Phantoms crowned EPL champions

PETERBOROUGH,U.K- With over a week to go in the English Premier league regular season the league title has a new name etched on the trophy. After a number of seasons in the shadow of Guildford Flames and Bracknell Bees the Peterborough Phantoms have roped in one of the three trophies that they are still in the hunt for.

Topping the table with a six point gap and with two games left to play the Phantoms delivered their first league trophy in five years. The rejuvenated Phantoms led by Head-coach Colin Patterson have been one the most consistent sides over the 53 game schedule and will look to take this success all the way to the Coventry playoff final. The impressive play of forward and Team Great Britain International Nathan Rempel currently sitting on 100 points has without doubt helped the Phantoms to success but the list of stars in a supporting role including no less than five of the top seven points scorers in the EPL has helped both the Phantoms and Rempels points tally. Superb coaching and leadership from both Patterson and veteran defenseman Dwayne Newman has seen the club transition from a mid table outfit to real contenders for the treble. The Phantoms still have the EPL cup to play for despite being one goal down from game one of two series against Guildford Flames with the score at 4-3 to the Flames. And with a fairly easy draw in the EPL playoffs against eighth placed Swindon Wildcats, the Phantoms are in pole position for an appearance in the playoff finals weekend in pursuit of the treble. With such a successful season under Pattersons belt it came as no surprise to see the Phantoms coach pick up the EPL coach of the year award at the recent UK journalism awards.
Also receiving recognition for a title winning season were Dwayne Newman who was named on the first All Star team. Netminder Stephen Wall, Nathan Rempel and Craig Peacock were all named as second team All star players.   The Phantoms now turn their attention to the second game of the EPL cup final and the prospect of playoff hockey against Wiltshire based Swindon Wildcats come April 4 and 5. Contact the author at Kevin.oconnor@prohockeynews.com