Manchester Phoenix put their new players and shirts on parade on Sunday, giving a large crowd their first glimpse of next season’s colours.

And Phoenix' talismanic leader Tony Hand announced that the forthcoming season would be his swansong as a player.

The club announced that top Brirish forward Shaun Thompson as joining the ranks and defender Joe Graham returning to the Dome for another season.

Thompson, 27, was born in Slough and played for his home town Jets in the under 19 league in 2001 and 2002 before signing a two way contract in 2003 with the Basingstoke bison of the Elite League.

He has now moved north up the M6 to ice for league champions Manchester Phoenix bringing a wealth of league experience to the Dome. Thompson has iced in 203 Elite League games and 366 EPL matches finding the net 183 times. He has picked up gold and bronze medals in the Under 20 World Junior Championships to go with his clean sweep of Championship, Cup and Play Off winners medals in the EPL.

Thompson said: “I have heard great things about the Phoenix organisation and I just thought it was about time I played somewhere I will have a good chance of winning trophies. It did not take me too long to sign after talking to Coach Hand. What a fantastic turnout tonight for the shirt launch by the fans. I am really looking forward to playing for them."

Tony Hand commented: “Shaun will be a great asset to the team. He is a proven goal scorer and also has a physical edge to his play. He will fit in well with the squad for this year.”

Nottingham-born 24 years-old defender Joe Graham has signed for another year with Phoenix after helping the team to a Championship medal last time out.

Graham said: “It is great to be back for another season. I had a great time last year and winning the league was just brilliant. The organisation and the fans are great to play for and I am looking to win more trophies with Phoenix”

Coach Hand said: “Joe had a great second half of the season last year and worked hard every shift. I think he will be even better this time out as we look to defend our title.

“Things are going well and the new additions will bring another dimension to the team. We have another British lad to announce and I am still looking around for an import defender to complete the roster. I think we have the squad to give a real go at defending our title. Make no mistake, the league will be the toughest yet and we are all ready for the challenge.”

Asked about his own planned ice time this coming season, Hand said: “I will not play as much as last year. I need to step back and give the youngsters a chance. It is important for British hockey that we do all we can to bring them forward. No matter what, this will be my last season. I will definitely retire next April and concentrate on coaching the club and working with the other coaches to ensure the future of Manchester Phoenix.”

The annual War of the Roses games between Phoenix and Sheffield Steeldogs will take place on the weekend of 5th and 7th September. The first game will be hosted by Sheffield at their rink on Friday 5th September, starting at 7:30pm, with the second leg at the Ice Dome on Sunday 7th September starting at 5:30pm.

The clubs are also negotiating a Sledge Hockey game prior to the first match on Friday at Ice Sheffield.