juniors to pay our own debts. OK, so thats an insinuation of fraudulent behaviour, although they very carefully don’t mention the “F” word itself. Now bearing this in mind, why exactly would SB bend over backwards as they claim to help Neil and keep the club in the rink? Reducing the rent to a team who you claim owes you a significant debt? Not exactly good business practise. Unless of course their claims to be working as hard as possible to “assist” the club were nonsense designed to make them look like the “knights in shining armour” they undoubtedly wish to be seen as.
So what next? We are still in the EPIHL, despite the best efforts of those with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. We have players signed according to last nights statement. All we need is a venue. Now, it is still not beyond the realms of possibility that we will be in the Ice Dome come September, but there is still a higher likelihood of us playing out of a different venue. Either way, I will still be there.
So as you say ” not beyond the realms of possibility” we are at Alty next season although more than likely elsewhere. We also have players sighed for next season, however unless we can CONFIRM to said players where they will be playing from then any signings become pointless. I know ” in Neal / Tony / Wayne we trust ” but as a Phoenix fan from the M.E.N Elite League days up to present, this whole power struggle thing is annoying at best ! All I ask is a guaranteed venue from which to cheer the Phoenix on, is this to much to ask ?? Frustrated.com
At the minute, it sadly is too much to ask. Organising a new venue will take time. If it was Blackburn for example, we would not only need to talk to the rink, but the Hawks, Eagles, and juniors as well to see if an arrangement could be worked out for ice time. Not an easy or quick task. And all it take sis for 1 party to say “no.” and it is back to the drawing board.