‘Hutch’ is back from the land of the Giants

JAMES Hutchinson wants to help put Phantoms back on the map next season.

The British defenceman spent last season with Belfast Giants where he won the Elite League title and his return to Phantoms represents a significant coup for new head coach Jon Kynaston.

The 28 year-old has travelled widely, playing in France, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but the bulk of his career has been spent at the Peterborough Arena.

During his four seasons with Phantoms, Hutchinson helped the team win four trophies, including the English Premier League treble in 2009.

And despite suffering one of the worst campaigns in their 10-year his- tory last term, ‘Hutch’ is convinced the good times are on their way back to the city club.

Hutchinson said: “I am delighted to be back with Phantoms. The club means a massive amount to me and Peterborough has always felt like a home from home.

“I know a lot of the players from being here before and of course I know Jon Kynaston well and I really can’t wait to get started.

“Last season with the Giants was an awesome experience for me and it doesn’t get any better than winning the Elite League title but I am sure Phantoms will be in the mix to win things next season.

“I certainly would not have come back here if I did not think that was the case and that I would be part of a team competing for prizes.

“The players already announced are all exciting signings and I know Jon will put together a team that will be competitive with the best sides in this league.”

And Hutchinson believes having Kynaston at the helm could be a key factor in Phantoms’ resurgence.

The former Great Britain Under 20 international has plenty of experience working with Kynaston at Phantoms and during his spell with Hull Stingrays in 2009-10.

“I think Jon will be a great head coach. He knows the club inside out and he knows the players too,” added Hutchinson.

“I have always enjoyed working with Jon and I am sure he will put together the team he wants and make sure that team plays the way he wants them to.

“Speaking to him before I signed it was clear he had a real vision for where he wants to take the team and I am very excited to be a part of that. He has a massive amount of coaching experience at all levels of the game and there is no doubt that Phantoms will benefit from that next season.”