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Walker back for second season

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Manchester Phoenix Director of Hockey Tony Hand has moved quickly to retain the services of Scottish forward Adam Walker for next season.

The twenty-year old forward had an impressive debut season in the bmibaby Elite League ending the campaign with 13 goals and 9 assists for 22 points and taking just 18 minutes of penalties from 56 appearances. Included in his goal tally was a hat trick in a 6-5 overtime win against Basingstoke on March 22nd that all but secured Phoenix a sixth place finish in the table, and making him just one of three hat trick scorers for the club this season.

Hand commented, "Adam came recommended to us last season and he lived up to the good things people said about him. As the year went on, he became more confident and when we hit some injuries, he stepped up and filled a spot on the second line. Overall, I was very pleased with his development and aptitude, and look forward to working with him again next season.

Adam Walker responded, "I felt my game improved 100% all round through playing with better players at a higher level and I'm looking forward to improving further still next season. I really enjoyed Manchester, the people within the club were really good to me and the fans were terrific, I'm delighted and honoured to be asked back and pleased to agree terms so quickly."

Asked about his aims for next season Walker added, "I want to stake a claim for a place on the top two lines with the Phoenix and hopefully enhance my chances with the national team programme. It's nice that my club coach, Tony, is involved with the GB programme, but I know I won't get any and wouldn't expect any favours. If I can break into the GB squad, I want it to be because I'm good enough and I think playing under Tony at the Phoenix can help me achieve that."