BRUCE Mulherin was so determined to join Manchester Phoenix he phoned up and asked for a job.

The 26-year-old Canadian forward had been tipped off by former Sheffield forward Shaun Sutter and Phoenix star Joe Tallari that Manchester is a great place to play and live.

So when he decided to leave Las Vegas Wranglers, he got in touch with Phoenix player-coach Tony Hand.

“It was after speaking with Shaun that I first got in contact with Tony Hand to see if there was any interest,” said Mulherin, from Red Deer, Alberta. “And after speaking with Joe who’d also played in Las Vegas, he too said good things about the UK, the league and Manchester in particular, so my decision wasn’t too hard in making.”

That decision was also influenced by the opportunity to continue his studies at Bolton University.

Mulherin started his career with the Olds Grizzlies in the Alberta Junior Hockey League before spending four years at the University of Alabama.

His first professional campaign was split between the Gwinnett Gladiators and the Toledo Storm in the East Coast League while last season he reached the Kelly Cup final with Las Vegas, losing in game six.

“It was very disappointing to lose out in the final but it was a great experience and one that makes me want to try even harder next season to win a championship.

“I really enjoyed playing in Vegas, everyone wants to play there and now I’m looking forward to coming to Manchester.
“I’m still developing as a player and I learn something new about myself and the game every day.

“I like to think I’ll bring good energy and enthusiasm to the team. The chance to study is a real bonus and was a huge selling point for Manchester over some other teams, especially on top of the good things that Sutts and Joe told me.

“I spoke to Tony Hand two or three times and I’m excited to have signed a contract.”

Mulherin plays wing or centre and Hand said: “Bruce was highly recommended to me as a great team guy, hard-working, eager and determined to succeed.

“He can play a physical game, score goals or be the set-up guy. He plays both ends of the ice and that’s the kind of attitude and effort we want from our team this season. I’ve only got two or three more places open and hopefully they’ll be filled very shortly.”
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