April Fool: Hand in shock Sheffield switch

Tuesday, 1st April 2008

As many of you no doubt realised this was just our little April Fools joke. For those of you that missed it, the full item is left here for posterity!

Manchester Phoenix player coach Tony Hand has stunned the ice hockey world by agreeing to ice for the Sheffield Steelers in the Elite League Playoff Finals.

A Phoenix spokesperson commented, “we were somewhat shocked when the Steelers called on Monday asking for permission to speak to Tony, as a result of a groin injury sustained by Jason Hewitt following last nights game in Altrincham. We consulted the rule book closely and found that as Hewitt was originally a part of the GB Team selection, Sheffield are eligible to call upon a replacement British player providing he’s played at least six games. We called Tony and told him of the interest from Sheffield and he agreed to play to help them out.”

Phoenix and Steelers officials liaised on Monday afternoon, to process the paperwork as quickly as possible, despite fears of a backlash from the other clubs in the semi-final line-up, and in time to get a Steelers shirt made to his size, named and numbered.

Tony Hand will replace injured Steeler Jason Hewitt for the Elite League Playoff Finals
(Richard Murray)

News

April Fool: Hand in shock Sheffield switch

Share this article