Hand in no rush to complete roster

ICE HOCKEY:

TONY Hand is prepared to bide his time in recruiting his four overseas players for the forthcoming English Premier League season.

The Manchester Phoenix head coach has said he is in no hurry as he continues his search for the ideal imported talent for his roster.

Although he has received a number of enquires from players and agents, Head is prepared to play the waiting game.

He said: “I’d prefer to wait and see what comes up, that’s looking like the best policy to follow.

“There are some players with the right experience and it’s possible the first player we sign will further determine the mix of import defencemen and forwards.”

Forward Robert Farmer, who was in North America having a trial with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, has been given a second chance to impress by the Iowa-based club.

Hand is likely to wait on the outcome of that before he decides on the final make-up of his team.

Meanwhile, the NHL’s Boston Bruins will play Belfast Giants in an

exhibition game at the beginning of October.

It will be the first time a team from the premier hockey league in the world will take on a British

outfit.