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Successful trial sees Johnson signs for the season

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Manchester Phoenix have confirmed the signing of defenceman Ryan Johnson for the 2009-10 season following a successful two-week trial period.

Johnson began the season playing for the Sheffield Spartans in the English National League and hoping to hear from the Edinburgh Capitals about a possibility of returning to their team. However, when Carl Graham asked to be released at short notice from his contract with the Phoenix, Johnson was offered a two-week trial and the try-out worked out well.

"I know a number of the players and so fitting in was pretty easy," the 25-year old Sheffield-born blueliner noted. "Getting the chance to join a club like the Phoenix is a great chance for me and I wanted to grab it with both hands. Last season, I spent time with Edinburgh and the Spartans, and in Sheffield we came close to winning honours. I liked that feeling, now I want to take it to the next level and be part of a team that does win. From what I've seen so far in Manchester, this team has that feeling about it although nobody talks of winning anything but the next game on the schedule."

Phoenix player coach Tony Hand remarked, "I felt we needed to bring in someone who could give us a stronger physical presence and Ryan fits the bill. He's a solid if unspectacular player, plays his role steadily and I think he'll give us something we didn't have previously."

Phoenix have a tough weekend ahead of them as they travel to the Slough Jets on Saturday for a 6.30pm face-off, before returning home to Altrincham on Sunday for a 5.30pm start against the Basingstoke Bison.