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Phoenix sign all-star defenceman

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“I knew almost instantly that Scott was a player I wanted to come here,” remarked Phoenix coach Tony Hand after revealing his latest signing to be East Coast All-Star defenceman Scott Basiuk.

 “Scott is an up and coming player with an excellent college career behind him and a big future ahead of him,” added Hand. “And Eddie Courtenay, coach of the Belfast Giants, spoke well of him from their time together at the South Carolina Stingrays. He’s big, moves the puck well and possesses a good shot, and as a captain in his college days, has shown he can handle responsibility.”

 Originally from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Basiuk has done some homework on Manchester too. “I’ve talked to a few people about it, most notably Troy Neumeier who played there a few years ago. He told me Manchester is a great place to play and live, and that I should go there. Ed Courtenay too spoke highly of Tony and Manchester… I listen and take notice of people with that kind of experience. It’s good for me to know early where I’ll be next season, I can concentrate now on getting in real good shape.”

Standing 6ft 3ins and tipping the scales at 210lbs, Scott Basiuk played his college hockey for the RPI Engineers while studying for a degree in Management Information Systems and turned professional just two years ago.

 In 2002, he was acclaimed as the hardest shot on his team and he laughed, “I’ve got a decent shot and have learned when to pick my moments to shoot the puck.” Modestly describing his own game he added, “I consider myself to be a decent player, not excelling at any one aspect but, not bad at anything either. I like to skate, to move the puck and support the rush when the time is right, and hopefully contribute from the point on the powerplay.”

An Edmonton Oilers fan as a youngster Scott admitted, “watching those great Oilers teams really inspired me, that and having watched my Dad play too. I’m working out hard this summer not only in the gym but outdoors as a landscaper – it’s hard work but really helps get you in shape. I’m excited now that I know where I’ll be this season; a new team in a new rink in a city that people I respect have spoken highly of has really energised me.”

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