British forward Andy McKinney - who joined the Hull Stingrays mid-way through the 11/12 Elite League campaign from English Premier League side Telford Tigers - has returned to the second tier EPL with the Manchester Phoenix it was confirmed today.
The 21 year old abruptly left Telford in November having hit five goals and five assists in 14 games and joined the Stingrays - where his no nonsense, enthusiastic and energetic style of play from the third line won him many fans.
Starting his spell in Hull as a third liner - relegating Bobby Chamberlain to the bench for a period before injury to Tristan Harper - Sylvain Cloutier's confidence in the youngster grew as the year wore on, and he was soon the first selection to step up to the top two lines ahead of Jack Watkins when required.
He ended the year with four goals, five assists and 107 penalty minutes - due in large part to his agitating, no-fear style of play. That fearless mentality saw him drop the gloves on seven occasions throughout the year including bouts with Coventry enforcer Bryan Jurynec, Nottingham defenceman Brock Wilson and, perhaps most notably, Jeff Hutchins - following the Canadian's dangerous hit on teammate Matty Davies.
Nevertheless, despite largely impressing in his maiden spell in the top flight, it is believed that the Canadian born British forward was not offered a new deal to remain in Hull. That was likely only down to a change in tact and not a decision based on ability, which will see the club favour local British players that live within travelling distance in the upcoming season, in order to save on accommodation costs.
That decision has so far seen McKinney, Watkins and Harper as well as Dan Scott and Sam McCluskey leave, while Sheffield based netminder Ben Bowns and forward Chris Sykes are currently the only two players signed up. Question marks remain over whether Bobby Chamberlain's development will be better served in junior leagues in North America or at senior level in the EIHL, while Matty Davies may himself yet opt for the EPL over the Stingrays.
McKinney's long rumoured move back to Manchester - where he previously iced in a nine game spell during the 09/10 EPL season, as well as a year in the English National League with Trafford - sees him sign for a Phoenix side looking to build off a second place finish and playoff final appearance last season. He joins former Stingray and former long-term target of Cloutier, James Archer at the club.
