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Phoenix continue to build for next season

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J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix continued with the building of the 2014-15 roster with the return of two young British forwards.

21 year old Milton Keynes born Jacob Corson-Heron signed for a second season after having an excellent second half to last year.

Jacob started his hockey career in his home town and played for their under 16 team, Milton Keynes Storm in 2005. The following two seasons saw him continue at u-16 level and also icing for the u-19 side. In 2008, he continued his development by moving up to the Milton Keynes Thunder in the then English National League while earning himself 14 call ups to the English Premier League side, Milton Keynes Lightning. He still found time to play 10 games for his home team under 18 side.

Two more years passed with the local lad finding his feet in the Lightning side before he moved south west to Basingstoke for the 2001-12 season. 2012 was not a great year for Jacob with him suffering an injury but a full recovery enabled him to move up north to sign for Manchester Phoenix. He showed his work ethic to coach Hand and, after not seeing too much action in the first half of the season, he came into his own when injuries meant he saw much more ice time. He took his chance with both hands, endearing himself to the faithful with his non-stop effort and willingness to stand up for his team mates. One fact that maybe not a lot of fans know is that he is known by his team mates as the “Official Hairdresser to Manchester Phoenix”. Hairdressing is Jacob’s other trade and he puts his skills to good use, grooming his team mates when required.

Despite his young age, Jacob has iced more than 200 games in the EPL and as he said to Phoenix TV:

“I am looking to step up more next season and get some goals for the team. I love it up here in Manchester and can’t wait to get started in September.”

Coach Hand said:

“Jacob is another player who works his socks off when he gets his chance and I am really pleased to have him back.”

A second 21 year old has also re-signed for Phoenix. Forward Jack Watkins has put pen to paper and will don the Phoenix colours again next season.

Jack, a North East lad from Durham, joined Phoenix last season after two full seasons in the Elite League with Hull Stingrays and Dundee Stars. He played his junior hockey in his native North East from 2005 till 2009, icing for Newcastle Junior Vipers, Whitley Tomahawks and Whitley Braves. Seven appearances in the ENL for Whitley Warriors saw him picked up by Coventry Blaze in the Elite League in 2009 and he mixed that season on a two way with Coventry’s ENL side and the senior team. He moved to Telford Tigers in 2010 and also represented GB at Under 18 and 20 levels. Jack moved back to the Elite League in 2011 and 12 when he played for Hull Stingrays and Dundee Stars. Manchester coach Tony Hand picked him up last season and Jack played in every game, scoring 7 goals and 8 assists.

Jack spoke to Phoenix TV:

“I am really pleased to be back. Manchester is a great club to play for and winning the league last year was fantastic. I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Coach Hand commented:

”Jack had a good season with us last year and scored some important goals. I am looking for him to continue and move up a level next season.”