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Sandbeck distraught at reluctant decision

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Mike Sandbeck, an early summer signing of Tony Hand for the Manchester Phoenix, has reluctantly announced his immediate retirement from hockey for personal reasons at home in Canada. 

Coach Tony Hand commented, “I’ve spoken at length with Mike and he is truly upset and indeed distraught at having to make this decision. He has some serious personal problems at home in Canada and reluctantly feels that his only option is to stay home to try to resolve them. Mike is a quality person and having worked with him last season, I know he has not made this decision lightly.” 

Hand added, “Mike has confirmed his decision to me by e-mail and it is clearly apparent that he is terribly upset about appearing to let the club, the fans and indeed the guys he was to have played with, down. I however, respect his honesty and integrity in advising me now rather than at some point in the future that he would have to leave to return home. Everyone at the Phoenix feels total sympathy for Mike and his difficult circumstances, and we wish him the very best of luck for the future.” 

The loss of Mike Sandbeck means that Hand now has three places on his Phoenix roster to fill and he confirmed Tuesday night that another contract has been agreed, and a further signing announcement should be made this week once all the necessary paperwork has been completed.