Manchester Phoenix have signed young British netminder Denis Bell as back-up to Stephen Fone for the 2016/17 EPL campaign.

The 19-year-old first iced at senior level in 2013 for Haringey Racers and MK Thunder in NIHL South.

Solid performances brought him international recognition with Great Britain U18 at the World Junior Championships.

Bell has spent the last two seasons with Telford Tigers’ NIHL North team, establishing himself as their first-choice goalie. He was also selected for the GB U18 team again.

Bell said: “I’m looking forward to the step up to the EPL and will learn a lot from Stephen Fone, who is one of the best British netminders at any level.

“I’m going to work hard and hopefully will get some ice time to further my hockey education.

“I’ve been to the play-offs and the Phoenix fans are brilliant and get behind their team every game.”

(Image permission: Steve Brodie)