STORM BRING IN FIREPOWER BY ADDING PHILLIPS TO ROSTER

NEXT HOME GAME: Tickets for our Elite League fixture on Friday 22nd December 2023 are available online HERE, by calling 0161-926-8782 or in person at the Planet Ice Box Office! Doors open 6.30PM for a 7.30PM start.

Manchester Storm are delighted to announce the addition of forward Zack Phillips, most recently of EV Duisburg (Germany). 

The Canadian forward is a familiar face to the EIHL with 109 appearances split between Nottingham and Fife. In those 109 outings, Phillips has been highly productive with 91 points – 34 goals and 57 assists. 

The former first round NHL draftee (28th overall to Minnesota Wild) had a stellar major junior career with Saint John Sea Dogs. From 2009-2012, Phillips amassed 219 points (84G 135A) in 192 matches.

The talented forward signed an entry-level NHL contract with the Wild and represented their AHL affiliate until 2015. During March 2015, Phillips was traded to Boston Bruins. From there he would go on to represent both Providence Bruins (AHL) and Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL). 

In 2016, Phillips was again traded – this time to St. Louis Blues, in the final year of his entry-level contract. 

After a four-team year in 2015/16, the Canadian traded North America for Sweden, opting to sign for Tingsryds AIF in the Allsevnskan.

The following season, Phillips debuted in the Elite League for Nottingham Panthers and impressing with 15 goals and 31 helpers in 56 league games. 

Phillips played for five teams between 2018-2020, representing Fehervar AV 19 (Hungarian); Toledo Walleye, Worcester Railers, Norfolk Admirals (ECHL) and HK Dukla Michalovce (Slovakian). 

In 2020-21, one of the few European leagues operating without major restrictions was Poland and Phillips would sign with JHK GKS Jastrzebie. In 34 league games, Phillips had 17 goals and 25 assists – all adding to the club’s title winning campaign.

A productive stint with Starbulls Rosenheim (Germany3) caught the attentions of the Flyers who added him to their roster July of 2022. This would prove a wise decision as the Canadian topped their individual scoring charts. 

Phillips joins the Storm squad ahead of a typical hectic holiday schedule and our HC Matt Ginn had this to say about his addition:

Zack is a real danger on the offensive end. He is a massive threat wherever we put him in the line-up. His hockey IQ and shot are some of the biggest reasons we have secured his signature – as well as great knowledge and understanding of the league. 

It is absolutely no secret that we are struggling to put the puck in the net, so adding a player like Zack is really important for us to get back winning. All the reports back we have had on him tell us he is a massively popular and well-liked guy with the locker room. 

I cannot wait to see what he brings to the Shelter and I know Zack is really excited to put on our jersey.”

NEXT HOME GAME: Tickets for our Elite League fixture on Friday 22nd December 2023 are available online HERE, by calling 0161-926-8782 or in person at the Planet Ice Box Office! Doors open 6.30PM for a 7.30PM start.