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Phantoms badly need their fans - Phil Wing
DWINDLING crowds at home games could damage Phantoms' chances of lifting the English Premier League title.
DWINDLING crowds at home games could damage Phantoms' chances of lifting the English Premier League title.That's the stark warning from concerned club supremo Phil Wing who fears a lack of backing could hurt his championship-chasing team during the vital final months of the season.
The city side club currently sit top of the EPL and look well-poised to mount a serious bid for their first title win in more than six years.
After last weekend's wins against Slough Jets and the Telford Tigers, Colin Patterson's side are now two points clear with games in hand on all their big rivals.
But Sunday's 6-3 triumph against the Tigers was watched by fewer than 500 people at the Peterborough Arena even though the Bretton venue comfortably seats more than 1000.
Now owner Wing has called for increased support from city hockey fans in what could be an historic year for Phantoms.
He said: "At the end of the day we have delivered a winning team on the ice which could well be one of the best we have ever had here.
"We are in the semi finals of the EPL Cup and top of the league so no-one can ask for any more from the players. They have delivered the good so far this season.
"Now we want the people of Peterborough to do their part by turning up in big numbers to show their support because having a mad crowd cheering us on is worth a two-goal start against anyone.
"We want to make our arena a fortress where other teams fear to play - and to do that we need you."
Wing is convinced his team are capable of drawing large attendances as their recent home loss against arch-rivals Milton Keynes Lightning was watched by a bumper 1,100-strong crowd.
He continued: "For the Milton Keynes derby game we thad a full house with standing room only and the atmosphere was unbelievable that night.
"So we know we have the audience for certain games, but we want that every week as this could be our best season ever and the lads deserve that kind of backing."
And Wing has challenged people who have never sampled the hi-octane sport before to get down to the Peterborough Arena and catch his Phantoms aces in action.
He added: "We know it is hard economically at the moment for everyone, but we offer the cheapest tickets for top class sport in the area and there are deals for families too.
"Of course we have our wonderful hardcore of fans but we want to bring other people back to the game or even those who have never seen an ice hockey match.
"It is the most exciting sport in the world and they get to see a winning team.
"I guarantee to anyone that if they come down once they will be hooked."
Phantoms next home action is on Saturday when they entertain Romford Raiders - a team coached by Peterborough hockey legend Jesse Hammill - at 7pm.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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