PHOENIX expect to have the final piece of their team-building jigsaw in place this weekend.

Canadian forward Joe Tallari is flying in from Canada and will line up for the double header against Sheffield Steelers in Yorkshire tomorrow and in Altrincham on Sunday, (5.30pm).

Tallari has extensive experience in the East Coast League and American League and should prove a key signing for player coach Tony Hand.

"He has good offensive numbers and can play wing or centre," said Hand.

"He has a hard shot and skates well and will be a good addition to the team. He is flying over today and we'll throw him straight in against Sheffield."

Tallari is 6ft and 14st, and while he was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, holds an Italian passport.

He has been to England before during his college days and is excited about the prospect of coming back to play hockey.

Sound

Tallari, aged 27, describes himself as a sound defensive player who likes to concentrate on attack. He's confident, has high expectations but does not put himself under unnecessary pressure.

The Phoenix squad has been practising all week in Altrincham and so far Hand likes what he has seen.

"We have lots of new players in the team and it takes time for things to come together.

"These exhibition games are all about finding your fitness and experimenting with the lines. There will be a lot of trial and error but I can assure everyone we will be going out against Sheffield to win. We still have a lot of work to do, like most team right now, but I'm more than happy with what I've seen so far."

Phoenix fans will have to wait until mid-September before the final phase of the seating at Altrincham is completed. The building problems which have dogged the ice rink since it was started 18 months ago are still causing delays.

"We have had contractual problems with the contractor," said Phoenix owner Neil Morris - joint owner of the ice rink.

"We wanted everything to be completed in time but it's not however all the seats should be in by mid-September."

Good news for Phoenix fans is that they will be able to watch replays of all the action on 18 plasma TV screens around the rink.

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