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Phoenix sign Andrew Sharp

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Phoenix have signed former Sheffield Steelers and Edinburgh Capitals enforcer Andrew Sharp.

The 26-year-old right winger has been brought into the side to add some more toughness as Tony Hand’s men challenge for the English Premier League title.

Sharp first arrived in the EPL in 2005 with Romford Raiders and quickly made a name for himself as an uncompromising competitor.

He has been playing in the ultra-hard Ligue Nord Americaine de Hockey in Quebec with St Francois de Sherbrooke.

Phoenix coach Hand has been struggling to find a replacement for Dean Holland who left a couple of weeks into the season but moved quickly when he heard Sharp was available.

“Andrew has been brought in for his physical presence and his toughness,” he said.

“I feel that teams are taking too many cheap shots and I think we needed somebody who, when guys want to fight, is the kind of person to take them on.

“Our better players are being targeted so it’s important to bring a guy like that in and Andrew will like that role.

“I’m not bringing him in for his skilful play. He’s tough and he’s willing to drop the gloves at any time.

“It will help the guys and give them a bit more confidence.

“He’s there to make sure the opposition are honest and play the game. That’s what he’s coming in for.”

Sharp is expected to arrive in time for next weekend’s games at Guildford on Saturday and at home to Peterborough in Altrincham on Sunday (5.30pm).

Sharp is comfortable with his role as enforcer and is quoted as saying: “No matter how you play you earn respect by backing your actions.

“If you play a certain way you shouldn’t hide or adjust your game because you are playing against a player that will finally hold you accountable.

“If you talk the talk, you have to walk the walk on the ice just like in life.”

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