British star Phillips loaned to Toledo

Yorkshire-born defenceman David Phillips has been loaned out to Toledo Walleye in the ECHL, five months after becoming the first-ever British-trained player to play in the American Hockey League.

The 22-year-old former Hull Stingrays blueliner has been moved down a level in order to gain further ice time.

Since making his AHL debut last October, Phillips has scored one assist as well as accumulating 13 penalty minutes in 21 games.

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An influx of defencemen onto the IceHogs roster due to team changes at NHL affiliate Chicago Blackhawks has eventually led to Phillips's move down to Toledo – a situation he hopes will only be temporary.

"We had eight D-men in Rockford and can only play six so I had to sit out a few games," said Phillips.

"Toledo have six games to play in just 10 nights so Rockford just said to go there for the six games and get lots of ice time.

"Hopefully, the extra playing time will help me."

Since making the switch to Toledo at the end of December, Phillips is -3 in three games, having featured against Wheeling Nailers and a New Year double header against Kalamazoo Wings.

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Toledo currently sit seventh in the American Conference of the ECHL and third in the four-team North Division.

After 39 games, Rockford currently lie fourth in the West Division, leaving them seventh overall in the Western Conference.