FANS' favourite Brett Clouthier will be back with Manchester Phoenix next season.

The 6ft 5ins Phoenix enforcer has agreed a new contract and joins British signings Phil Hamer, Luke Boothroyd, Carl Graham and player-cioach Tony Hand on the roster for next season.

The 26-year-old Canadian was voted the toughest player in the bmibaby Elite League by fans last season and won the Phoenix `Fans' Favourite' award.

"I really like Manchester," said Clouthier.

"The club have always been good to me and the supporters are great, they seem to appreciate the job I do for the team.

"I come to work hard, play hockey and add some offence to the team, but I guess it's the other side of my game that catches the eye more.

"I'm here to play a role for the team and part of that role is being prepared to stand up for my team-mates. It's a part of the game and it's a part of my game and I don't mind doing it.

"I like playing for Tony, he doesn't complicate things and that suits me. He wants to win and so do I. The personal awards are alright, but I'd much rather have a team trophy."

Clouthier scored 13 goals and 23 assists last season picking up 206 penalty minutes and Hand was pleased with the way he finished the campaign.

He said: "It's great to have Clouts back because he did a good job for us last season.

"His game picked up in the second half and in the play-offs he was fantastic for us.

"I'm sure he'll have a few scraps but he has a lot more to offer than that. He suits our small rink and I would like to see him come back and play like he finished last season."

Clouthier will return to Manchester in late August a married man after tying the knot with fiancee Nicole next month. Tweet