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Brebant calls time after 17 glorious years

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Manchester Phoenix head coach Rick Brebant has ended weeks of personal soul-searching and speculation by advising that he will return to North America this summer after a glorious 17-year career in this country.

Making the announcement he commented, “This past twelve months has been very difficult for me away from the ice. I’ve had a lot of thinking to do about my future and what is best for my family and the bottom line is that I’ve had a great career here and will always look upon Britain as my second home. Now though, I am putting family matters first and that’s means me returning to North America.”

Brebant joined the fledgling Phoenix club on a two-year contract, but advised Managing Director Neil Morris of his wish to leave at the end of this season. Morris responded, “Rick has given everything to this club since we started and I have nothing but the utmost respect for him. I know he has been wrestling with this problem for some time and I can fully understand and appreciate the decision he has made. I know that he will continue to work as hard as he can for the club until the day he leaves the UK and I cannot ask any more of him.”

Phoenix spokesperson Andy Costigan added, “Rick is the most decorated player in British hockey history. He’s won more medals than any other player and he’s probably the most competitive player ever to play in this country. Rick has served the game well in this country; represented Great Britain internationally and played with no less fire in his belly, never more so than when playing against his homeland Canada in the 1994 World Championships. His desire and appetite for the game are what has kept him playing this year and even further injury could not stop him doing whatever it takes – the man is a winner and a sure-fire Hall of Famer. It has been a privilege to know and work with him and we all wish him well for the future in whatever direction it takes him.”