EPL ICE HOCKEY: Manchester Phoenix have announced their netminding duo for the forthcoming season.

Steve Fone has put pen to paper for his sixth season with the club, and local talent Declan Ryan has joined from Telford Tigers.

26 year old Rotherham-born Fone was one of the most consistent netminders in the league last season and has been one of the best netminders in the English Premier League since joining Phoenix in 2009. In his time with Phoenix, he has won two Championship medals and a play off champion’s medal and has been selected for the league All Star Team on two occasions.

Speaking to Phoenix TV, Fone said: “It is great to be back with Phoenix for another year. They are a great organisation to work for and the fans are the best in the league. Winning the league for the second time was great and I hope there are many more opportunities to win trophies with Phoenix.”

Phoenix coach Tony Hand said: “Foney has been one of the best netminders in the EPL for years. He had a great season for us last time out and played a big part in our Championship win.”

There has been a change in the back up position for the new season and Phoenix have recruited local lad Declan Ryan for the 2014-15 season. Ryan, 21, from Whaley Bridge, played for Nottingham Cougars in the under 16 league and for Sheffield Steelhawks in the under 18 league. 2009 saw him play for Sheffield Spartans and Trafford Metros in the English National League as well as a few appearances for the Steelhawks again in the under 18 league. He joined Telford Tigers in 2010 and he iced with them for four seasons, He has also won call ups for the Great Britain side at Under 18 and under 20 levels.

Ryan said: “I am so pleased to be signing for Phoenix. It is something special to don your home colours in any sport. I wanted to continue my studies at home and will be starting a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Physiology in September. While playing at Telford, studies meant me sometimes missing training sessions. By moving to Phoenix, I can train as required and have the comforts of home as well.”

Coach Hand said: “Declan is a fine up and coming netminder and will benefit from training and playing with Stephen Fone. He always played well against Phoenix so it will be good to have him wearing our colours this coming season.”