Coach’s Corner

TICKETS: The Go Goodwin’s Manchester Storm are back in action on Friday the 3rd March when they take on the Cardiff Devils. Faceoff is at 7:30pm and tickets can be ordered online, by calling the box office on 0161 926 8782, or in person at the box office!

Hey Storm fans,

It has been a while since my last Coach’s Corner, so here are my thoughts on the last few games.

First off, as a club we were extremely disappointed with our home game last Saturday against the Capitals. We were absolutely dreadful & there are no excuses for a game like that, especially from a team like us who you all have seen compete hard all season.

With that being said, as a coaching staff, we couldn’t be happier with the response we got on Sunday from the team in Coventry. We played a hard, gritty, intense road game. We controlled most of the play, managed the puck really well and created many Grade A opportunities. Unfortunately, like in any sports, you need a little puck luck and to capitalise on those opportunities we created. We hit a few posts and we faced a goalie that had a great night, as Brian Stewart seems to do against us!! Neiller, Mike and myself couldn’t be happier with the reaction we got from the guys in Coventry, and whilst we wanted both points, a point is what we got & it aids us in pushing towards securing a playoff berth.

The last few weeks have been challenging to say the least. Even if we were full strength, excluding this past weekend when we were minus the influential Bissonnette due to injury, we had guys playing with knocks who probably shouldn’t have been playing if truth be told. That shows the commitment and the mindset of our players. Unfortunately, we do not have the depth that maybe other teams have, but what we do have is a group of guys committed and willing to go the extra mile for their teammates, club and most importantly for you the fans.

As a team, we are looking to build on Sunday’s performance in Coventry for the remainder of the season. That was our Storm brand of hockey and we want to maintain that level for the remainder of the season, starting this Friday at home to the Devils. (7.30pm)

We are currently in a playoff position, our main goal is to cement that playoff place which will be another positive step forward for our young franchise. Further progression has been seen off the ice again this season which has been awesome, but we need to continue to match that progression on the ice too which we have shown for the majority of this season.

Management, coaches and players are asking for your support for the rest of the way & help drive us onto the playoffs. Once there, who knows what this team can do!! Be loud and be proud for these last 4 games of the regular season, you guys really don’t know how much it helps all the players to have the Storm Shelter rocking and how opposition players dislike it. Bring the noise.

See you all on Friday night vs the Cardiff Devils. (7.30pm)

Thanks,

Pach