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Northern lad homeward bound

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J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix are pleased to announce Blackburn born Richard Bentham has signed for the club.

Richard, a well-travelled young man, has joined Phoenix from Peterborough Phantoms after accepting employment in his local area.

Richard played his junior hockey as part of his hometown’s development programme before joining Nottingham in 2004 and 2005, icing for the Leopards in the Under 19 league and the Lions in the EPL. He moved back home to Blackburn the following year, icing for two seasons with the Thunderhawks in the Under 19 league and representing the Hawks in the ENL. Richard stayed at home for the next three seasons in the Hawks team. He also guested for the Romford Raiders in 2 EPL games that season. 2010 saw him play 3 games for the Sheffield Steeldogs in the EPL before heading back down south and a successful season with the Wightlink Raiders, culminating in an ENL South championship medal. After icing 7 times for Invicta Dynamos in 2011, Richard again stepped up to the EPL for over 50 games in Peterborough Phantom’s colours.

Phantoms described Richard as a young player with potential who gives his all for the team. He is versatile and capable of playing both as a forward and in defence.

Richard spoke to the club’s press officer and had this to say: “I have been away a while and felt the need to come back home. I had the opportunity of a job in the Blackburn area and wanted to continue playing hockey in the EPL. The chance came up to sign for Phoenix. I supported Manchester Storm as a young lad when they played in the MEN and to get a chance to play for Phoenix is a dream come true. I play a gritty style of hockey and work hard. I am a d-man but also play forward, a utility player I suppose. I am really looking forward to the new season and playing for Tony Hand.”

Coach Hand commented: “Richard is a young lad with a lot of desire. He is a tough player and will add a bit of grit to the team. He will probably play mostly on the defence for us this season but he can play as a forward should we need it.”