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Sandbeck adds quality and experience to Phoenix squad

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Phoenix Head Coach Tony Hand is delighted to have clinched the signing of forward Mike Sandbeck citing "quality and experience" as the telling factors in persuading his former Edinburgh teammate to join him in Manchester.

"I'm pleased because Mike is a really good team player and great in the locker room," noted Hand. He added, "he came in after the start of the season last year and I was really impressed by the qualities he brought to the team. He made a big difference and that's testament to the quality of both his play and experience. In building a new team, you need guys who bring a lot to the table and Mike is just such a player, he'll be a big part of our club and the fans will really appreciate his contribution."

From college hockey with Northern Michigan University 28-year old Mike Sandbeck, originally from Mossbank in Saskatchewan, played four full seasons in the East Coast Hockey League before joining Edinburgh last season. At 6ft and 14 stone, he'll bring good size to the forward lines where he can play at centre or wing positions.

Speaking from Saskatchewan, the left-shot forward said, "I didn't get a full season last time around, coming in late and then picking up an ankle injury but, Tony has sold Manchester to me and I'm really looking forward coming to a new city and teaming up with him again. I liked playing for him last year and it's always good to be with someone you're familiar with. He's told me it's a whole new team and the chance to be in at the beginning is exciting."

Tony Hand also confirmed that he is in negotiations with more players and has issued two more contract offers. "The offers are out and we'll see what comes of them over the next few days. Sometimes these things move quickly, sometimes they don't, we're in no panic. We'll be patient and see how things go, we've got a good portfolio of guys to continue work on."

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