News

Forward boost for Phoenix Squad

Tweet

Manchester Phoenix made a much-needed addition to their squad today by signing Swindon youngster Michael Stratford.

The 19 year old Swindon-born left winger joins the club for the season, adding to the smallest squad in Phoenix history.

Michael played all his junior career in Swindon, and was on the Swindon Leopards’ under 16 squad before his 13th birthday. He then progressed up the home team ladder and also played in the Okanagen Hockey Academy UK set up which is based in Swindon.

The academy made him captain of their under 16 team and assistant captain in their under 18 set up.

2013-14 saw him get GB recognition at under 18 level in the world junior championship and at under 20 level for the last two seasons, also in the world juniors.

The senior side brought him up last year and he made 51 appearances scoring 1 goal and picking up 8 penalty points.

Michael had this to say to our press officer: “Can’t wait to join up with Phoenix. I was up in Blackpool with Swindon last week and was very impressed with their effort against a big squad like the Cats have.

"I have not had a great deal of ice time at Swindon this season and when Aaron (Nell) told me Tony Hand had been asking about me, I thought it would be a good move for me.”