I used to go and watch the Manchester Phoenix with my ex and I loved it! She was from Nottingham and therefore cheered for the far superior Nottingham Panthers. Inevitably, we got battered every time we played them.

Most of the English ice hockey teams are made up of failed Canadian players who come over here after not making it in USA/Canada. They literally turn up only having one leg and they're still better than all the UK players.

I remember one guy who played for us called Mark Thomas. He came from Stockport (not far from Manchester) and he was my favourite player. He never scored, could hardly skate... and he had more penalty minutes then anyone in the league. I remember one time we lost 2-0 at home to the Sheffield Steelers. Highlight of the game though was Thomas beating the crap out of their star player in the second period. Good times.