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Hand votes on Duggan boost for Phoenix

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While the rest of the nation grappled with the General Election campaign, Manchester Phoenix player coach Tony Hand elected to make another key signing for the 2010-11 season with the signing of exciting forward Tom Duggan.

Tom Duggan, who turns twenty years of age in ten days time, iced for the Guildford Flames last season posting twelve goals and 26 assists in sixty appearances for the Surrey outfit. However, an opportunity to study Business Management at University in Sheffield also gave him the chance to explore a new direction in hockey and he quickly came to terms on a contract with Phoenix supremo Tony Hand.

Hand commented, "As soon as I learned that Tom was available, I moved quickly. He impressed me a lot last season and I actually thought he was one of the better British players in the league. I'm very happy that his choosing to study up here gave us the chance to bring him to Manchester. He's got a great engine and I think he's the sort of player who can fill a key role for us next season."

Originally from Reading, Tom Duggan began playing hockey in the Guilford junior system before crossing the Atlantic Ocean as a fourteen year old to spend four years in Minnesota at the Shattuck St.Mary's School. Returning to the UK, he joined the Bracknell Bees for one season before returning to the Flames last season.

"Playing and schooling in America was a great opportunity for me as a youngster, I had a great time over there and really enjoyed it. Joining Manchester is another tremendous opportunity for me and I'm really looking forward to playing what I hope will be a bigger part for the Phoenix than perhaps I did for the Flames. I enjoyed Guildford, but felt a need to try and find a situation where I could get the additional ice time I need to continue my development and to better contribute."

"I pride myself on a solid work ethic and don't need to be asked to graft on the ice. I'm not the tallest of players, but I look to combine the skills I've developed with a good physical approach to the game. I want to contribute offensively and put myself in a position where the coach knows he can rely on me to fill a role and execute it."

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