Return of an old boy and a new kid on the block

Tuesday, 25th June 2013

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix are pleased to announce two more additions to the squad for next season.

23 year old British defenceman Joe Graham returns to don Phoenix colours after a 3 season absence.
Nottingham born Joe first appeared in senior hockey in 2005 when he had 12 games for the Solihull Barons. He returned the following season to establish himself on the Barons’ blue line. In 2007 the dream call came when his home town Panthers signed him up whilst he also iced for the local Lions and the Leopards. Phoenix coach Tony Hand took Joe on in 2009 when he iced 51 games for Phoenix, scoring 5 goals and 17 assists. In the meantime Joe was establishing himself in the GB Under 20 side in the World Championships. Guildford Flames was Joe’s next stop in 2010 and he picked up an EPL Play off medal to add to his Elite League Challenge Cup winners medal won with the Panthers and Gold and Silver World Junior Championships medals.

The maturing defender then moved to Peterborough Phantoms for two seasons, where he patrolled the blue line, scoring 12 goals and 42 assists.

Joe had this to say on Phoenix TV: “I really enjoyed my season with Phoenix and when Tony called, it did not take too long to move back up north. I have one EPL medal and really want to add to that with Phoenix and win something for their great fans.”

Phoenix also brought in some more young blood in the shape of Jacob Corson-Heron. The 20 year old has moved north after 2 seasons with Basingstoke Bison.

Jacob started his hockey career in Milton Keynes, icing for their junior team the Milton Keynes Storm. He also had one game for the seniors, aged just 14, gaining his first ever senior assist. He continued his hockey education for the next 4 seasons, gradually moving up the ranks, gaining more ice time with the seniors. In 2009-10 Jacob earned himself an EPL championship medal with Lightning after icing in 31 games. 2010-11 saw him become a full time forward for Lightning, playing in every game.

Jacob had a change of scenery in 2011 by moving to Basingstoke. A steady season saw him score 9 goals and 3 assists, earning a contract for the following season.

Last year he suffered a horrendous injury in training which sidelined him for most of the season and requiring knee surgery.

Jacob commented on his move to Phoenix: “The surgery went very well and I have recovered 100%. I would not have moved if it had been any other way. I am now really looking forward to playing for Phoenix and my new team mates. I am a 100% player, will do anything the coach asks and am happy to stick up for my team mates if required. I have a whole season to catch up on and am ready for the new season.”

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Return of an old boy and a new kid on the block

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