Manchester Phoenix defenseman Mark Thomas has confirmed he will hang up his skates after their EPL season ended with a play-off defeat to Basingstoke Bison.

Thomas, 32, took to Twitter to reveal his decision following a fine career that took in nine years at Sheffield Steelers, two spells with the Phoenix and 41 international appearances for Great Britain.

@MTomo44 has tonight announced his retirement! We wish he/family well @steelershockey @BritIceHockey @officialEPIHL pic.twitter.com/WftuzC8x3k

— Manchester Phoenix (@manc_phoenix) March 27, 2016

He said: “After 14 years of playing a game I love and getting paid to do it, I’ve decided to call it a day and hang them up.

“I’ve loved every minute of it and have a lot of great memories that I can tell my kids about as they get older.

“I would like to thank all of the guys I’ve played with, it’s been a pleasure to share the ice with you.

“I would also like to thank all the fans from the teams I’ve played for.

“The last one is a big thank you to my family for supporting me through the good and tough times.

“It’s time to focus on life after hockey in the family business that I’ve been putting off for 10+ years now and spend some time with my wife and kids.”

Congratulations and Thank You @MTomo44 – Enjoy family time and a successful business career post hockey retirement pic.twitter.com/emD6D0IL2Q

— Manchester Phoenix (@manc_phoenix) 28 March 2016

Thomas was Elite League champion in 2009, 2011 and 2015 with the Steelers and won the play-offs in 2008, 2009 and 2014.

He was part of the Great Britain team that claimed the silver medal in World Championship Division 1B in 2011 and 2015.

(Image permission: Tony Sargent)