“Manchester Storm is coming home”
Manchester Storm are set to play their first competitive game at their old home at the AO Arena after 24 years away as the Glasgow Clan head down to face them in the first game of the Elite Ice Hockey League season.
The Storm were founded in 1995, where the team played in the then newly opened Manchester Arena. Here they became the inaugural champions of the Ice Hockey Super league in 1996.
As a result of their championship-winning season, the following year they also set a British Ice Hockey attendance record when 17,245 fans watched their game against Sheffield Steelers, which still stands to this day.
Emma and Ryan Finnerty, who represent the Manchester Storm ownership group, said on returning to the AO Arena: “Returning Manchester Storm to the AO Arena is a proud moment for everyone involved. “
“It’s about giving our fans a premier stage in the heart of the city and delivering an outstanding live experience.”
“Together with our leadership team and Canadian partners, our ambition is clear – not just to compete, but to lead in the Elite Ice Hockey League and beyond.”
“This marks the start of an exciting new era for the club. Manchester Storm is coming home.”
The Glasgow Clan come into the game with Mike Sirant’s side losing their first game of the season, ending in disappointment on the back of a 6-1 home loss.
The Storm have already played one game at the Arena this year in front of a crowd of 11,062 fans, but after a last-minute equaliser from the Sheffield Steelers forced sudden-death overtime that saw no score, it was down to a penalty shoot-out. Unfortunately for the home crowd, it was the Steelers that scored the only penalty shot, securing the win on a historic night in Manchester.
Not only is it Storm’s big night, but it is Fresher’s week across Manchester. To celebrate, the Storm have released a special issue of student tickets at a discounted rate to attract a new crowd and gain a newer following of younger fans.
Who to look out for
Manchester Storm come into the 26/27 season with a strong roster of players who have already hit the ground running in their previous game, taking home a 5-3 away to the Coventry Blaze. But who are the star players to look out for?
Kyle Maksimovich – Already netting three times and getting an assist since starting the season, the Canadian from Hamilton, Ontario played his hockey in Denmark last year for the Herning Blue Fox. There he managed to score a combined 43 goals and assists in 48 games played.
Tim McGauley – Already making an impact since joining from second division German side Eispiraten Crimmitschau, the all-rounder has created 4 goals and scored one. The center from Saskatchewan brings his vast experience as a Washington Capitals prospect and recorded 143 points in 175 ECHL appearances before making the move to Europe.
Drew DeRidder – Goaltender DeRidder has only played two games this season but has made a mighty 69 saves already. Now into his second year at the Storm, the 26-year-old from Fenton, Michigan clocked an impressive average of 0.938 last season.
Looking ahead
The league season may just be getting underway, but the games are coming through thick-and-fast as the Storm head to Nottingham to face-off against the Panthers this weekend.
This comes a day before they continue their Challenge Cup campaign as they take on the Guildford Flames at the AO. Sitting fourth in Group A, the Storm are in need of some further wins, but with two league games between now and Sunday will the team be able to keep up the pressure on the ice
After finishing sixth in the league last year, the Storm will be looking to make an instant impact to climb the ladder and impress back in their old home. They will be hoping to attract new fans and a large crowd to the AO Arena.
This week’s Storm fixtures
23/9 – (H) – Glasgow Clan – EIHL
26/9 – (A) – Nottingham Panthers – EIHL
27/9 – (H) – Guildford Flames – Challenge Cup