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Phoenix add British defenceman and experienced bench coach

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Manchester Phoenix Director of Hockey Tony Hand has added 23-year old Carl Graham to his defensive corps for the forthcoming bmibaby Elite League campaign, and boosted the team bench with the coaching experience of Davey Graham.

Hand commented, "Carl sent us his details and we took a look at him. As with all players, we did some research, took references and heard good things about him. He's young, keen and ambitious and when I spoke to him, that's how he came across to me. We had thought about maybe only going with four defencemen this season, but with Carl signed, that gives us the extra man at the back and that's a bonus."

Carl Graham came up through the ranks of the Slough Jets club and has represented England at Under-20 level. Standing six feet tall and weighing 200lbs, he went on to play two seasons with the Bracknell Hornets before icing last season with the Wightlink Raiders in the English Premier League.

Excited at signing for the Phoenix, he enthused, "I just can't wait, it's a fantastic opportunity for me to play with the best and hopefully prove I'm worthy. I can promise the supporters I'll be working as hard as I can to repay the faith Tony has had in signing me. Growing up, Tony was an inspiration, so to get this chance to play with and for him is a dream come true in itself."

Phoenix have also agreed terms with former Solihull Barons coach David Graham to join the club as Bench Coach for the new season. Newcastle born Graham, 47, played ten seasons in British hockey, including six campaigns with the Nottingham Panthers, before turning his talents to coaching the game.

Hand noted, "Having decided to play again myself, I was keen to bring in some experience on game nights to help out on the bench. Davey has just the experience of being a former player and having coached the past couple of years, knows how to handle that side of things.

Commenting on joining the Phoenix the 6'4" former netminder said, "It's fantastic, I was delighted to hear from Tony so soon after recommending Rhys McWilliams to him. I played with Tony a few years ago in the GB system and I always respected him. He's been a top pro for so long and he's a top person, I'm really looking forward to helping him make the Phoenix into a real force."

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• Profile for Carl Graham