Manchester Phoenix have signed Great Britain defenceman Mark Thomas from Elite League champions Sheffield Steelers.

The 31-year-old won three EIHL titles, three play-off championships and the Knockout Cup during a decade in Yorkshire.

He returns to Manchester after starting his top-level career with the Phoenix in 2003, after which he moved to London Racers and then the Steelers.

Thomas is also a mainstay of the GB defensive set-up, winning two silver medals and a bronze medal at the world championships.

Manchester Phoenix Head Coach, Tony Hand said: “Mark Thomas has played at the top level of British ice hockey for almost all his career, and is a fantastic player. To have him join us for next season will lift us to a whole new level. We are looking to win back the English Premier League title and Mark will certainly bring us closer to that goal. I have known him for a long time and he has that winning mentality. Next season will be a big test for us as a club. I want everyone to pull together and prove that Manchester Phoenix deserve to be winning titles. That includes players, management and most importantly, the fans.”

Thomas was one of the first players signed by Phoenix owner Neil Morris, when the club was formed from the ashes of Manchester Storm in 2003.

Morris said: “I have watched Mark’s career develop since I watched him play as a youngster many years ago. He is a local guy, with family in the area, so this will feel like a real homecoming. He is the sort of guy who gives everything for his team and I can’t wait to see him back in Phoenix colours." 

Thomas said: “I’ve heard a lot of good things about the league and I’ve spoken to Tony quite a lot about the move. I know a few guys who play in the EPL, so I’ll be happy just to get going.

“I won’t be commuting as much, so it will be good to spend more time with my family.

“This club gave me my first big chance and I am very thankful for that. I want to come back and hopefully win the title. It will be a lot of hard work, but I know Tony has been doing a lot of recruiting."

Thomas has already spent time with the Phoenix players as part of his summer fitness programme – and was given an insight into the club’s plans.

He added: “I’ve trained with Foney and some of the other guys during the summer, which is something I’ve done for a few years.

“Of course, I have spoken with the guys about next season and they’re confident as well. It looks like the club is putting a good team together and we’ll have a good chance.”

The three-time EIHL winner, and knockout cup champion, believes Phoenix fans will remain faithful to the club, despite a summer of concerns over its Oakfield Road home.

“You read a lot of things, but it is a very long summer and things can turn around quickly,” he said.

“As a player, it doesn’t really affect me, where we are playing. For me, this club is home and somewhere I always wanted to come back to.”