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Phoenix turn to Burnett

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Manchester Phoenix are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian forward Lucas Burnett as the replacement for the recently departed Grant Jacobsen.

Originally from Rossland in British Columbia, Lucas will bring size to the Phoenix roster as he stands 6ft 2ins and nudges the scales to the 225lb mark. Two years in junior hockey with the Trail Smoke Eaters saw him progress into college hockey playing for the university of Alaska-Fairbanks for four seasons before turning professional. Last season was his rookie year as a pro and he played with popular Phoenix forward David-Alexandre Beauregard on the Tulsa Oilers team in the Central Hockey League.

His time in Alaska saw Lucas graduate with degrees in both Psychology and Criminal Justice, and he feels an involvement in law enforcement may feature in the future. “My Dad spent thirty years in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and as a youngster seeing him in the traditional red uniform made me want to follow in his footsteps. I enjoyed my time at college studying but now I’m looking to enjoy a career playing hockey.”

And with family ties in the UK, playing in Europe was always on his agenda as he explained, “I’ve got relations in Cheshire and Nottingham, so this chance to come to the UK is a real bonus for me. I was excited to get the call from Manchester and as soon as I spoke to Beau, he said great things and I knew I wanted to come over. I play centre or wide on the flank, making space for others or getting to the net myself. I like to contribute and from what Beau told me about the team, I can’t wait to meet up with the boys and get going.”

Phoenix head coach Tony Hand noted, “We’ve had a very good start to the season and I was keen to bring a new guy in quickly to maintain the balance and tempo in the squad. I think Lucas will be an excellent signing. He had a good first year as a pro and David spoke very highly of him having played with him in Tulsa. I am confident that he’ll slot in quickly and prove a good asset to the club.”

Player Profile

• Profile for Lucas Burnett