You can next see the Storm in action on Tuesday 4th December for just £10, as they face The Nottingham Panthers in Challenge Cup Quarter Final. Tickets can be ordered online HERE, or by calling the box office on 0161 926 8782, or in person at the box office.

It was Flyers who scored the first goal of the evening as Bulmer sent the puck home with the assist from Pinkston just two minutes into play at 2:05. Storm pushed forward, taking as many chances and shots as possible on Owen. It was two minutes later that the scoreline was equalised when Linsmayer was in the best spot, putting the puck in on a rebound, assisted by Brooks, who stole the puck on a turnover at 4:05.

The following goal was scrappy around the net, as Flyers claimed their second goal of the evening at 15:49, Scored by Basara and assisted by Finucci and Pinkston. Again, Storm managed to find their way to get the equaliser at 18:06, getting lucky with their play, as the puck trickled under Owen. The goal went under review but was given, Richardson being handed the point unassisted.

It was an unpredictable first period, with four goals, some fast plays, yet no penalties being handed to either team.

It was four minutes into play that Storm claimed their third goal of the evening, taking the one goal lead. It was newly signed Chance Braid, who got his debut goal at his first home game, assisted by Moffatt and Ehrhardt at 24:17. Just when spectators would be slightly disappointed at the prospect of a goal going in from the crossbar, Braid had picked up the rebound before Flyers defence had any chance of clearing the puck. There were chances again as Moffatt pushed his way into the offensive zone with some skilled puck work, and again when Byers had a chance on a breakaway, to be shut out by Owen.

In a surprising turn of events, it was 31 minutes into the game before any team took a penalty – the first one of the evening going to Braid for slashing. It was a strong penalty kill for Storm, even managing to get a 2 on 1 opportunity. Two more penalties followed, Moffatt for interference at 38:00, and Long sitting in the box just over a minute later at 39:15. The second period drew to a close, Storm keeping the puck out on a strong 5 on 3 penalty kill.

One second into the third period storm go back to four skaters having 1:14 to kill. On a strong penalty kill, they made sure Flyers wouldn’t level up, even having a short-handed opportunity with a wrist shot – gloved by Owen. For the following few minutes, there was plenty of fast-paced end to end hockey. Tensions rose around Owen’s net, words were held and Richardson drew a roughing penalty – Stoflet being sent to the box at 49:50. 

The final ten minutes were the most thrilling, as Flyers seized every moment trying to get the game tied. The time flew by as spectators saw some skilled hockey and Braid going hard to the net at any opportunity. Flyers held up really tight in defence, not giving Storm any gaps to seal the deal with a two goal difference. 

In the final two minutes, Owen was pulled for favour of another player. The Flyers swarmed the net in the final minute of regulation time, bringing the scoreline to 3-3 at 59:10, scored by Gautier unassisted. Both teams headed to overtime, claiming one point each.

Overtime started in favour of Storm, as the oppositions stick broke on the first face-off. It was a short overtime, resulting in Flyers taking the lead at 62:02, Crowder with the winning goal off a pass from Pinkston. 

Man of the Match for Fife Flyers went to #7 Rick Pinkston.

Man of the Match for Manchester Storm went to #91 Evan Richardson.

Shots on Goal: Shane Owen, 29

Shots on Goal: Matt Ginn, 32

Referees: Chris Wells & Blake Copeland

The next Storm home game is Tuesday 4th December, as they face The Nottingham Panthers in the first leg of the Challenge Cup Quarter Final, 7:30pm face-off.

The club’s OSC are hosting the Storm’s Christmas Party, Tuesday 18th December at Cresta Court Hotel, 19:00 – late. Email events.stormosc@gmail.com to book, or visit the OSC desk under block 113 on match nights.