The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
McEwan delighted to end his spell on the sidelines
Corey McEwen admits he was delighted to finally become a part of Peterborough Phantoms’ season.
The forward star missed the opening 10 games of the inaugural NIHL National Division campaign with a shoulder injury sustained in pre-season.
But McEwen returned for the city club’s home and away clashes against Hull last weekend as a 5-4 home victory was followed by a 4-2 loss on the road.
“It was great to be able to lace up my skates and be back on the ice with the boys last weekend after being out for so long,” said McEwen.
“I couldn’t wait to come back to Peterborough and play in front of the amazing fans here for another season after having so much success last year.
“Picking up the injury in pre-season has been really frustrating for me as I hate watching from the sidelines.
“It was a tough weekend to come back to against Hull, who are a strong team with lots of guys capable of putting the puck in the net.
“They’re a competitive side and we didn’t play as well as we know we can, but we stuck to the gameplan – especially on Saturday – and came out with the win.”
It might be a sporting cliché but there is clearly no such thing as an easy game in the sport’s new second tier.
Another difficult weekend lies ahead with Phantoms heading to Bracknell this Saturday
(6.15pm) before welcoming Basingstoke to Planet Ice on Sunday (5.30pm).
But points are essential to keep the city club on course to challenge for more honours to follow up their treble of last term.
McEwen added: “Bracknell are a tough team to face away from home. We know they always battle for the full 60 minutes and have to ensure we do the same if we are to come out with the win.
“Basingstoke are another team who always battle for the full game and they also have some good players who can put up points if we don’t stick to our gameplan.
“They’re good on the powerplay as well so we need to ensure we stay out of the penalty box and not give them those opportunities.
“It was really good to win three trophies last season and we are hoping to win some silverware to go next to them.”