Manchester Storm are thrilled to welcome forward Curtis Hamilton, most recently of league rivals Belfast Giants.

The former NHLer skates into Manchester with a hugely impressive CV, Hamilton was drafted 48^th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2010 and made his professional debut with Oklahoma City Barons (AHL) in 2011. The then prospect spent four-years representing the Barons, recording 30 goals and 38 assists in 208 appearances. During the 2014-15 campaign, Hamilton made the step-up into the NHL and realised his boyhood dreams in the process, before going on to represent Team Canada in the storied Spengler Cup.

The following year, Hamilton signed for HC Sparta Praha (Czech) and managed to rack up 30 points (13G 17A) in 43 outings, in a highly competitive European division. From 2016-18, Hamilton would call Finland home, as he went on to play for SaiPa, TPS and Tappara (Finnish Liiga). During his two-year tenure in Finland, the forward produced 36 points (18 G 18A) in 66 matches and this solid play earned Hamilton a second Spengler Cup appearance for Team Canada in 2018.

In 2018, Grazz99ers quickly snapped up Hamilton and their decision was vindicated, as the Canadian forward scored 17 goals and had 23 assists in 54 league matches. Upon the conclusion of that campaign, Hamilton would head to Northern Ireland to represent Belfast Giants. In his debut season in the EIHL, the forward skated on 45 occasions and produced 33 points (16G 17A), whilst logging big minutes for the title chasing Giants. During the height of the pandemic, Hamilton opted to stay in Canada and named as the assistant coach to Kelowna Rockets (WHL) not long after this decision.

Ryan Finnerty, Head Coach, had this to say about his newest recruit:

“You only have to look at the players Curtis has shared the ice with to fully appreciate his talent. To get drafted that early and go on to play in some of the world’s best hockey leagues, is a visual representation of his dedication to the game of hockey.

I have always said I want to develop a solid core group of players and I feel like Curtis will slip into one of those roles with ease. I am expecting big things from him this year and having spoken to him in depth, he sees this as a great opportunity to get back playing some of his best hockey. He is heading to Manchester during the prime years of his career and I know the fans will absolutely love watching this guy don the Storm jersey.

I am delighted to have got this deal over the line, as some big clubs were chasing him – but his experiences in Manchester and chance to recapture his form were too much for him to pass up on. He isn’t here for the money; he wants to push our franchise up the standings and put our guys on his back in the biggest moments.”

Welcome to Manchester, Curtis!

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