Trio of signings for Phoenix as they close in on return home

Manchester Phoenix have confirmed their first three signings of the summer and say they are close to announcing the location of their new home.

Luke Boothroyd (above) has agreed a ninth season with the EPL club, while Edgars Bebris and Greg Pick have joined from Peterborough Phantoms.

Despite constant speculation about their financial situation and the lack of a suitable rink to play in, Phoenix have vowed to take their place in next season’s EPL.

The club released a statement confirming they were progressing towards returning to their home city.

“Phoenix has been working hard with its new ownership team and with Manchester City Council to identify a new home that will bring hockey back to the city for the 2016/17 season,” it read.

“We have now identified an existing building which is located close to the city centre and has good public transport links.

“We are now moving forward with the Council to undertake all of the necessary steps needed to conclude the transaction and occupy the building.

“The terms we are negotiating will mean that we will only be based in the building for the next few years.

“However, our view is that this city based location will act as a great springboard for a brand new facility that we will develop as the permanent home of The Ice Dome for the next 25 years and beyond.”