Phoenix exit top flight

Manchester Phoenix' intermittent stay in ice hockey's top flight is over after they opted to drop into the English Premier League.

The club's owner, Neil Morris, took the decision after amounting significant losses during the course of last season.

Morris had signed new terms with the Elite League that would have seen Phoenix play under a new salary cap and improved business model.

But after looking at the dwindling crowds at Altrincham's Ice Dome, he made what was the only choice to ensure hockey remains in the city.