TONY Hand is the man chosen to lead Manchester ice hockey into an exciting new era.
The 39-year-old Scot é probably the greatest-ever British born and trained player é has been appointed player-coach of Manchester Phoenix as the team prepares to move into their new ice rink in Altrincham in September.
Hand was drafted into the NHL when selected in the 12th round in 1986 by the Edmonton Oilers and has won just about every honour going in the domestic game. In 2004 he was awarded and MBE for his services to the sport.
In recent seasons he has been player-coach with the Dundee Stars in the British National League, then the Belfast Giants and Edinburgh Capitals in the EIHL.
But Manchester ice hockey fans probably remember him best as a player for Sheffield Steelers in their tussles with Manchester Storm.
Potential
Club owner Neil Morris had no hesitation in offering the job to Hand who said: éThis place has got so much potential I had no hesitation in taking the job,é he said. éNeil Morris has spelled out exactly what he wants and I know I will be able to build the kind of team the Manchester fans deserve.
éI want a team that can compete and a team that can win. Thatés the priority but thereés a lot of work to be done and ités going to be tough starting from scratch.
éBut ités a long summer and Iéve already started looking at players.é
Work has started on the new facility next to Altrincham station and it will be a race against the clock to finish it in time for the new Elite League season which starts in September.
But Hand reckons the facility will be one to be proud of.
éIéve seen the plans and the work so far and ités an exciting project,é he said. éThere is massive potential in this area and the rink is the perfect size to create a great atmosphere.é
Is Hand the right man for the job? Have your say.
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What happened to the Manchester Storm?
Tony is a great coach and a great player, he should do well with Phoenix. If he would pass the puck instead of his solo runs he could bring Phoenix from the ashes to Elite League glory. Good luck TH9.
Good Choice of coach British and experience both as a player and as a coach think this is very good choice on the part of Manchester Phoenix Ice Hockey Club and i look forward to the new season and the great potential Tony can bring to the club
Good Luck Tony and the tram
and thankyu Neil all the hard work has finally paid off
Good luck to all involved. I can't wait for the new season. Well done to Neil Morris for bringing hockey back to Greater Manchester.
very pleased with the selection of the coach looking forward to the season starting thanks neil and all the rest that helped get PHOENIX up and running see you all in alty in september.
Mark, Manchester Storm went into voluntary liquidation with thousands in debts back in Autumn 2002. Neil Morris came forward, starting up again from scratch. Due to issues surrounding the ownership of the "Manchester Storm" name, this new team formed as Manchester Phoenix. They played the 2003-04 season in the MEN Arena, which continued to be financially unviable. Neil mothballed the team until a new rink dedicated for ice hckey could be built.
Totally not happy with the choice,experienced coaches put aside for the cheap player coach option again..it didnt work with Brebant..also remember when Hand said he'd never play for a manchester team...short memory eh tony.
I think Hand is a fantastic appointment. I was never a fan of the Storm/Phoenix - Overrated Imports. I was brought up on BRITISH hockey at Altrincham Aces. However, I would have no problem watching BRITS play on a BRITISH team. The problem with past teams is that no-one wanted to watch a team of overrated imports with no passion but full wallets. If Mr.Hand brings in young local talent then he will have a fantastic team...and I might even go and watch myself, when Im not playing!!!
Yep, interesting choice!!!
Tony Hand....5 clubs in 6 years, looks like stability is the key in that decision! By recent history the phoenix/storm will be lucky to survive more than a year anyhow! Whats the score with local hockey development, seems more concerned with hockey mercenaries?
Well DJ, at least we have a coach, and I know he'll do a better job than many people, including me!
I have to confess, despite hoping it would happen, I seriously doubted Neil would be able to get it all sorted in time to get a team together for the next season.
Great job guys, good luck Tony, and see you in September is all i have to say!
this guy should of retired 10 years ago