Manchester Storm are thrilled to announce the signing of Joseph Hazeldine from league rivals Nottingham Panthers on a multi-year deal.

The young British defenceman joins ahead of the #2021EliteSeries and will ice for the club during the 2021/22 season after signing a multi-year deal with the club.

Hazeldine was somewhat of a junior sensation with the 2015-16 season a particular standout for the defenceman, 41 goals and 38 assists in just 16 games, being enough to notify the EIHL Panthers of his talents. One year later, at the age of 16, Hazeldine was snapped up by his local club.

The past three seasons have seen Hazeldine split his time between the EIHL and NIHL, with loan spells to Swindon Wildcats, Telford Tigers and Peterborough Phantoms offering the Brit more ice-time.

With 55 EIHL appearances already under his belt the young defenceman will be ready for the first puck drop next month as the #2021EliteSeries begins.

Head Coach, Ryan Finnerty, commented on his latest recruit: “I truly believe we have landed a player with tremendous talent and hockey IQ. He is still young and therefore another working project for the club, but one with huge upside! The club are continuing to pursue developing young Brits, as we want this to be a place they can develop and significantly benefit the club in the long-term. I feel Joe has the ability to become a premier British blueliner…he just needs the opportunity to play!”

Joe had this to say on joining the club: “I’m really excited and can’t wait to get going in Manchester! I’m looking forward to new opportunities and situations here. The Elite Series to start with is going to be great, the games are going to be competitive and hopefully the fans can get behind as best they can and we can give them something to virtually cheer about! See you soon, Manchester!”

We can’t wait to see Joe in a Manchester Storm jersey in the up-coming Elite Series.

ELITE SERIES: Manchester Storm take on the Coventry Blaze on Saturday the 3rd April at the Nottingham Ice Arena in Elite Series action! Webcast information and news on how to purchase coming soon! Face-off is 2pm!

#WeAreStorm | #2021EliteSeries | #Manchester