In the final home game before Christmas, the Storm and Panthers battled it out in a tumultuous affair, with the former take the 4-2 decision.

A silky individual goal by Hinam opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, as the forward danced the defenceman to finish five-hole. This clearly spurred on the hosts, as they hemmed the Panthers into their defensive zone. However, an opportunistic shot by Betteridge levelled proceedings in the 10th minute.

A dubious hit from behind by Farley through the numbers of Weninger saw the in-form netminder skate to the bench pained. Another fine individual goal by Hinam, this time whilst short-handed, gave the Storm their second lead of the match. The forward skated into the zone and fired an excellent wristshot into the roof of the Panthers net. This lead would unfortunately not last, as a powerplay goal from Lunsjo squared proceedings, in the 34th minute.

Some solid goaltending from young British netminder Alex Odale prevented Nottingham from getting their first lead of the night, in the initial throws of the final period. A heavy Morrow slapshot, in the 48th minute, gave the Storm their third goal and lead of the evening – setting up a tense finish. A tremendous and decisive penalty shot save by Oldale, in the 54th minute, maintained the slender advantage.

The empty netter by Joe Morrow, deep in his own defensive zone, ensured the two points would be staying in Manchester this evening and in the process handing Alex Oldale his first professional win.