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Altrincham-born Aran Fox nets Phoenix role

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Manchester Phoenix Director of Hockey Tony Hand has made 18-year old netminder Aran Fox the first player to elevate from the Phoenix Junior system into the bmibaby Elite League squad.

"It’s important that the club has a junior system and puts it to good use," commented Hand adding, "and I’m pleased to be able to bring someone into the senior squad in the first year. Having spoken to the junior coaching staff, they had no hesitation in recommending Aran to me and hopefully, other players within the system will be encouraged to train and play hard to get their chance too."

Altrincham born and bred Aran Fox started playing hockey at the old Devonshire Road rink aged nine and he said, "I’ve always been a goalie and playing hockey is everything to me, I love it and to get a chance to become part of the senior team, after all the years in junior, is a dream come true. I was absolutely speechless when Tony called me to talk about becoming the back-up netminder for the Phoenix, totally gobsmacked, I’m just so happy to be given this chance."

Netminder for the Phoenix Under-19 squad last season, Fox has also enjoyed ice time in the English Division One with Bradford and he laughed as he said, "so, I’ve had some experience of harder shooting players. Training and playing with professionals on the Phoenix squad can only help my game develop and being only five minutes from home is just brilliant for me."

The 5’11" left-hand catching goalie is realistic about his role when he added, "I know my chances of playing will be limited, so I have to be patient and use the opportunity to learn and help myself improve. I know things in training etc will be much tougher and faster, but I am so looking forward to this, I can’t wait."

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