So, we are now into June, and I'm begining to crave my hockey fix badly. Streams of games from the AIHL don't quite cut the mustard (although they do keep the worst of the pangs at bay for a while).
Dammit, hockey is like a drug! I need more!
Anyways, the off season is progressing nicely. Coach Hand has made a very good start to the recruitment for next season, with a solid looking mix of old (Long, Wood, Neil, Fone, Archer), New (McKinney, McKenzie), and new-ish (Nurse). Runors abound about who our imports will be, with Joachim Flater of Norway being the name most bandied about, mostly due to this interview he did with his local paper stating that he was coming here for next season: Flater to Phoenix
Stats suggest he could be another points scorer in the Kristofferson mold (not put up huge numbers in Norway, but the level of play is significantly higher, and with incresed ice time his production should go up), so if/when the club confirm it this could be a good start.
Other than that its been quite quiet.
And next season will see the Phoenix joined in the mix of minority sports for the Manchester area by the returning Manchester Giants basketball side. Unlike current local side the Manchester Magic, the Giants will be plying their trade in the fully professional BBL. Could this make it harder for the Phoenix to attract casual fans to the IceDome? Quite possibly, as the Giants will likely be cheaper to watch and get better support from the M.E.N. (as do the Magic). Personally though, I see the chance for some cross-promotional activities (Buy a tickey for the Giants, get a Phoenix ticket for half price and vice-versa), rather that outright competition, but only time will tell on that part.
So, until next time....
