Phoenix on course to score victory

Manchester Phoenix ace David Beauregard says he’s surprised he has scored so many goals in the Elite Ice Hockey League this season.

He heads into tonight’s Knockout Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle with 52 goals from 52 games. That record sees him top the scoring charts with 92 points - more than 15 ahead of his rivals.

“Although I have scored goals all throughout my career and thought with the bigger ice over here I could score more, I didn’t think I would have hit the totals I have,” he said.

Phoenix take on Newcastle tonight (7.15pm) in Altrincham leading 4-1 from the first leg.

Meanwhile, Phoenix player-coach Tony Hand has stepped down as assistant coach to the GB side. He won 64 caps for GB, scoring 40 goals, and has been helping out coach Paul Thompson.

He made the decision because he needs an operation at the end of the season and will not be available for the side’s World Championship campaign in Poland.