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Heavey boost for Phoenix

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Manchester Phoenix have moved quickly to boost their playoff aspirations by bringing in the vastly experienced Paul Heavey to work alongside Rick Brebant for the remainder of the season.

Heavey and Brebant will work together in practise sessions with the big Scot taking charge on game nights in order to allow Brebant to concentrate on playing. Making the announcement, Phoenix Managing Director Neil Morris advised, "with Rick having made his decision to return to North America in the summer, we decided the time was right to move decisively and bring in some extra help for this season, and with an eye towards the future. Rick came here to coach but circumstances have meant him having to play and right now, I feel that Paul joining the club will alleviate some of Rick's workload."

Brebant commented, "I've said many times that I will do whatever it takes for this club to be successful and whilst I came here to coach and had no intentions of playing, once again, I've had to lace 'em up again and play. It's not easy to play and coach, and it was taking its toll on me. To be honest, I'd rather coach at this stage in my career, but if I came off the ice right now, the team would lose a player, so in the best interest of the team and making a run at the playoffs, I'll play and Paul will take full charge on game nights. We've played with and against each other over the years, Paul is a very strong personality, a good hockey person and I know he will help the club."

Forty-one year old Glasgow born Paul Heavey noted, "I'm delighted to get an opportunity to get back into top flight hockey. It's been a while since I've taken charge of a team bench and I'm looking forward to the challenge. I've followed the results and know that Manchester has a team capable of winning on any given night. My first impression after talking to Rick, Neil and other club officials is that the team need to focus and concentrate on their own abilities and responsibilities, and grow in self-confidence. I'm looking forward to working with all the players, and this coming weekend with three games will certainly be an in at the deep end situation."

The former Cardiff Devils and Ayr Scottish Eagles head coach added, "Rick is a great asset as a player and whilst I know he wanted to coach, his passion, grit and determination to succeed are still there in abundance. My coming here is no reflection upon him, it's a positive forward move by the club to help him and the rest of the team realise their potential and an opportunity for me to stake a claim for the head coaching role here next season."