SWINDON Wildcats youngster Michael Stratford has been loaned out to the Manchester Phoenix.

The 19-year-old forward, who has represented Great Britain at U20 level, will remain a Wildcats player but will also be icing for the Link Centre outfit’s English Premier League compatriots, who are currently playing home games at the Fylde Coast Ice Arena in Blackpool, in a bid for more regular game time.

Swindon-born Stratford came through the Okanagan Hockey Academy programme and racked up 48 goals and 33 assists in just 22 games at U18 level.

The teenager has made 81 senior appearances for the Wildcats across six seasons, scoring two points along the way.

Cats head coach Aaron Nell said: “This is a good opportunity for Michael to get some important ice time for his development”.