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Phoenix sign back up netminder

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Manchester Phoenix continued the recruitment process by signing young British netminder Denis Bell as back up to Stephen Fone for the 2016-17 English Premier League campaign.

The 19 year old, Romford-born nettie played through the junior age groups with his hometown club before moving to Chelmsford Tomahawks Under 16s and Chelmsford Mohawks Under 18s for the 2012-13 season. After a successful year he switched to NIHL2 side Haringey Racers and NIHL Milton Keynes Thunder. Solid performances brought him recognition at Great Britain under 18 level with 2 games at the World Junior Championships.

Moving again in 2014, Denis joined Telford Tigers in NIHL2, having a .918 save percentage over the season. He was also selected again for the GB Under 18 side and made 3 appearances in picking up a Bronze medal in the World Junior Championships.

2015-16 saw him ice again for the Tigers in the NIHL before taking up Coach Hand’s offer of a spot on the 2016-17 Phoenix EPL roster.

Denis had this to say on signing for Phoenix:

“I am looking forward to the step up to the EPL and will learn a lot from Stephen Fone, who is one of the best British netminders at any level. I am going to work hard and hopefully will get some ice time to further my hockey education. I have been to the play offs and the Phoenix fans are brilliant and get behind their team every game”