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'Spark plug' Rhys joins Phoenix

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Manchester Phoenix Director of Hockey Tony Hand has added to his contingent of British players with the signing of Rhys McWilliams from the Solihull Barons.

Hand noted, "Rhys had a good season last year on a team that didn't enjoy the best of fortunes and when the Barons announced they would not be entering the EPL this season, I contacted Barons coach Dave Graham. Dave said good things about Rhys describing him as a 'spark plug' type of player, a lively character, someone who would bring good energy to our third line."

Standing 5ft 10ins tall and tipping the scales at 175lbs, the right shot forward registered 10 goals and 15 assists in 40 appearances in the English Premier League last season while sitting out 126 minutes in penalties.

Describing his signing for the Phoenix as a "dream come true" 21-year old Rhys bubbled his excitement adding, "Signing to play with a team at the highest level is what I've always worked for and wanted. It's always been a goal for me and I'm thankful for the opportunity the Phoenix club have given me. I was excited to speak to Tony Hand about joining and naturally grateful that coach Graham spoke well of me. I've played against both Adam Walker and Matt Rich before so there will be a couple of familiar faces on the team."

Asked to describe himself and his style of play Rhys remarked, "I play a direct style of game, working as hard as I can every shift. Off the ice, I'm an easygoing character, looking forward to enjoying the experience of top-flight hockey in Manchester. I can't wait to get there, meet the other players and get going."

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• Profile for Rhys McWilliams