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Phoenix fingers crossed for Tallari

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With no game on Saturday night, Manchester Phoenix officials are hoping the extra 24 hours rest will aid the recovery process for leading scorer Joe Tallari.

Tallari played barely ten minutes of last Saturdays’ game in Cardiff and took no part in Sundays’ home game against Nottingham, and has heeded medical advice to rest this week. The Phoenix and Elite League’s leading scorer missed training on Wednesday and Thursday, but was able to return to the ice for a shortened practise session on Friday.

Speaking on Friday Tallari commented, “I hate not being out there with the rest of the guys, even missing training this week has been tough. I feel better so we’ll just have to see how things go. I’ll be in the gym on Saturday for a good workout so that will help me keep the legs fresh.”

Phoenix player/coach Tony Hand added, “Hopefully, Joe will dress for the pre-game warm-up and then we’ll see how he is and make the final decision. He’s keen to play, but we want to be sure.”

Phoenix will add Under-18 forward Phil Hamer to the roster for Sunday’s clash at the Silver Blades Ice Dome against the Sheffield Steelers. Hand noted, “Phil has done really well in training, so he’ll be on the bench. He’s worked hard and deserves his chance to play up with the Elite team. Irrespective of how much ice time he gets, just being there will increase his knowledge and awareness of what it takes – I wouldn’t put him there if I didn’t think he could handle it.” 

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• Profile for Joe Tallari