Manchester Phoenix have announced two players to finalise their squad for the coming season.

Coach Tony Hand’s long search for an import D man finally paid dividends with the signing of super Swede Johan Burlin.

The 25 year old, Skelleftea-born blue liner is well travelled in European hockey with stints in Russia, Germany and Italy as wll as his native Sweden.

Burlin was a junior star, playing for his home town under 18’s and the under 20’s in the Swedish Super Elit under 20 league.

In 2007 he had one game in the SHL whilst playing 43 games for the Skelleftea under 20’s and four games for his national under 19 team.

He made his breakthrough in the SHL the following season with a full year with his home club. 2009 saw him play in the Allsvenskan (Swedish second tier) and the Swedish firstst division for Boras and Pitea respectively.

A trip to the Russian second tier, the VHL, next with a season for Perm then back home in 2011 to the Allsvenskan with Sundsvall. In 2012 he moved to Germany for a season with Lausitzer Fuchse in DEL 2.

Last season, he moved to the Italian top league with 41 games for Fassa.

Burlin said: “I have not heard much about the league but I come here to play and do well for the club and the fans. I know about Manchester and have come for the weather. I play a strong two way game and can be physical when I need to be.”

Coach Hand has also called up youngster Jared Dickinson.

The 19 year old product of the Phoenix junior system has been called up to the senior squad for next week’s intense training camp after playing his way through the under 16 and 18 sides at Altrincham. He played for the Trafford Metros in 2011 and the following year was given a game with the senior Phoenix side and scored a goal on his single appearance that year.

Coach Hand said: “Jared has come through the club system and is a great prospect. He showed previously he has the ability and I want to take a long look at him next week where he will benefit from training alongside the seniors and hopefully push himself into the squad.”

Phoenix also revealed that ex-Slough Jets coach Craig Moran will help the club as an assistant coach for the coming season. He will be mainly based down south as he has a new baby on the way and will join the team for most of their away games.