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Tony Hand inducted into British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame

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The Manchester Phoenix was proud to learn this week that Head Coach Tony Hand MBE has been inducted into the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.

Tony, who hung up his skates at the end of the 2014/15 season, was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside former Cardiff Devils and Basingstoke Bison player Steve Moria.

Tony became the first British player to be drafted by an NHL team in 1986 when he was selected by the star-studded Edmonton Oilers.  After deciding to pursue his ice hockey career in the UK, Tony went onto to become the most successful British ice hockey player in history, registering over 3,500 points domestically.

Tony spent 12 years representing his home-town team, the Murrayfield Racers, before successful stints with the Sheffield Steelers and Belfast Giants in the Elite League.  Tony was also a mainstay of the Team GB setup for 20 years as a player before going onto coach Team GB at the 2012 World Championships.

Our relationship with Tony began at the start of the 2006/07 season when he was named Player/Coach of the Phoenix.  The 2008/09 season saw Tony lead Phoenix to two successive finals, only to be defeated on both occasions by Belfast.

Success for Tony and the club did arrive when Phoenix moved to the English Premier League, with Tony delivering two league titles and a Playoff crown, playing a brand of exciting, attacking hockey.

Tony’s contribution to the game continues as Head Coach of the Phoenix and as he seeks to develop the next generation of British ice hockey players here in Manchester.

Phoenix owner Neil Morris commented: “Tony is one of the most iconic figures in British ice hockey and it’s no surprise to us that he’s been recognised with a deserved induction into the Hall of Fame.

“Tony served British ice hockey for 33 years as a player and has helped to develop and inspire multiple generations of players.  We’ll be waiting a long time before we see another player who can match Tony’s qualities both on and off the ice.

“We can’t wait to organise a tribute evening and presentation for Tony at one of our home games next season.”