Two players back in the Phoenix fold

Tuesday, 3rd June 2014

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix are very pleased to announce the addition of two more players to the 2014/15 roster.

Czech Republic forward Frantisek Bakrlik returns for a second season after an impressive debut term in Phoenix colours last season. The 30 year old native of Litvinov went directly to Canada after one season in his home town under-18 team. Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League picked him up in the CHL draft in 2000. He stayed 2 seasons there before going home to play in Brno in the Czech 2nd league. Three more seasons across the pond ensued where he iced for the Adirondack Icehawks/Frostbite. Poland was his next port of call for three seasons in Podhale Novy Targ and GKS Tychy. He came to Britain in 2011 and played for Hull Stingrays, Coventry Blaze and Fife Flyers.

Frankie moved to Slough Jets where he top scored with 48 goals and 34 assists. He caught the interest of the Phoenix Coach and he joined Manchester Phoenix for the 2013-14 season. 44 goals and 35 assists in 49 games showed the faithful his undoubted quality.

Frankie’s career is impressive with over 500 games under his belt and he won both a championship and a cup title when playing in Poland and also picked up a championship medal last season with Phoenix.

Frankie said to Phoenix TV after his signing,

“I am really pleased to be back with Phoenix. They are a great organisation with some of the best fans I have ever played for.”

Coach Hand commented:

“Frankie had a fine season last time out and played a considerable part in our championship winning team. It is good to have him back on board for another season.”

Phoenix are also delighted to announce the return to the Ice Dome of very popular British Forward Adam Walker. Adam is one of the league’s most experienced players having iced for Fife Flyers and Guildford Flames in its old guise of the British National League. After playing for Swindon Wildcats in 2005, he moved north to play for Phoenix in the Elite League and stayed loyal to the team in 2009 when they moved to the English Premier League. Having been given the job of an alternate captain, he had his best ever season with 49 goals and 53 assists. That outstanding campaign attracted the attention of the Elite League’s newest team, Braehead Clan, in his native Scotland. Three seasons later he moved back down south, icing for Telford Tigers for the second half of the season, picking up 15 goals and 25 assists.

Adam also spoke to Phoenix TV and had this to say:

“It is great to come back to Phoenix. They are one of the most professional organisations in British Hockey. I have had 4 great years away at Braehead and Telford but I know I have made the right decision to come back. I want to win trophies and Manchester is the place to be. The fans were great to me last time and I hope I can be a winner with them this time around.”

Coach Hand also commented:

“It is great to have Adam back on board. He has gained valuable experience in the Elite League and will be a good asset to the team.”

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Two players back in the Phoenix fold

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