It has been tough since Phoenix quit the MEN Arena – two years without a team, a season playing most of their games in Deeside and Sheffield, and last year bedding in to the new rink in Altrincham.
But player-coach Tony Hand has been working overtime during the summer retaining only two players from last year’s team, and all the early signs are good.
A mixture of youth and experience, a blend a aggression and skill, and the depth to compete with the richer clubs throughout the full course of the campaign.
After just two pre-season games – a 4-3 loss in Cardiff and a 7-5 win at home to Nottingham – it’s bmibaby Elite League action in Hull on Saturday and in Altrincham on Sunday against Newcastle Vipers (5.30pm). Here we take a look at the new line-up.
NETMINDERS
31 Stephen Murphy
Hometown: Dundee. Born: Dec 11, 1981
Impressive performances for Great Britain this summer convinced Tony Hand to sign him. Has been around for a long time without making a big impression but has improved his game by playing in Norway and Sweden.
30 Adam Summerfield
Hometown: Whitehaven. Born: Aug 30, 1990
A product of the Phoenix youth system, Adam was on the bench several times last season. Unlikely to get much ice time but training with the first team will undoubtedly enhance his progress.
DEFENCEMEN
81 Carl Graham
Hometown: Slough. Born: Jan 6, 1984
EARNED a second season with the Phoenix after some hard-working performances but the popular Brit is hoping for more opportunity this season.
4 Luke Boothroyd
Hometown: Huddersfield. Born: Apr 4, 1987
Signed for Phoenix after spending five years at Hull as Hand attempts to improve his British contingent. Calm and confident on the puck and looks like a good signing.
17 Dwight Parrish
Hometown: Southfield, Michigan, US. Born: Apr 6, 1972
The former Storm defenceman is back for his second spell with Phoenix. Plays a stay-at-home game with no frills but his strength and experience will be invaluable this season.
5 Kenton Smith
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta, Can. Born: Sep 10, 1979
Joins after four seasons with Charlotte Checkers in the ECHL and was signed by NHL side Tampa Bay. Not the biggest but a highly competitive blueliner who is expected to be a key performer.
13 Josh Garbutt
Hometown: Medicine Hat, Alberta, Can. Born: July 18, 1984
Strong and skilful defenceman who likes to join the attack. Attended Washington Capitals training camps and has extensive experience in the minor leagues.
7 Alex Dunn
Hometown: Waterford, Michigan, US. Born: Jan 26, 1982
Another speedy and skilful blueliner who was recommended by former Steelers coach Don McKee. Reliable, gritty, solid and plays with an edge to his game.
FORWARDS
76 Phil Hamer
Hometown: Salford. Born: Aug 13, 1990
Homegrown talent who starred for the Phoenix under-18 team and the succesful Great Britain inline hockey team. Hoping to make a breakthrough this season.
16 Brett Clouthier
Hometown: Ottawa, Can. Born: June 9, 1981
Needs no introduction to Phoenix fans who love his commitment and no- nonsense approach. Expect him to make a bigger contribution on the scoring front this season.
29 Adam Walker
Hometown: Kirkcaldy. Born: July 14, 1986
The longest serving player in the Phoenix dressing room will be looking for a big season this time round after a quiet year. Showed his intent with five goals in two pre-season games.
19 Grant Jacobsen
Hometown: Neepawa, Manitoba, Can. Born: Mar 4, 1983
Was drafted by St Louis Blues but played mainly in the minor leagues. This tall but highly mobile forward is likely to be among the points this season.
10 David Beauregard
Hometown: Montreal, Can. Born: Jan 28, 1976
LOST an eye early in his career but it has not stopped him scoring goals wherever he has played - and he has played everywhere with 19 clubs since starting in Quebec junior hockey. A key man.
14 Nathan Ward
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta, Can. Born: Dec 8, 1981
Played alongside Alex Dunn for Odessa Jackalopes last season where he scored over 60 points. He is solid in both ends and is a good face-off man.
18 Bruce Mulherin
Hometown: Red Deer, Alberta, Can. Born: Feb 3, 1982
Lost in the play-off finals for Las Vegas last season and wants to go one better this time. Plays wing or centre, is hard-working, can play physical, score goals or set them up. The complete package.
9 Tony Hand
Hometown: Edinburgh. Born: Aug 15, 1967
Player coach shows no sign of slowing down despite reaching the grand old age of 41. There is more depth in the roster this season and that will help those old legs keep going a bit longer.
27 Luke Fulghum
Hometown: Colorado Springs, US. Born: Oct 16, 1980
High speed, high energy winger with a good goalscoring record and an aggressive attitude which is likely to go down well with the coach and fans alike.
54 Kyle Bruce
Hometown: Garden City, British Columbia, Can. Born: Mar 30, 1983
Drafted by the Florida Panthers but never made it to the NHL. Strong and aggressive he picked up 247 penalty minutes for Wichita Thunder last season. "I just don't like losing," he said.
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