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Manchester Storm can confirm blueliner Joseph Hazeldine will be heading to the Erste Liga for the 2023/24 season, on loan. 

The British blueliner still remains contracted to the Storm and upon his return in 2024 – Hazeldine will then enter the final year of his initial three-year deal with the club. 

The smooth-skating defencemen has already made in excess of 150 EIHL appearances – aged just 22. 

This move overseas will be his second – following a brief spell with ES WeiBwasser (Germany4) in 2020. A string of impressive and consistent performances throughout last year by Hazeldine – saw him named within Team GB’s initial squad for their previous World Championship campaign. 

Head Coach, Matt Ginn, had this to say about the deal:

“Joe wanted to go to a league and team in which he could take on a more offensive role for the year. He has made big strides in the defensive side of his game over and we think this is a good move for both sides to continue his development. It is a real win-win situation. 

It is really nice to be able to honour his request – whilst maintaining his playing rights and not impacting his contract status. On behalf of everyone at the Storm, we wish Joe good luck and are looking forward to him returning in 2024.”

The club have been aware of this possibility over the past few weeks and plans are already in motion to rebalance the roster for the 2023/24 EIHL campaign.

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