MANCHESTER, England - Manchester Phoenix head coach Tony Hand raided the Odessa Jackalopes of the Central Hockey League by signing former Lake Superior State players Nathan Ward and Alex Dunn.

Dunn, a 5-11, 195-pound defenseman, was the Pheonix final defensive signing. He totaled 14 goals and 21 assists while playing 70 games last season in Odessa.

"Playing overseas at some point has always been in the back of my mind, and guys I've spoken to speak well of the UK and Manchester," said Dunn, who is entering his third full season of professional hockey. "They told me the fans there like to see an honest effort, and I believe I'll bring that to the team. I play a hard-nosed, chippy and gritty game, but like to add a little offense too when the time is right. I consider myself a decent skater, like to move the puck quickly to get things going and get the team moving forward."

Ward, a 6-1, 200-pound forward and former Laker captain, totaled 22-43--65 through 71 games with Odessa last season, nearly doubling his point total from 2006-07. He is also entering his third professional season.

"Nathan will bring good energy to the club," Hand said. "He's hungry and improving each year. Like Alex, he played for awhile under Don McKee (Odessa head coach, formerly with the Sheffield Steelers), and Don spoke highly of their work ethic and determination to make an impact. Nathan's got good size and has been recommended to me as a smart player."

"After signing with the Jackalopes, I just didn't seem to get my share of the luck," Ward said. "I hit just about every post and crossbar immaginable. I didn't lose my confidence though. It's all about learning from your mistakes, working harder and making things happen. I'm level-headed enough to know that the bounces that don't go your way soon enough come around again. Last season, things worked out much better for me. It would be nice to enjoy the same level of improvement again this year."