Triple Deke on the move..

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    Monday 24 May 2010

    Fone back for second year; Morgan joins.

    Manchester Phoenix player coach Tony Hand has confirmed the signing of netminder Steve Fone for a another year.

    After backstopping Phoenix to the a third place finish in their first season in the English Premier League and helping Phoenix get to the Playoff finals weekend, Hand has put his faith in Fone to step up again next season.

    An injury at the midway point of the season for the Sheffield born goalie seemed to derail the team, but he says he’s ready to give the new season everything he’s got.

    He said: “Naturally I’m pleased to be coming back, I’ll certainly be looking to improve upon last year both personally and from a team perspective.

    “I think we’ve got unfinished business from last season”

    Meanwhile, Phoenix have also snapped up Ben Morgan from Sheffield Steelers, the 22 year old defenceman also has four years of EPL experience with the Sheffield Scimitars.

    He said: “I come to play every night, I’m determined and I see my primary role as playing the body, clearing the net and protecting my goalies.

    “Tony told me of his plans for the team, his thoughts on the role I could play and all in all, he really did a selling job on me – I didn’t need to think it over too long.”

    Monday 10 May 2010

    Duggan joins Phoenix; Walks walks

    For the third consecutive week a new face has joined the Manchester Phoenix with Tony Hand adding to his British roster.

    Forward Tom Duggan has signed for the Phoenix and joins them from English Premier League team Guildford Flames. The nineteen year old was born in Reading and has had the benefit of four years learning the game in Minnesota before joining the Flames.

    Last season he posted 38 points in 60 games for the Flames including a very respectable 26 assists with limited ice time due to their big squad.

    Duggan said: “I pride myself on a solid work ethic and don’t need to be asked to graft on the ice.”

    “I’m not the tallest of players, but I look to combine the skills I’ve developed with a good physical approach to the game.”

    Player coach Tony Hand commented: “As soon as I learned that Tom was available, I moved quickly. He impressed me a lot last season and I actually thought he was one of the better British players in the league.”

    Meanwhile Hand has seen yet another star from last season move on to the Elite League as Adam Walker has decided to join new side Braehead Clan in Scotland.

    Monday 3 May 2010

    One In, One Out for Phoenix

    Manchester Phoenix head coach Tony Hand has moved to secure the signing of top young prospect Robert Farmer.

    Only days after Robert Lachowicz, one of last seasons stars, was unveiled as a new signing for Elite League side Nottingham Panthers, Farmer joins Phoenix from the Sheffield Steelers in a surprise signing.

    The nineteen year old Nottingham born forward spent last season split between both the Steelers and English Premier League team Sheffield Scimitars where he played against Manchester.

    In 20 games with the Scimitars last term, he scored 30 points including 16 goals and will add another scoring threat to the Phoenix roster.

    Farmer said: “It’s a great chance for me in signing with the Phoenix and I’m looking forward to the challenge they’ll mount next season and being a big part of it.

    “I like to get forward and look to score goals and touch wood so far in my career, I’ve done well in front of the net.”

    Commenting on the signing, Hand said: “Robert is one of this countries outstanding young prospects, he brings size, power, aggression and an eye for goal to our roster. I’m delighted to have secured his signature.”