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"Meet the coach" event a huge success!

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The "Meet The Coach" event took place last night at The Sports Cafe in Manchester, where an impressive turn-out of around 250 of the Phoenix faithful crammed into the Team Room to hear Phoenix MD Neil Morris and new Head Coach Tony Hand take questions about the forthcoming season.

Neil Morris opened the proceedings with a brief overview of the developments that have taken place over the past few months, chiefly the commencing of work on the Oakfield Road site in Altrincham where the new Altrincham Ice Dome will stand.  Neil revealed that the site will also be the home of the permanent rink, which will be built at the other end of the site and will be the home of the Phoenix in five seasons time.

Phoenix Spokesperson Andy Costigan gave the fans an overview of the selection process for the vacant Head Coach position, telling of how a process that began back in December has resulted in the appointment of Tony Hand, a player and coach with an impressive track record of titles and silverware.  Then Tony himself took to the microphone to give his views on his appointment, and to tell the fans how much he is looking forward to the challenge of the new season.

Following this came a question and answer session, during which Tony and Neil answered questions regarding the response to the proposed junior development system, the potential use of British players, the type of players that Tony will look to sign, and other topics.  The evening then continued with Neil and Tony unveiling the new designs for the home and away team shirts, which were greeted with a cheer from the fans, especially when the shirts were turned around to reveal the number 9 and the name 'HAND' already emblazoned on them!

Afterwards, Tony and Neil mingled with the fans whilst Mags Pullen and Mike Landers sold raffle tickets for a prize draw, modelling the new shirts as they went.  The evening concluded with the raffle draw, and with Tony and Neil posing for photographs with the new shirt.

"I'm staggered by the turn-out tonight," said Neil Morris after the event, "I wasn't expecting this many people to come here tonight.  The Phoenix fans are a great bunch, and I'm so pleased that they've stuck by their team even when we've not been playing.  It just goes to show that ice hockey is alive and well in Manchester!"

The Phoenix are back!  Roll on the new season!

by Richard Allan