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 by clicking here, by calling the box office on 0161 926 8782, or in person at the box office.

The Manchester Storm are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with the Smailes Goldie Hull Pirates ahead of the 17/18 season.

The partnership will see Pirates goalie, Ashley Smith, play for the Manchester Storm as our back up ahead of the new season, plus there will be the opportunity throughout the season for some of the Pirates U-23 players to “play up” with the Storm.

Coach Ryan Finnerty is delighted to have this partnership agreement in place:

“This tie in with Hull Pirates is really important, it will allow us the opportunity to call upon some of the excellent U-23 players that represent the Pirates, to come and play as and when required for the Storm. This represents a really good opportunity for these young developing players to come and play at the top table, with and against really good pro players from around the globe. Hull have some excellent prospects coming through their ranks, so I really do see it as a win-win situation for both clubs.”

Finnerty went on to discuss the arrival of Ashley Smith as back up netminder for the Storm next season:

“Ash is someone I know will be dependable for us and will learn an incredible amount from training day in and day out with the Storm. We are keen that he maintains his progression throughout next season, and the only way that will happen is through training with top end players, but also time between the pipes during competitive action. With that in mind, Ash will play some games for the Pirates, as and when agreed between both clubs, during the season.

Jason Hewitt, Coach of the Smailes Goldie Hull Pirates, was equally as delighted with the new link up between both clubs:

“I’ve played with and against Finnerty for many years and we have a good relationship, this only made things easier for us to work in partnership with Finner and the Storm as we all progress within the new structures.

Ash is someone that did everything we asked of him last year and took the opportunities as they came. He was to be our starting goalie this season, but this opportunity came about and we could not turn it down. Ash will only get bigger better and stronger through the year and develop under the guidance of Ryan.

It will also benefit our other u23 players that want to push hard and take the opportunities that Finner will put their way throughout the season. Smith is the first player to be signed under this new partnership between both clubs and we wish him all the best and know he will do a great for both teams. He is a player who gives his all and is keen to progress and be the best he can possibly be. We are now exploring our goaltending options and, in all likelihood, will go with a duo of starting goalies which will include Smith.”

Hull Pirates owner, Shane Smith, had the following to say about the partnership…..

“For me this is what we all need to be doing, my biggest ambition through owning a hockey team has always been about development and trying to get the links with Elite teams which will breed the next generation of Great Britain internationals. The players need to be pushed and train at higher levels to get better, it’s how it works in North America and European nations such as Sweden so why shouldn’t it work here? If we are ever to give young players the pathways, aspirations and chance to develop this is how things need to be, we need to evolve and start to think differently to how we traditionally have.

I am over the moon with the partnership we have managed to secure with Ryan Finnerty and the Manchester Storm, it really is a winning combination for both teams and British ice hockey.

I hope that many more young, aspiring athletes, will get more of a chance to develop and make it the higher levels.

As for Ash, we at the Pirates wish him all the best and know he will thrive on the training and experience he will get from being around top professionals day in, day out. Ash will still be part of the Pirates team as one of the goalies and this allows us to bring in another goalie which provides us with a lot of options.
We look forward to seeing him in Hull when he ices with the Pirates.”

If any businesses or individuals would be keen to learn about a fantastic “full player sponsorship” for Ashley please email gg@storm-office.com for more information!

“Own & Loan” sponsorships will begin next week for all signings that have been announced to date, so keep an eye out on our website and social media for times and dates!

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 by clicking here, by calling the box office on 0161 926 8782, or in person at the box office.