ICE hockey fans in Bolton will see their new team perform earlier than expected, with the arrangement of two pre-season friendlies announced today.

Manchester Phoenix will play strong English Premier League opposition in the form of Milton Keynes, who will boost their squad with the inclusion of 'guest'appearances of players from Basingstoke.

Former Manchester Storm fan favourite Nick Poole, Director of Hockey at Milton Keynes, is keen to test his new squad and with Phoenix Head Coach Rick Brebant looking for a similar challenge for his Phoenix roster, the two games promise to be a good examination of Brebant's 'Brit-first' signing policy.

Brebant said: "This is an ideal opportunity for the fans to see the new squad in action and an ideal opportunity for me to gauge the progress of our local players who have been working out all summer."

The games will take place at Deeside Leisure Centre on September 3 and September 10. Ticket information on 01244 810540.

Phoenix also announced two more signings in the form of 21 year-old left winger Marc Lovell from Chester and right wingman George Awada from Minnesota. Lovell spent last season in the English Premier League with Telford, where he notched up 15 goals and 16 assists in 35 games. Awada spent last season with the Albany River Rats, the AHL 'farm team' for NHL's New Jersey Devils.