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Brebant on Devils stand-by

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Manchester Phoenix head coach Rick Brebant has put himself on playing duty stand-by for tonight’s Elite League clash in Cardiff with the Devils.

Phoenix have an injury crisis with Mike Morin out (Knee), David Kozier doubtful (Shoulder and Knee) and new signing Mark Bultje also doubtful (Wrist). Deeside prospect Aaron Davies will not be available either and Brebant is preparing himself at short notice to dress and play if needs be.

Brebant noted late Wednesday night, “Mike won’t play, Kozy is 50-50 but Mark is only 40-60 having received an unpunished slash across a wrist last Sunday. We were hoping ice-pack treatment would reduce the swelling but as of this morning, he was still struggling to hold his stick. We’re hoping that another day will get him there and he’ll receive treatment on the bus all the way down to Cardiff. The final call will be that of the medical staff and if they say no to Mark, then I’m playing.”

Brebant, who hasn’t played since November 4th in a 5-4 overtime win in Deeside against London added, “I’ve always said I would do whatever it takes to help the team and the club – and this will be a real test for me physically. I haven’t trained seriously since last season because I thought had finished my playing days. But, we are hurting right now. I can skate, hold a stick and if I have to go out there I will.”

Smiling ruefully he closed with, ”I hurt my knee back in November and so I’ll probably wear a brace to protect it. I’m more bothered about my lungs - I just hope they’ve got an oxygen mask in Cardiff.”