Manchester Phoenix are still looking for investment and support from the ice hockey community in its drive to keep the club going.
The club, which has played out of Deeside in North Wales this season, has suffered a tough time on and off the ice in recent months.
The Phoenix Supporters Trust was set up before Christmas and encourages fans to buy packages and has already raised thousands of pounds but the club requires continued financial backing.
Phoenix owner Neil Morris praised the fantastic support from people across the country and hopes the club can continue in its dream to return to Manchester.
“We’re doing everything we can, but survival is a really hard thing,” said Morris.
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and we know that anything that’s worth having will require a long journey.
“There have been some real highs for the Phoenix over the years and unfortunately this is a real low.
“But we remain positive and if we can get back to Manchester it’ll be good for the city of Manchester and for our sport.”
Phoenix sit eighth in the English Premier League after losing four out of four matches across Christmas and New Year, including losing the War of the Roses title in a 5-4 loss away to Sheffield Steeldogs.
Hoping to reverse fortunes on the ice Tony Hand’s side has gained a couple of new additions in the past few weeks.
The club has taken on its fourth import in Czech power forward Martin Baranek, who joins from the Czech Republic’s HC Most.
A familiar face also returns to the side as former Phoenix player and regular member of the GB inline team Phil Hamer moves to Deeside.
Morris welcomed the new additions and believes they will make a real difference to the team, who have been used to competing with a very short bench.
“Phil is a talented lad. He was talented before he went and he’ll continue to get better and better.
“Thanks to the new signings there’s a good chance we’ll put 14 out on the ice this weekend.”
This weekend Phoenix travel to the home of table-toppers Basingstoke Bison before returning to Deeside to play host to the Swindon Wildcats.
Tickets for Manchester Phoenix v Swindon Wildcats will be on sale on Sunday night at Deeside Leisure Centre.
Image courtesy of Manchester Phoenix via YouTube, with thanks.