Phoenix sign the final pieces of the jigsaw

Wednesday, 3rd September 2014

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix brought in two players to finalise their squad for the coming season.

Coach Tony Hand’s long search for an import D man finally paid dividends with the signing of Swede Johan Burlin.

The 25 year old, Skelleftea-born blue liner is well travelled in European hockey with stints in his home country, Russia, Germany and Italy.

Johan was a junior star, playing for his home town under 18s and the under 20s in the Swedish Super Elit under 20 league.

In 2007 he had one game in the SHL whilst playing 43 games for the Skelleftea under 20s and 4 games for his national under 19 team.

He made his breakthrough in the SHL the following season with a full year with his home club. 2009 saw him play in the Allsvenskan (Swedish second tier) and the Swedish 1st division for Boras and Pitea respectively.

A trip to the Russian second tier, the VHL, next with a season for Perm then back home in 2011 to the Allsvenskan with Sundsvall.

Johan’s itchy boots got the better of him again in 2012 and a trip to Germany for a season with Lausitzer Fuchse in DEL 2.

Last season, he moved to the Italian top league with 41 games for Fassa.

Johan spoke to Phoenix TV at the meet the players evening and had this to say:

“I have not heard much about the league but I come here to play and do well for the club and the fans. I know about Manchester and have come for the weather. I play a strong two way game and can be physical when I need to be.”

Coach Hand is also taking a long hard look at Jared Dickinson.

The 19 year old product of the Phoenix junior system has been called up to the senior squad for next week’s intense training camp after playing his way through the under 16 and 18 sides at Altrincham. He played for the Trafford Metros in 2011 and the following year was given a game with the senior Phoenix side and scored a goal on his single appearance that year.

Coach Hand said:

“Jared has come through the club system and is a great prospect. He showed previously he has the ability and I want to take a long look at him next week where he will benefit from training alongside the seniors and hopefully push himself into the squad.”

Finally, ex-Slough Jets coach Craig Moran will help the club out as an assistant coach for the coming season. Craig is based down soouth and has a new baby on the way; but will be providing valuable assistance from the bench for most of our away games.

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Phoenix sign the final pieces of the jigsaw

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