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Phoenix complete roster with final forward signing

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Manchester Phoenix Head Coach Tony Hand has completed his summer recruitment drive with the signing of 26-year old Canadian forward Joe Tallari.

Hand remarked, "Joe's name came our way last week and I made some enquiries about him. The responses we got were very encouraging as he is described as an 'offensive contributor' and a really good team player. We contacted his agent, made our offer and after a little bit of negotiating, I'm delighted to say Joe has accepted and will be with us for this weekend. He holds an Italian stamp on his Canadian passport and that enables him to fly in straight away. Hopefully, he'll be ready to play in at least one of the games this coming weekend against Sheffield."

Joe Tallari is a left shot forward from Thunder Bay in Ontario who stands 6ft tall and weighs 195lb. After graduating from Niagara University with a degree in Business Marketing, he turned professional with the Johnstown Chiefs having made one appearance in the American Hockey League with the Hartford Wolf Pack. He wasn't drafted, but has attended training camps of both the New York Rangers and Islanders. In his rookie year in Johnstown, he scored 32 goals and 19 assists for 51 points in 66 games and in the process earned two further call-ups to the AHL firstly with the Cleveland Barons and then the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

His second season in Johnstown saw another 37 points accumulated by way of 18 goals and 19 assists before a second stint with Bridgeport in the AHL. Last season, he moved west and played the season in Nevada with the Las Vegas Wranglers.

Describing his style of play Joe noted, "I'm an honest hard-worker both in game and practise situations. I think I play a sound defensive game, but I enjoy getting forward and looking to put the puck in the net or making plays for others to do so. I play with confidence and have high expectations of myself, but don't put myself under undue pressure."

Coming to the UK will not phase Joe as he noted, "I spent seven weeks in London in 2002, living near Waterloo station while studying at the Schiller International campus there. I remember England losing narrowly in the World Cup as I'm a big David Beckham fan and enjoyed watching the football. I'm looking forward to coming to Manchester, last season was a whole different way of life out in the desert of Nevada, I expect Manchester to be another interesting change of scenery."

Player Profile

• Profile for Joe Tallari