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Netminding duo sign up for Phoenix

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J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix are pleased to announce their netminding duo for the forthcoming season.

Firstly, the return of one of the best British netminders around. Stephen Fone has put pen to paper for his 6th season with Phoenix.

The 26-year-old Rotherham-born back stopper was one of the most consistent netminders in the league last season.

Stephen started his career with the Sheffield Steelhawks in the under-19 league and stayed with them from 2002 till 2005. He moved to the Midlands, to play for the Solihull Barons and followed this by signing as back up netminder for Coventry Blaze in the Elite League. He spent two seasons with Blaze, moving on loan to Romford Raiders, Basingstoke Bison and Manchester Phoenix where he provided injury cover for Phoenix’s Scott Fankhauser in three league games. In 2009 he signed for Phoenix and has been one of the best netminders in the English Premier League. In his time with Phoenix, he has won two Championship medals and a play off champion’s medal and has been selected for the league All Star Team on two occasions.

Stephen talked to Phoenix TV on his return to the ranks:

“It is great to be back with Phoenix for another year. They are a great organisation to work for and the fans are the best in the league. Winning the league for the second time was great and I hope there are many more opportunities to win trophies with Phoenix.”

Coach Tony Hand spoke about Stephen to Press Officer Jim Piper:

“Foney has been one of the best netminders in the EPL for years. He had a great season for us last time out and played a big part in our Championship win.”

There has been a change in the back up position for the new season and Phoenix are pleased to announce the signing of local lad Declan Ryan for the 2014-15 season.

Declan, 21, from Whaley Bridge, played for Nottingham Cougars in the under 16 league and for Sheffield Steelhawks in the under-18 league. 2009 saw him play for Sheffield Spartans and Trafford Metros in the English National League as well as a few appearances for the Steelhawks again in the under-18 league. Telford Tigers came calling in 2010 and he iced with them for 4 seasons, He has also won call ups for the Great Britain side at under-18 and under-20 levels.

Declan talked to Jim Piper on Phoenix TV about signing for his home town club:

“I am so pleased to be signing for Phoenix. It is something special to don your home colours in any sport. I wanted to continue my studies at home and will be starting a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Physiology in September. While playing at Telford, studies meant me sometimes missing training sessions. By moving to Phoenix, I can train as required and have the comforts of home as well.”

Coach Hand had this to say about Declan:

“Declan is a fine up and coming netminder and will benefit from training and playing with Stephen Fone. He always played well against Phoenix so it will be good to have him wearing our colours this coming season.”

Player Profiles

• Profile for Steve Fone
• Profile for Declan Ryan