SEASON TICKETS: The Go Goodwin’s Manchester Storm are pleased to announce that season tickets for the 2017/18 Elite Ice Hockey League season are now available to purchase. Season Tickets can be ordered online here, by calling the box office on 0161 926 8782, or in person at the box office.

Manchester Storm head coach Ryan Finnerty has praised everyone involved in setting up the latest visit from pop star Justin Bieber.

The Canadian singer was in town on Sunday to perform at the One Love Manchester concert to raise money for the victims of the recent terrorist attack in the city.

But he paid a visit to an old stomping ground to hit the ice with members and staff at Silverblades before jetting off on the next stage of his tour.

“I’d got a text about three in the morning from Trevor Johnson, who knows Justin’s PA pretty well saying that he was looking to come and skate and if I could make it happen,” Finnerty explained.

“It was kind of a combined effort, trying to get everyone in place and Silverblades were the star of the situation.  They were able to shut it down and leant on a lot of guys to come.

“A lot of the local guys, such as Paul Swindlehurst and Mark Thomas all came along, at least enough to make a scrimmage.

“It all happened in the space of six hours and in the end, it all went off really well.

“The guys had a lot of fun coming out to meet him and play and it was good they were able to drop everything to come along for what was a pretty good scrimmage.

“For his security team, it’s maybe good for him to go somewhere he knows and plays so we’re the beneficiaries of that for sure.

“It was a pretty unique experience so to see it come together so quickly was a real team effort.”

Finnerty admits to not getting a chance to pass on any tips as a coach, but was pleased at the contribution he’s made to the auction ahead of Saturday’s charity game.

He added: “I didn’t see him a whole lot to be able to pass on any tips about his game, but the guys on the bench had a good time with him.

“He signed the stick he used, which will be put up for auction for Saturday’s charity game and we hope that goes to someone with deep pockets.

“It’s a neat thing to have, his actual stick that he brought on tour and it will be a big prize on Saturday.”

SEASON TICKETS: The Go Goodwin’s Manchester Storm are pleased to announce that season tickets for the 2017/18 Elite Ice Hockey League season are now available to purchase. Season Tickets can be ordered online here, by calling the box office on 0161 926 8782, or in person at the box office.