Czech defenceman Ondrej Pozivil has left Manchester Phoenix to sign for French side Mulhouse Scorpions.
Pozivil was set to join the French side last summer but the deal was cancelled at the last minute due to budget constraints. Mulhouse’s loss was Manchester’s gain and the 26-year-old quickly established himself as a popular figure at the Altrincham Ice Dome with his solid two-way play and a “salute” goal celebration styled after compatriot and NHL star Jaromir Jagr. In 52 games for Phoenix, Pozivil notched 13 goals and 26 assists for 39 points.
He is the second player to leave the EPL playoff champions after Scottish forward Bari McKenzie signed for Elite League side the Dundee Stars.
Pozivil’s departure opens up one of Phoenix’s four import slots and fans will be watching closely to see who player-coach Tony Hand brings in as he shapes his roster for the 2013-14 campaign.
By Andy Jowett