Ice Hockey: Lind takes early leave

The Manchester Phoenix coach, Rick Brebant, has slammed the defenceman Eric Lind for the manner of his departure from the club.

Lind is returning to his former club Greenville Growl in the East Coast Hockey League but, according to Brebant, he agreed to play in the challenge match against Milton Keynes on Saturday and the Elite League clash with Sheffield Steelers last night which they lost 5-2.

However, on the bus trip home from Milton Keynes, Lind advised Brebant he would be leaving immediately. "I thought we had an agreement and I thought he would honour it," Brebant said. "Eric has shown disrespect to the club, the fans and his team-mates."

The former Japan Olympic international Shin Larsson-Yahata has returned to Sweden after failing to settle in Manchester.

The Cardiff Devils netminder, Eoin McInerney, is leaving to pursue a career in the fire service in his native Canada.

McInerney will make his farewell appearance at Basingstoke Bison on Sunday after playing his final two home games against London Racers and Sheffield Steelers on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.