Craig Peacock (19) and 16 year-old Callum Fowler were unveiled on Saturday along with defenceman James Hutchinson as the club begin building their squad ahead of the upcoming English Premier League season.

Peacock is a known quantity having starred in the KO Cup success last season but former Chelmsford and Invicta youngster Fowler represents something of a surprise package to city ice hockey fans.

The Kent-based former Chelmsford Warrior player has been a member of the England junior set-up since the age of 11 and at the age of 16, was the youngest member of the Under 18 squad at the World Championships in Estonia earlier this year.

Although not the most prolific goal getter to date, Fowler is an industrious player with pace to burn, a key asset for next season's honours assault according to Patterson.

"Having Callum join the Phantoms is exciting news, he is already highly skilled and is ready to learn," he said.

"The jump up in level will be a challenge for him but I am sure it is one that he is up to. Callum's speed is also an asset important in today's game.

"The signature of Peacock is also important as he now has a year with the team under his belt and he is developing into a key offensive asset for the club.

"Next season I will be looking for Craig to add more consistency in the defensive zone but he is someone who always gives 100 per cent and I am sure he has the ability to continue to develop his game."

And Patterson's comments have been echoed by last season's assistant coach and now Phantoms head junior coach Stevie Johnson, who first spotted Fowler's precocious talents last season.

He said: "I saw him last year and he looked a really good prospect. It is going to be tough for him to start with as it is a big step up but he has the talent and the speed to do it.

"As with any young player, his attitude will have to be spot on but if he delivers on his potential I am sure he will be a big asset to Phantoms this season and in the future."

Phantoms have also announced the four prospect signings – Grant Bignell (16), Dale Jowett (17), Thomas Jeffery (16) and Damien King (16)

Bignell joined Phantoms having previously played for Lee Valley juniors and Chelmsford juniors during a career which has also seen him pull on an England jersey with the Under 13s.