News

Phoenix bring in British Forward

Saturday, 10th December 2016

Manchester Phoenix have added to their squad with the signing of Billingham born Craig Thurston.

The 21 year old joins from Hull Pirates after spending part of the last two seasons in the Western States Hockey League with the Cheyenne Stampede.

Craig’s junior career was mostly with the Newcastle Vipers at under 16 level followed by a season at Bradford. Hull Stingrays picked him up in 2011 and he spent most of the season between the Stingrays’ ENL side and the Kingston Sharks under 18 team. Sutton Sting was the next port of call in the NIHL before heading north to Dumfries and the Solway Sharks.

2014 saw Craig move over the pond for some junior A hockey with Cheyenne Stampede and 33 points in 41 games helped his side to the playoffs. Last year he had 14 games for the Pirates, hitting 2 goals and 3 assists in the EPL before another season in Cheynne.

Coach Hand said: “Craig will fit in well with the team, giving us that extra third line option for the rest of the season as we look to close the gap on Bracknell and Sheffield.”