Peterborough Phantoms fans’ favourite signs on for another two years

Nathan Pollard celebrates a goal for Phantoms. Photo: Tom Scott.

Pollard. who has only played 19 games outside of Peterborough in his entire career, has signed a two-year contract.

He began in the Phantoms junior system, but steppped up to play for the senior Phantoms in the 2010/2011 season before a brief stint with the London Raiders in the 2013/14 campaign.

Pollard then returned to Peterborough and spent five seasons with Phantoms 2, earning himself a call up to Phantoms 1 mid-way through the 2017/18 campaign, since when he’s developed into an important part of coach Slava Koulikov’s team, achieving a career high 25 points in the 2019/20 season.

Nathan Pollardin action for Phantoms. Photo: Tom Scott.

Pollard said “I’m absolutely delighted to be back for another two years. It was a no-brainer for me after speaking to Slava. There’s no jersey I’d rather be putting on every week than that of a team I grew up idolising. As a Peterborough lad it’s a dream come true playing for the Phantoms.

“The team is very professionally run and Slava is the best coach in the league. The group of guys we have had the last few years has made hockey even more enjoyable, and even though there will be some changes due to retirements etc, I’m confident that Slava will build another team capable of competing for all trophies available.

“I was disappointed we couldn’t finish the season properly as the team and the fans deserved another shot at a trophy, but I’m looking forward to making up for lost time and getting my hands on a trophy next season.

“I’m always happy to play in front of our amazing fans who have got better every year I’ve played here. Teams hate playing against us at our rink. We have a great record here and part of that is down to the noise and atmosphere our fans make.”

Phantoms coach, Slava Koulikov said: “I’m really happy to have ‘Polly’ back. He’s another ‘team first’ guy who brings a lot of energy to the team. He can play up and down the line up and has scored some really important goals for us.

“He’s great on the penalty kill and is definitely a favourite amongst the fans. I’m glad to have him back and I’m looking forward to working with him again.”