Manchester Phoenix have brought in Coventry Blaze goaltender Steven Fone as cover for injured number one Scott Fankhouser.
Manchester bring in Blaze's back-up netminder to replace Fankouser
Manchester Phoenix have brought in Coventry Blaze goaltender Steven Fone as cover for injured number one Scott Fankhouser.
Fankouser sustained a side injury in the 6-2 defeat to Belfast Giants on Saturday evening.
Despite battling on to complete the game Fankouser looks set to miss the weekend's home double header against Cardiff Devils and Nottingham Panthers.
The Phoenix do have two young back-up netminders in Adam Summerfield and Benn Schofield, but their inexperience at such a crucial stage of the season has forced the club's hand.
Urgency
Player coach Tony Hand said: "We rang a number of people on Saturday night and we're pleased that we reached an agreement with the Coventry Blaze to secure the services of Steven Fone for the weekend.
"We'll obviously keep a close eye on the situation with Scott once our own medical team has examined him and given their verdict. Naturally, we're hoping he'll be back as soon as possible."
Manchester are currently seventh in the Elite League standings with two games on the freefalling Devils above them.
General manager Andy Costigan added: "The move to bring in Steven Fone is in no way a slight on Adam or Benn, who have jointly taken over the back-up role and who have been training up with the Elite League team.
"They still have games for their respective Under 18 and ENL teams and with us battling to ensure our playoff berth, it would be unfair to put them under that kind of pressure.
"Steven Fone is in his second season with the Blaze and played previously in the Elite League and this is the right decision. Adam and Benn will continue to train with us and that alone will continue to help their development for the future."
