Opinion Piece: Pre-Season Roster Review Pt. 2
The anticipation for the first puck drop is palpable among the ranks and the fanbase, particularly after the incredible 2023-24 EIHL campaign.
Head Coach Mike Flanagan and General Manager Ryan Finnerty have worked closely throughout the off-season to assemble a well-balanced squad, aiming to build on last year’s success.
The following is the second part of an opinion-based review discussing the announced forwards for the 2024-25 Elite League campaign:
Johnny Corneil:
The Ontario native would be the first to admit that his offensive output in his rookie Elite League campaign was not at the level he would have wanted. However, his ability to play both winger and centre, alongside his willingness to kill penalties, has earned him a second year in Manchester. A solid two-way player, Corneil will hope of earning a bigger role over the course of the year.
Cam Critchlow:
A career-high year for Critchlow across the board, with 17 goals and 26 assists. The hardworking captain was a top priority for an extension, especially after skating against multiple current NHLers at the World Championships early in the summer. As the most experienced forward in the group, Critchlow will be heavily relied upon in crucial moments by Mike Flanagan throughout the year.
Tyler Hinam:
“With increased ice-time, Hinam could consistently light the lamp for the Storm.” This prediction from last year came to fruition, as the young Canadian was the squad’s only 20+ goal scorer. In 51 games, Hinam tallied 22 goals and 21 assists, sharing the top spot on the points chart with Critchlow. Hinam’s eye-catching style, with plenty of flair and speed, has delighted fans on home ice, and I’d be shocked if this doesn’t continue in 2024, with the forward now more experienced. Another 20+ goal campaign is what you can expect from Hinam.
Stephen Johnson:
Last season was overall sub-par for Johnson, especially after dazzling at times during his debut EIHL year. Johnson is often paired with Critchlow, and this line-up will very likely continue this season. However, with a significantly younger forward group, more will be expected from the experienced forward, and I think he will rise to the challenge. A return to his first-year form would be timely and welcomed by everyone in the Shelter.
Loren Ulett:
“A heavy-hitting forward who is not shy about dropping the gloves.” This was how I described Ulett before last season, and anyone who watched the Storm would agree with this synopsis. An instant fan favourite, the hardworking power forward will be looking to build upon a successful debut season. His two-year contract extension, signed in March, was thoroughly deserved, and I know the fans are delighted to see more of Ulett this year.
Connor Lee:
The youthful Brit was a real joy to watch whenever he touched the ice. One area of Lee’s game that is already EIHL standard is his skating, particularly his straight-line speed. As the jewel of the youth system, I hope to see him afforded more opportunities within the line-up this season. A mightily impressive pre-season from Lee will undoubtedly stand him in good stead for the upcoming campaign, as he continues to develop under the tutelage of Flanagan.
Gianluca Esteves:
A three-year professional and former NCAA player-athlete, Esteves comes to Manchester with solid pedigree. The similarities between the EIHL and Erste Liga are tangible, but in recent years, I feel the former has gradually overtaken in terms of overall league quality. A hugely impressive pre-season will have many a fan excited of what more is to come from Esteves. This could be one of the signings of the summer.
Owen Griffiths:
A solid acquisition at the start of the off-season. Griffiths has over 250 EIHL appearances, and this experience could prove invaluable for the league newcomers. A battling bottom-six forward, Griffiths will be looking forward to a fresh challenge after four seasons in Guildford. A smart addition within our budget, he adds significant flexibility to the line-up, as his ability to kill penalties should provide more rest opportunities for our top six. Lastly, his size and skating stood out throughout the pre-season encounters.
Grant Hebert:
A big body and a game that is suited to our smaller ice sheet. The former ECHL skater will be eager to see how much an expanded role can enhance his game this season. A signing with lots of potential and a high ceiling, Hebert could surprise a few within the league with his play. I would predict that anything north of 15 goals and 40 points would be considered a successful campaign for Hebert. Again, his pre-season showed plenty of promise, particularly his willingness to mix things up, if and when its required.
Ryan Hughes:
Another addition with plenty of potential and upside. Hughes knows the league well and is adept at playing on the varying ice sheet sizes in the EIHL. A natural winger with an eye for goal throughout his career, Hughes will be hoping to improve on his 11-goal season last year with the Flames, especially if given powerplay opportunities. The playmaking vision and eagerness to complete the forecheck during the pre-season drew many admiring glances from within the Shelter.
Zack Milton:
This will be Milton’s first full campaign in the EIHL after 19 previous appearances split over two seasons. The 23-year-old has good size and adds depth to the roster, as the franchise hasn’t had three British forwards on full-time contracts for a while now. Any contributions from the young Brit pack and fourth line will undoubtedly be welcomed by the coaching staff and supporters alike.
Jake Durflinger:
Another import with good pedigree and experience, having spent five years combining his studies and playing in the NCAA. Durflinger will be looking to carve out a role for himself within the top six during the initial stages of the season. His two campaigns in the ECHL with Iowa were mostly consistent, and his physical, body-first style is perfectly suited to the Shelter. On initial viewing, Durflinger’s sparky style of play could well make him an instant fan favourite.
Alex Robert:
A first-year pro out of Queen’s University (USports), Robert will be desperate to impress in a new league and land. The Storm opted to bring in an additional import, with some minor knocks to key members of the squad and Robert made use of the pre-season opportunity afforded to him. A good skater and smart two-way player, the young Canadian made several small but important plays within the friendlies at both ends of the ice. It will be interesting to see what role Robert can carve out for himself within the line-up throughout the course of the year, as the additional depth is vital to a successful Elite League season.
Words by: Callum Schora
