steeltalk.co.uk

Dont think there will be anyone at all who would not agree what a fantastic captain and servant he has been to the club as well as a top man off the ice, I AM really looking forward to being at his last ever home game to show my appreciation, top man and thank you

He's an example of what you can achieve with hard work.

Not the most gifted of players, but he's always deserved his place on the team because of the example he sets and his super skating skills.

Good luck in the future and thank you for the entertainment.

Regards

Doom

Not the most gifted... hmmmm. Maybe in stick handling I'll go with that but look at the other areas. In pure speed he's still amongst the quickest, in speed of reaction the same, in knowing where to be when defending he's up with the best, in being able to bring his "A" game every night he is right at the top, in leading by example day after day for many years he is miles in front, in making the very best of every ounce of talent by adding the hard work and dedication that backs it up I think he's the best we have ever had, many players have failed to back up their talents with effort, not Jono. Leadership is also a gift, he's got that by the lorry load and he brought it every day. If some other players had backed their talent with hard work like Jono did we would have been a lot more successful.

No one deserves a shirt retirement more than Jono.

The service to our club may never be seen again. I’d argue even in his 40’s Jono is as fit as anyone else in the league and still one of the fastest skaters.

I think over the 20 and a bit years I’ve been watching ice hockey, he’s one of the best penalty killers I’ve ever seen in the UK. So much so he’s one of the few players that would have made the 2000\01 grand slam side just ahead of Brent Bobyck for me.

Hope we can at least send him off in style in his last ever home game.

Thanks Jono

Jonno has been, is, a club legend for sure.
He's always set a great example about the importance of hard work and effort and making the most of whatever abilities you have. One of the quickest, smoother skaters ive seen. His penalty killing and commitment on ice has always been second to none. Probably the best role player our league has ever had. I dont think he would argue that he's never been a great stick handler or goal scorer, but his other attributes were so important in a team game.
You cannot argue in any way with his longevity, commitment, success with trophies in his amazingly long career with our club.
You just know he's going to be a success with his non hockey future-he's just one of those people.
Good luck Jonno and many thanks.

Been saying it for a few years now knowing this moment was bound to happen, Hope they announce the number 20 shirt retirement straight after tonight's game.
No waiting about whatsoever.

Gibbo42 wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 08, 2023 4:58 pm

Been saying it for a few years now knowing this moment was bound to happen, Hope they announce the number 20 shirt retirement straight after tonight's game.
No waiting about whatsoever.

Will be done in September.

Normally I go meh, whatever - after a while! (especially this season) when we lose but this weekend felt different, the reason being #20 himself I am gutted he didn't get to go out on the high he deserved in Orange.

I just hope & pray that come the International tournament that GB go out on a high & quality for Pool A again, that would be another great achievement for the legend that is #20.

Lovely tribute to Jonno at the Italy game last night. A lot of affection from the crowd (There's only one Jonno Phillips... walking in a Jonno wonderland) and a Thank you Jonno video montage at the end.

Also helped by it being a cracking game with a cracking atmosphere.

Incidentally, Davey was C for the Wednesday game vs Romania and he was named man of the match. We wondered if that signalled his international retirement?

BontSteeler wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 17, 2023 3:25 pm

I just hope & pray that come the International tournament that GB go out on a high & quality for Pool A again, that would be another great achievement for the legend that is #20.

You got your wish.

Delighted to see Jonno go out on a high with a well deserved gold medal.

I didn't see the game live, but watched the highlights this morning and it looked a cracking game with a great atmosphere.

Congratulations to all.

Regards

Doom