Phoenix ready to start title defence

Manchester Phoenix 4-1 Sheffield Steeldogs (Phoenix win 8-5 agg)

Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix are ready to begin the defence of their English Premier League crown after retaining the War of the Roses pre-season trophy.

Phoenix, who begin their quest for back to back league titles this weekend, drew 4-4 in Sheffield on Saturday after only a couple of training sessions midweek, before beating an improved Steeldogs side 4-1 on Sunday.

New signings Slava Koulikov, Martin Cingel, Juraj Faith and Jaroslav Spelda all found the scoresheet over the weekend as the players began to find their feet ahead of the opening league fixtures this week.

After a goal-less opening period on Sunday, Slava Koulikov broke the tie with his second of the weekend in the 25th minute before powerplay goals from Juraj Faith and Stephen Wallace saw Phoenix lead 3-0 at the second break.

Sheffield pulled a goal back through Chris Sykes in the 47th minute but Jaroslav Spelda hit the empty net with little over a minute remaining to seal the win.

Phoenix are back in action at Altrincham Ice Dome on Sunday against Basingstoke Bison after travelling to Slough Jets on Saturday for their league opening game.

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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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