NEXT HOME GAME: Tickets for our Elite League fixture on Saturday 28th January 2023 are available online HERE, by calling 0161-926-8782 or in person at the Planet Ice Box Office! Doors open 6PM for a 7PM start.

Manchester Storm are thrilled to announce the signing of forward Jonathan Desbiens, most recently of Amiens (Ligue Magnus).

The current injury crisis which has plagued the Storm roster has seen Head Coach, Matt Ginn, move swiftly to bring in another talented replacement before the fast-approaching transfer deadline.

Desbiens is a former BCHL Champion with West Kelowna Warriors, during his junior career, where he accrued 137 points (71G 66A) in only 112 appearances. This impressive offensive production caught the attention of Bentley University (NCAA) and the young Canadian would go on to spend four years in Massachusetts.

During his time at university, Desbiens played on 139 occasions and racked up 102 points (49G 53A). The pandemic delayed his transition into the professional game; however, in 2021, the forward signed with ECHL outfit Maine Mariners. After debuting with the Mariners, Desbiens continued in the ECHL with Iowa Hertlanders until late 2021, before heading to Europe.

Mullhouse (France) snapped up the 26-year-old skater for the remainder of their campaign and his addition undoubtedly played a significant role in the franchise avoiding relegation from the top tier. In 22 league games, Desbiens produced 24 points (10G 14A) before moving onto Amiens, in the off-season.

Head Coach Matt Ginn had this to say on the talented forward; “I’m excited to bring Jonathan into our group. He’s a solid 200 foot player that has great speed and a good scoring touch around the net. From all reports we’ve had, he’s a great teammate that will fit in with what we are building here in Manchester. With the injuries we’ve had up front, it was important to try to bring in another forward to give us a full lineup and support the guys who have been battling so hard. I expect Jonathan to make an immediate impact on both sides of the puck and I’m looking forward to getting him in the lineup.”

The move from northern France, with Amiens, to Manchester will be the second in recent time, with fan favourite Jesper Ohrvall making the same journey.

With the news of Jonathan Desbiens arriving in Manchester, the club have shutdown forward Jesper Ohrvall for a further 2 weeks to continue his recovery from injury.

General Manager Ryan Finnerty commented; “We have been monitoring the situation with Jesper for a while and his health and recovery are paramount therefore we have decided to shutdown Jesper for a further two weeks. We have remained active in the market and were able to get a deal done with Amiens to bring Jonathan Desbiens to Manchester. We always said this club cannot afford to play short handed but we need to give our guys the best opportunity for success. Anytime you carry this many spare imports it puts financial stress on the club but our fans have been awesome this season and this gives us the confidence going forward. We will analyse where we are before the transfer deadline in mid February.”

NEXT HOME GAME: Tickets for our Elite League fixture on Saturday 28th January 2023 are available online HERE, by calling 0161-926-8782 or in person at the Planet Ice Box Office! Doors open 6PM for a 7PM start.