NHL: Hanzal signs new contract with Phoenix

Czech hockey forward Martin Hanzal has signed a two-year contract worth 3.6 million dollars with the Phoenix Coyotes in the NHL. His first three-year contract ran-out in the summer and the signing of a new deal was reportedly delayed for a number of reasons, including financial difficulties at the club. Other teams that had expressed an interest in the player included Edmonton and clubs in Russia. Last season the Czech player racked up 33 points: 11 goals and 22 assists. Hanzal – who hails from České Budějovice – could now play in two back-to-back NHL exhibition games in Prague in October when Phoenix will face the Boston Bruins.