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Fone returns for second Phoenix term

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Phoenix netminder Steve Fone has his sights set fairly and squarely on a better season this coming winter, having agreed terms on a second year as the starting netminder for the Manchester Phoenix.

Rotherham-born Fone iced in 52 of 59 possible games for the Phoenix last season due to a dislocated shoulder then kept him out of the line-up for the whole of December. Fone was hurt late into a 7-4 victory over the Swindon Wildcats November 28th at a time when the club were riding high in the EPL standings.

"We were playing well as a team, I felt in good form and everyone was confident. Then the injury came and I had to sit out till the New Year having dislocated my shoulder. I had to rest and work with the physios in order to get back and see out the season, before taking the surgery needed to fully correct things."

Fone went into hospital for keyhole surgery on May 7th and all the signs are that the procedure went well and a full return to peak playing condition will follow.

"The surgeon was really happy with the way things went when he confirmed that I'd torn not only the front of my shoulder socket lining, but part of the bicep muscle too. It was pretty sore for a few days, but I'm already doing exercises given me by the physios and I'm out of the sling. Thankfully, the strength work I did back in December in order to get back in the team has helped and I should be able to do some serious work with weights inside a couple of weeks - the thing right now is not getting bored with the relative inactivity."

"Normally in the off-season I work as a lifeguard at the local swimming pools in Sheffield but obviously, that's out at least for now. I will be on the ice as quickly as possible though, working with Stevie Lyle at one or two of his goalie schools to help me get in the swing again."

Phoenix player coach Tony Hand commented, "Steve is a good goalie and it was rough on both him and the team when he got hurt. He worked hard to get back to fitness and I thought he deserved another year to really show what he can do. Goalies by the sheer nature of their job can sometimes be a little quirky, but Steve is a very calm guy, works hard and is popular among his peers."

Reflecting further on last season and looking forward to a second term in Manchester, Steve added, "Naturally I'm pleased to be coming back, it's nice to know I was wanted and I'll certainly be looking to improve upon last year both personally and from a team perspective. I think we've got unfinished business from last season as we were going so well and then things just went away from us a little."

"On a personal note, I want an injury free season as it's horrible being out of the line-up, and I think from the way things are shaping up with the squad, we look to be stronger already. I really enjoyed it last year and the fans gave me great support, hopefully we can repay their loyalty with some silverware this season."

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