News

Coach Hand announces his captains for the season

Tweet

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix player coach Tony Hand MBE has announced his captains for the new season.

Returning defenceman Luke Boothroyd retains the club captain role and his two assistant captains will be Martin Cingel and another returnee, James Archer.

Luke will be captain for the third year in a row and skippered the club to its first English Premier League title last year.

Coach Hand said: “Luke’s style as captain is quiet, confident and assured and I had no real decision to make when he agreed to return to the club.”

Luke commented: “It was a great feeling picking up the trophy last season as captain and I certainly would like to do it again next March. It is an honour to be captain of a fantastic organisation.”

Martin Cingel will wear the A as an assistant captain and his experience of being captain with the Edinburgh Capitals will be a great benefit to Phoenix.

Coach Hand agreed, stating: “Martin is a very experienced player who knows the British game and his years as captain up in Edinburgh will obviously stand him in good stead with the club. Also speaking a common language with our other Slovakian players will help with any communication required.”

Martin was quoted as saying: “Having played with and been coached by Tony, I know what he wants from individuals and the team. I am honoured to be given the A by him and will give 100% every week to him and the team.”

James Archer will wear the other A after returning to the club for a second season.

Coach Hand said: “James is a player who gives 100% every game and is maturing into a fine hockey player. He is great in the locker room and having the A is the next stage in his career.”

Coming out of the gym James said: “It is an absolute privilege to be given the A by the coach. I am really enjoying being here at Phoenix and now to represent them as an assistant captain is a great honour.”

Phoenix travel to Slough on Saturday for their first league game of the season and play their first home league fixture at the Ice Dome on Sunday with the usual 17:30 face off.