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Phoenix reveal their 2015-16 squad to the fans

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Phoenix owner Neil Morris and coach Tony Hand presided over the introduction of this season’s squad at the Mercure Hotel in the city centre.

The evening started with the introduction of players from the Deeside Dragons Junior Ice Hockey Club. Then it was on to business as Anna and Jake brought on netminders Stephen Fone and Phil Spanswick followed by defenders Luke Boothroyd, Ben Russell, James Neil, Mark Thomas and Ben Wood. After responding to questions it was the turn of the forwards to parade in front of about 150 fans in the International Suite at the hotel. James Archer, Jacob Corson-Heron, Nico Aaltonen, Gareth O’Flaherty, Trent Hope, Robin Kovar and Stanislav Gron came on stage to loud applause to be grilled by Anna and Jake.

As always at these events, a new signing is revealed and it was the turn of Michal Satek to meet the fans for the first time.

The 28yr old Slovakian left winger played last season in Romania for Csikszereda netting 18 goals and 18 assists. Prior to that most of his professional career was spent with Skalica in the Slovakian first league totting up over 400 games.

Jim Piper of Phoenix TV caught up with him through his interpreter Stanislav Gron and asked him why he was coming to the EPL.

He said: “It is a new challenge for me to come to England and experience a different style of hockey. I have heard a lot about Manchester and am excited to be here. I will try and give my interviews in English after Christmas.”

That was it for the introductions, or so we thought.  

Coach Hand told of his hopes and aspirations for the coming season and said that Ross Kennedy and Ryan Jones would be on two way contracts with Deeside Dragons and hinted that there would be one more hopefully joining soon.

Coach commented: “I think we have a good squad for the coming season. Two good netminders back up a stronger defence this time round and i feel we have more speed in attack. Priority for the next two weeks is for the defence to get to know each other and see how the forward lines shape up. There is already a chemistry there and we will make sure we compete every week and challenge for honours. It has been a tough summer for the club but we are ready and raring to go this coming weekend.”