Hand drops out of all-star game

Manchester Phoenix’ player-coach Tony Hand has pulled out of next Thursday’s Elite Ice Hockey All Star game.

The 41-year-old made the decision because of a potential fixture gridlock for his own team.

He was due to be named captain for the Northern All Stars but, with seven games scheduled in nine days, opted to give himself time to recover.

Meanwhile, with Phoenix 4-0 up from the first leg of the Knockout Cup quarter-finals they have pencilled in a date for a possible semi-final tie with the Newcastle Vipers

The home leg is scheduled for Thursday, February 26 (7.15pm) with the away tie eight days earlier.