The off-ice report

Monday, 24th April 2006

The big signing news in the Elite League this week has been the appointment of Tony Hand as the new player-coach for Manchester Phoenix. The former Edmonton Oilers draft pick has player-coached previously at Edinburgh Capitals, Belfast Giants and Dundee Stars, as well as playing for Sheffield Steelers and Ayr Scottish Eagles, among others.

Cardiff Devils have moved quickly to secure the services of their GB International winger Mark Richardson, who will be returning to the club for his second season, having played previously for Bracknell Bees. The signing was completed before Richardson journeyed to France to take part in the Group B World Championships, and before Cardiff Coach Ed Patterson set off home for the summer.

Coventry Blaze have confirm the signatures of Tom Watkins and Tom Carlon this week, Carlon signing his first professional contract in order to take up a full time position with the club having spent the past season on a two way contract with Telford Tigers. Watkins has been with Coventry since the year 2000, and has signed a two year contract that will see him at the club until the end of the 2007/2008 season. Coventry will however be without the services of Evan Cheverie and Dan Welch, both of whom have signed for HC Morzine-Avoriaz Penguins in France.

Nottingham Panthers are looking for a new coach after a contract offer was turned down by this season's coach, Mike Blaisdell, but a new offer hasn't been ruled out at this stage. Panthers chairman Neil Black has revealed that the club has been receiving applications for the position for some time, but has been focussing their efforts on retaining Blaisdell. "We wanted to do things the right way and that's why we have been negotiating with Mike," says Black. "He wants more time to think about his future and in the meantime the club will looking in other directions."

by Richard Allan

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The off-ice report