Hey Storm fans,

I just wanted to take this opportunity to put a note out to you all about how things are progressing here at the #StormShelter.

Firstly, let’s take a trip back over the past couple of months, and all that’s been achieved! I know I sound like a broken record in saying this, but what we have achieved in such a short space of time, is simply incredible.  To put an EIHL club together should normally take 6-7 months of hard graft, we’ve pretty much done that in 6-7 weeks. From signing a player-coach, to signing players, sorting their visas (WHAT A PROCESS THAT IS!!), ordering of equipment, engaging an equipment manager, sorting bank accounts for payroll, players cars, sponsorships, multiple accommodation, new locker room, ordering new sound systems, new TV’s……….DO I NEED TO GO ON?! It’s been majorly busy, but you know what, as GM, I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved in helping pull it all together in such a short space of time. The 18 & 19 hour days will bear fruit!

To YOU, the fans, I want to say a MASSIVE thank you. Thank you for your patience. Is everything how I want it, right now? NO. Will I get it to the point I want it? YES. Your support and words of encouragement these past few weeks have been incredible, and I thank you all for that.

To Omar, our fantastic defence man and team coach, I just want to say a HUGE thank you, for all the effort and time you are putting in to help make this a team that the fans can be proud of!

To Phil Lowe our Head of Volunteers, and all of his team, I also say a massive thank you. You guys have been simply superb. Keep up the great work.

Regarding match night, how AWESOME is it to have Jon Hammond back?! Jon is a true gent, and a man I have already formed a great relationship with in such a short space of time. He is incredibly passionate about the Manchester Storm, and both of us have a lot of plans for our match night product as a whole for moving forwards. So watch this space! You will all hopefully notice changes week by week, game by game. We are all working to ensure that we continue to provide a great night out for everyone that comes through the doors.

Another special mention has to be made of our owner, Mark Johnson. He has been an incredible support these past 6 weeks, and has worked incredibly hard behind the scenes also to get the Storm back up and running. So if you see Mark at a game, stop him and say THANKS, without him, none of this would have been possible!

Finally, a call to action for all of you, our fans! As we get settled down a bit more over the next couple of weeks, we will be VERY actively involved in the community and our PR & Marketing will be quite significant, but in the meantime, I’m leaning on you all to bring along your friends, family, work colleagues, whoever it may well be, to our games. Ice hockey is WAY more than just a game, it’s something that becomes a way of life and we want to get families hooked on the best sport there is to watch LIVE.  We have a team that’s really exciting to watch, so let’s get the #StormShelter rocking with both old and new storm fans this coming season!

See you all on Sunday for our game vs the Dundee Stars (5pm Face Off). Call the Box Office on 08700-852-929, to get your tickets. The players will all be in the rink bar post game to meet you all, so please stay after the game & go grab a word with them. They are all fantastic guys & welcome the engagement with you, the fans.

Thanks once again, and let’s be loud & proud at all our games, our players feed off your energy.

Neil Russell

General Manager