MANCHESTER, UK – MANCHESTER Phoenix youngster Robert Farmer has stepped up to the Elite League with Coventry Blaze. The 19-year-old had been signed by Tony Hand in the off-season to spearhead the club’s title ambitions. But the former Sheffield Steeler was allowed to join Ottawa 67s before the English Premier League campaign began as he wanted to pursue a career overseas. Last week, the Ontario Hockey League club let him return to the UK as he didn’t fit into their plans. And even though Phoenix held his contract and registration it is apparent the GB u20 International had no intention of playing in the EPL. Blaze coach Paul Thompson said: “I’m really pleased that Robert is joining the Blaze. He’s a big lad with huge potential and I know that he will make an impact in our line up. “Once it was clear that he had no intention of playing in the English Premier League again this season, we simply had to make a move for him.” Phoenix could have insisted he stayed at the club as they are a player down following Dean Holland’s decision to join Newcastle. But Farmer would have probably invoked a two-week notice clause in his contract and left anyway. A statement from Phoenix said: “Robert felt his career path would be better served in the Elite League. He had been offered a good deal with Coventry and that’s where he wanted to play. If that’s where a player wants to be there is no point in standing in his way. “If we had made him stay we would have had him for two weeks and he could have left anyway with a lot of bad feeling.” Phoenix continue their EPL and Cup campaigns when they take on Slough Jets and host Swindon Wildcats this weekend. They travel to title rivals Slough on Saturday (6.30pm) hoping to repeat their recent 3-0 win over Peter Russell’s side. Swindon come to the Silver Blades Ice Dome a day later (5.30pm). To contact the author email: Mike.Appleton@prohockeynews.com
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