MANCHESTER, UK - MANCHESTER Phoenix look to have signed the ideal two-way player as they look to mount a serious English Premier League title charge.

Top Swedish forward Marcus Kristoffersson has put pen to paper on a one-year contract and brings with him vast experience in two of the world's top ice hockey leagues.

The 31-year-old was drafted by the NHL's Dallas Stars in the 1997 and played more than 110 games in the AHL.

He also iced in the Swedish Elite League and signs from Orebro, where he notched 12 points in 23 matches in the country's second division.

Phoenix player-coach Tony Hand describes him as the perfect defensively minded forward and beat off several clubs for his signature.

“Marcus will bring a lot to our game next season,” he said. “He’s big, he’s powerful, he gets goals, he hits, he checks, he does everything.

“Very importantly, he’s also a two way player. He will track back and help his team when he’s on the ice.  I didn’t really want just an out and out goalscorer because we needed more options to our game. He fits the bill perfectly. ”

Standing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 205 pounds, Kristoffersson will be one of the biggest forwards in the league and will bolster Manchester's toughness, which was lacking last season.

“Although I like to get goals, I have not had so many offensive roles in the past so I am looking forward to concentrating on that, but I also know how to play a good defence, and that is just as big a part of my game,” Marcus said.

“I hope that my experience of playing at a high level will be useful to some of the younger players in the team, to help them develop and reach those levels themselves."

Phoenix fans will be able to see how Kristoffersson shapes up on September 12 when his side takes on Sheffield Steeldogs in the pre-season exhibition match at the Altrincham Ice Dome.

The match will be the second leg of the 'War of the Roses' with the first leg at IceSheffield on Friday September 10.

To contact the author email: Mike.Appleton@prohockeynews.com.