EPL ICE HOCKEY: Manchester Phoenix have announced the return of two more players for the 2013-14 season.

Czech defender Robert Schnabel returns for the second year of his two year deal and forward Andrew McKinney also signs on for another year.

Schnabel iced in 49 games last season for Phoenix, scoring 8 goals and 18 assists whilst picking up 126 penalty minutes.

He told Phoenix TV: “Last season was great. Winning the Play-offs is special. If you win your last game of the season you have a great summer. Hopefully we will carry on from Coventry. I really enjoyed the club and the fans, who are great. Hopefully I can avoid injury and play the full season.”

Coach Tony Hand said: “Robert was excellent last season and really showed his experience in key games. He has great leadership skills and his role was important to the team. I thought he was great in the play-off weekend and I am very pleased to have him back again this coming season.”

McKinney brought grit and speed to the second and third lines last season, scoring a creditable 13 goals and 15 assists. He also showed he was not one to be pushed around, picking up 105 penalty minutes.

He said: “Last year was the highlight of my career so far. Winning in Coventry was awesome and it was great to get a trophy for the fans. I am really looking forward to the new season and to give it a real go for all three trophies.”

Coach Hand added: “I thought Andy had a good season with us and he worked well with different lines when we had to move things around due to injuries. His 13 goals was a good return for his efforts and the physical side of his game was important. He is a young lad and I am looking for even better things for him in the forthcoming campaign.”