Manchester Phoenix face the Telford Tigers in back-to-back matches this weekend in the first of their Red Hockey Cup matches.

Manchester Storm this week announced their first pre-season matches following their return, 18 years after the original team closed due to financial problems.

Sitting ninth in the table after 13 games, the Manchester outfit play back-to-back home games this weekend after a much-needed win over the Basingstoke Bison last time out.

After a stuttering start to the season with just four league wins in their first ten games, the Phoenix now host the free-scoring Tigers, who average five goals a game so far this term

The Phoenix have won just four of their first nine league games this season and now face a double-header which culminates in a home clash with big-spending Telford Tigers

The ice hockey hunks at Manchester Phoenix could be getting their kit off for a charity calendar to help those in the community battling physical or emotional difficulties – but only if they can raise £5,000.

Phoenix turned around a losing streak to win both their games last weekend, and now travel to last year’s play-off champions Basingstoke Bison before returning for a cup clash with Blackburn Hawks

Phoenix take on Sheffield Steeldogs for the fourth time in a month, whom Tony Hand’s side have failed to beat on each of those three occasions

Manchester Phoenix are looking for revenge this weekend in a War of the Roses clash which could leave blood on the ice.

Phoenix will travel to Bracknell Bees for their first league game of the season, before returning to Manchester for their home season debut at the Ice Dome against Swindon Wildcats.

The Phoenix will commence battle in the annual War of the Roses games at Sheffield Steeldogs on Friday night despite a limited amount of pre-season training.