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The Wars of the Roses are back

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The Sheffield Steelers and the Manchester Phoenix are pleased to confirm that the two clubs will play exhibition games against one another on the 1st and 2nd September, just seven days before the start of the bmibaby Elite League season.

The Steelers will host Manchester at the Hallam FM Arena on Saturday 1st September (face off 7.00pm), and 24 hours later, Sheffield will travel to Manchester for the first time since the completion of the new Altrincham Ice Dome for a 5.30pm face off.

Announcing the fixtures Phoenix GM Andy Costigan said, "Our pre-season preparation is well on course for the start of the new season and having meaningful exhibition games is very important to both clubs. There are no friendlies as such between Manchester and Sheffield, so to have two games full of passion and bite will ensure the best possible start for us and the fans. With the outstanding seating being installed in time for the new season, it's the perfect chance to renew the War of the Roses rivalry. We look forward to welcoming them to the Dome on September 2nd, we know they'd like to be the team to help us achieve the first 'sell-out' for the Phoenix."

Steelers GM Mike O'Connor agreed, "we are delighted to be playing against Manchester for various reasons, firstly we know that Tony Hand's team will be a major force in the league next season and we want to test ourselves against a club of the highest standing. Also we haven't been to the Phoenix new home yet, the schedule last season didn't allow any games between the clubs in Manchester so what better way to start a new season than taking several bus loads of Steelers fans to Manchester."