Phoenix have Faith in Juraj

Manchester Phoenix player coach Tony Hand has made a habit of waiting out the summer to pick up quality players at the last minute and this year is no different.

Former Phoenix favourites Johan Molin, Joe Tallari, David Beauregard and Marcus Kristoffersson have all been late summer arrivals, now forward Juraj Faith can be added to the list.

The 35 year old Slovakian born forward comes to Altrincham with a wealth of experience in the Slovakian Extraliga playing for hometown team HC Kosice where he won a league title in 2008.

He has also iced for Freiburg in the German DEL and Mulhouse in the French Ligue Magnus to complete an impressive career in Europe.

Hand said: “I am delighted to have him on board. His pedigree speaks for itself. He comes very highly recommended and having been a captain of a championship winning team, and on-ice leader, can only benefit the whole squad.

“I am he sure will play a big part in our efforts to retain the championship.”
Hand now has to find an import defenceman and a back-up netminder to complete his squad for the new season after James Neil re-signed for a third term in Altrincham last week.

Phoenix begin their title defense in Slough on September 24 before hosting Basingstoke Bison the following night at the Ice Dome.

Phoenix bring back Johnson; Retain Wood.

Head coach Tony Hand has added two more players to his title defending Manchester Phoenix this week as his squad nears completion.

Last seasons ‘Utility player of the year’ Ben Wood is returning to the team for a third year whilst Hand has also captured the versatile Ryan Johnson from Sheffield Steeldogs.

Wood, 23, was part of the Championship winning team last season and whilst his points production was small, his ability to play as both a forward and defenceman makes him a key signing for the team.

Hand said: “Ben is a great lad who works his socks off in training and on game night. I am looking for him to step up a gear next year and increase his points total. I am very pleased to have him back in the squad for the new season.”

Johnson returns to Altrincham after a season in his home town Sheffield. He was part of the first Phoenix side that competed in the English Premier League two seasons ago and, like Wood, can play in two positions.

Hand said: “It is good to have Ryan back at the club. He is versatile and can contribute both on defence and in attack.

“He is working hard on his fitness and will have a utility role with the team. Ryan is good in the locker room and also knows the league inside out.”

Meanwhile Johnson admits that he is eager to taste success with Phoenix after watching them lift the league trophy last season.

He said: “It was great to see Phoenix win the title last year and I am itching to get my hands on one of these medals. I will be doing my best to help in the defence of the championship.”

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Phoenix duo back on the blue line

Manchester Phoenix captain Luke Boothroyd and defensive partner Ladislav Harabin have re-signed with the EPL champions for another year.

The pair were essential parts to Phoenix’s title winning success last year and player coach Tony Hand has moved quickly to keep them at the club.

Boothroyd is returning for his fourth season with the club and Hand said: “Luke is reliable and dependable every night, and has provided a cool presence both on and off the ice for the 3 years he has been with the team.”

Harabin’s first term with the Phoenix was a successful one even if it was hampered with injuries, the Slovak had a knee injury and a horrific wrist injury putting his career in jeopardy.

But Harabin still managed to produce 33 points from 45 games whilst also earning a spot on the EPL All-star team.

Hand said: “Ladzi was the best defender in the league last year and, despite other teams chasing his signature, he always said he wanted to return to Phoenix.

“It is a great signing for the club and, hopefully, he can avoid those nasty injuries next term.”

The two defenders join new centre Slava Koulikov and returnee Tom Duggan on the roster for next season, however Hand now needs to find two new wingers for his top line.

Forward Curtis Huppe has joined playoff champions Guildford Flames whilst his line-mate from last season Marcus Kristoffersson looks set to join a team in Europe.

Phoenix lock down their drawmen for title defence.

Player coach Tony Hand has begun re-tooling his championship winning Manchester Phoenix this week by securing two centres for the 2011/12 campaign.

Forward Slava Koulikov has agreed terms with the Altrincham club and will replace the departing second line centre Greg Wood, who has signed for his hometown Sheffield Steeldogs with ex-Phoenix defencemen Ben Morgan and Pavel Gomeniuk.

The 32 year old Russion born star joins Phoenix from Slough Jets but qualifies as a British player as he has a UK passport after spending the last 15 years playing ice hockey in this country.

Last season, Koulikov produced 81 points in 52 games and helped the Jets win the EPL cup, whilst he has also played for Basingstoke Bison and Hull Stingrays in the Elite League.

Tony Hand told the clubs website: “Slava is a great signing for us. It is not often a player of Slava's quality comes on the market.

“We also have the added bonus of him being British qualified. This makes quite a difference as I look to form the lines for next season.”

Meanwhile third line centre Tom Duggan has re-signed with the club after making a big impact in his first season.

Duggan, 20, chipped in with 30 points last season, helping Phoenix win their first league title and Hand was eager to keep him at the club.

Hand said: “Tom was my choice as coach's player of the year. His effort was outstanding all season.

“Tom never gives any less than 100% every shift. He is still a young lad and will no doubt make an even more significant contribution next season.”