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Viking sails into Phoenix, and a fan favourite returns

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J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix have added 2 more players to the 2012-13 roster. Norwegian forward Joachim Flaten has signed from his home club Frisk Asker of the Norwegian Elite League and returning for a third season is fan favourite Tom Duggan.

Phoenix are pleased to welcome 25 year old Norwegian forward Joachim Flatento Manchester. Joachim has been a one club man since he set out on his professional career, playing 10 years for Frisk Asker at Under 19 and senior level. In 2006 he attended Concordia College, playing 25 games inthe NCAA.

Joachim has played 255 games in the Norwegian top league, scoring 46 goals and 75 assists. He had a career best season last time out, finishing as his club’s top scorer with 17 goals and 11 assists. Not a bad effort considering Frisk finished second bottom of the league, winning just 5 games in regulation during the whole season and only avoiding relegation through the play down series.

On the phone to Phoenix TV, Joaquim said: “I talked to Phil Osear [Cardiff's new goalie], a good friend of mine, and he spoke highly of hockey in the UK. So I sat down with my agent and said I wanted to play in the UK. I had a talk with Tony and after that it was a no brainer to sign with Manchester. First impressions of the Phoenix are that they are a serious organisation & looking to win the league next year. I’m a really hard working player & want to be the hardest working in the league. I have a good shot and hope to show that off next season in the league.”

Coach Hand had this to say about our first import signing of the close season: “The lad has a good all round game and extensive experience in a very good hockey league and will do well in the EPL. He was top scorer in his team, despite them having a poor season. His club wanted him back as captain for next season, showing his leadership qualities too. There were a couple of Elite clubs chasing his signature but the chance of study at Bolton University was a big factor.”

22 year old Tom Duggan had a break out year last season, picking up 26 goals and 27 assists as he played a major part in Phoenix’s run to 2nd place in the league and the play off final. His 110% effort type of play endeared himself to the Phoenix faithful as well as his team mates as he picked up no less than 4 awards at the annual presentation evening at the end of last season. He was awarded Fans’ player of the year, Forward of the year, and Supporters’ Club player of the year and was given the accolade of Players’ player of the year by his team mates.

Tom has iced 200 games in the EPL for Bracknell, Guildford and Phoenix, scoring 69 goals and 81 assists along with 150 penalty minutes. He has also represented Team GB in the World Junior Championships at under 20 level scoring 3 goals and 4 assists in 4 games.

Phoenix TV’s Pete Hagan spoke to Tom and he had this to say:” Tony spoke to me at the end of the year and it’s a place I want to be playing. I am really excited and wasn’t a hard decision at all. I like the team from top to bottom, from coaching, my team mates, physios and fans. It’s a very professional organisation.  Its nice to already be comfortable with a team before I even get on the ice.”

Coach Hand commented:” Tom had a good season last time out and I am looking for him to continue his development. He is young and maturing every season. His work ethic is outstanding and he comes to play every shift.”