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Public Meeting - 11/07/2003 - notes

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On Friday 11th July 2003, the Manchester Phoenix held a Public Meeting in the Great Hall of Manchester Town Hall. Heading the meeting was Neil Morris, assisted by Head Coach Rick Brebant and Andy Costigan.

A full transcript will follow, but some of the main points revealed or discussed at the meeting are produced here for information. Please note that any errors, omissions or mistakes are that of your Webmaster hastily scribbling notes!

• The latest FOMIH membership figures were announced, with over 500 full members and 2,300 associate memberships in FOMIH
• The contract with SMG for ice time calls for 31 games to be played at the MEN Arena this forthcoming season. At the moment, this includes 16 Sunday games and 12 Friday games, but of course, these dates may well change.
• For the first time, the home team will emerge from the right-hand side and use the right-hand bench. This is because of locker-room renovations, the old "away" locker room is now more luxurious, so it is only right that the Phoenix use the best facilities!
• For the start of the season, the ends of the lower bowl will not be in use. Agreement is in place with SMG that if fan numbers become sufficient, then the ends will be opened up.
• Away fans will be allocated blocks 114 and 101.
• In the event of the end blocks being opened, fans who used to sit in the end blocks, but have purchased season tickets in the middle blocks will be able to move to their preferred seating.
• On the issue of plexiglass, SMG have agreed to inspect all glass, cleaning and replacing as necessary.
• Students will be able to purchase tickets at the concessionary rate on production of a current NUS card.
• With regard to the return of Jon Hammond, it was mentioned that Jon is very busy with corporate work and there is no guarantee that he will be back behind the microphone. However, no decision has been made.
• The Phoenix will be using the Video Wall at the MEN Arena
• Head Coach Rick Brebant introduced 5 of the successful trialists. A further three could not attend due to other commitments, but in total their will be 8 British players who will be actively development as part of the Phoenixs commitment to local talent.
• Rick Brebant anticipates that the Phoenix will have 18 players on the bench, 2 goalies, 5-6 defencemen and 10-11 forwards.
• Rick Brebant re-stated that he has officially retired from playing and will only lace up the skates in an injury crisis
• A Canadian center has agreed terms to join the club. Two other played have been offered contracts. No names were forthcoming, and this website will only reveal the names when the signed contract arrives at the Phoenix offices.