ICE HOCKEY: MANCHESTER Phoenix's two Flintshire recruits are relishing the prospect of a Deeside 'homecoming' next week.
Former Flintshire Freeze stars Marc Lovell and Dave Clancy are set for a return to Deeside Ice Rink on Wednesday for the first of two challenge matches against Milton Keynes.
Both are hoping Phoenix head coach Rick Brebant will hand them their debuts - but if they don't get a piece of the action next week, they are likely to be involved the following Wednesday when Milton Keynes head back for the second leg of the challenge.
Clancy, 24, and 21-year-old Lovell are delighted the games will be played at their new club's Deeside training base, rather than at the MEN Arena in Manchester.
Clancy, of Queensferry, said: 'All of my family will be coming to the game, including some who've never even been to an ice hockey match before!
'I just hope I get a chance to play a part and show people what I can do.'
Mancot's Lovell added: 'I'll have a few friends and family at the game and I just can't wait to get started.
'I already know most of the British-based players who've signed and I'm hoping to meet the imports at a team meeting tomorrow.' A former England Under 19 international, Lovell spent last season with Telford Wild Foxes but, before then, he was a team-mate of Clancy's with the Freeze. Netminder Clancy's move to Manchester brought to an end a five-year stay with Mark Stokes' side.
The Phoenix this summer struck a deal to use Deeside as a training base for next season. The fact such a high-profile club agreed to play two challenge matches there comes as a further boost to ice hockey in Flintshire.
Manchester head coach Rick Brebant said: 'This is an ideal opportunity for fans to see the new squad in action and a good opportunity for me to gauge the progress of our local players who have been working out all summer.'
* The Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey will attend both matches against Milton Keynes to sell merchandise and hand out information about ticket sales, fan events and away travel to Phoenix matches.
* Admission for both games is £9 for adults and £6 for OAPs and children. Face-off is 8pm and fans can find out how to pre-book tickets by visiting the website: www.fomic.co.uk
Neither match is all-ticket so local supporters will be able to gain entry on the night.
For more information, contact Dee-side Leisure Centre on 01244 814725 or visit the Manchester Phoenix web-site: www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk
* The Phoenix begin their league campaign at Cardiff on Saturday, September 13. They entertain London Racers at the MEN Arena the following day. NORTHOP Hall team manager Tudor Jones is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing his side tomorrow.
The Smithy Lane club travel to Premier leaders Bootle knowing the odds are stacked against them.
Said Jones: 'We'll have our work cut out, that's for sure, and it's a big ask for the lads. It doesn't come any tougher than Bootle away. They're looking to win the league and have spent quite a bit of money in trying to do that.'
The Hall have clocked up five league victories so far this season and should be safe from relegation.
However, Jones added: 'The safety target is usually six wins so we'd like to get to that as quickly as possible. We don't want to become complacent and
