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Dual Phoenix role for ace sniper Courtenay

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Manchester Phoenix are delighted to end weeks of speculation and rumour by confirming that one of the most prolific goalscorers – Ed Courtenay - in British hockey history has agreed to join the club for the 2009-10 season.

September will see the 41-year old French Canadian - a former NHLer with the San Jose Sharks – re-kindle a dynamic playing partnership with Phoenix player coach Tony Hand as the two combined magically in previous seasons when icing for the Sheffield Steelers and Ayr Scottish Eagles.

But Courtenay, like Hand, has long-term coaching goals and as well as his joining the Phoenix striking fear into EPL defences and netminders this coming season, the 6ft 4ins winger will take on an assistant coaching role for the club.

Hand commented, “Eddie and I have been friends for a number of years and it goes without saying that I’m very pleased that he’s coming to Manchester this season. Eddie is a great player and an outstanding goalscorer and passing forty, like myself, has not blunted his ambition to succeed. He’s already had success as a coach during his time in Belfast and I know that his experience and competitiveness will be a hugely positive influence on our younger players.”

Courtenay commented, “In the long-term, I’m keen to coach, but I also feel more than capable of playing at least one more season. Like Tony, I take it year by year and as long as I still enjoy playing, I’ll probably keep going. Tony and I have linked well before and I played with Andre Payette in Newcastle last season and he’s really excited too about coming to Manchester. We’ll be the older heads and legs and if we can impart some of our tricks, knowledge and thinking into the youngsters, I think this could be a terrific season for everyone connected with the Phoenix club.”

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• Profile for Ed Courtenay