Manchester Storm are thrilled to confirm the addition of young forward Harrison Caines, most recently of Nipissing University (USports).

The talented import will be taking his first steps into professional hockey, but for Caines, the sport runs in the family. His hockey lineage is evident, with two professional-playing cousins—Mitch Jones, formerly of Glasgow Clan, and Max Jones, currently signed to the Boston Bruins. Caines has the versatility to play across all three forward positions, and this flexibility will undoubtedly aid the Storm’s matchday line-up for the remainder of the season.

His impressive junior career saw the Canadian rack up 126 major appearances for the North Bay Battalion (OHL) and Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL) before transitioning to university hockey in 2021. Opting to continue both his academic studies and hockey at Nipissing University proved to be a fruitful decision for the Ontario native. Over 94 USports appearances, Caines amassed an impressive 81 points (32G, 49A). His most recent campaign was particularly eye-catching, with 15 goals and 20 assists in 28 games—an achievement that earned him a well-deserved place on the USports Second All-Star Team.

Now, with his academic commitments largely behind him, Caines will be eager to make an impression—not just on the Storm fanbase, but across the league. The speedy forward has the opportunity to secure a contract heading into next season.

Head Coach Mike Morin had this to say on the latest addition:

“Obviously, with the loss of Grant Hebert for the season, it was vital we acted quickly with the transfer deadline looming. I am delighted we have been able to inject some extra speed into the match-night line-up, and I am confident that Harrison will make an instant impact.

We have reached the business end of the season and have had some bad luck recently with injuries to key players—but I have every faith in this group. Adding Harrison so quickly is going to provide another boost in our dressing room.”

Words by: Callum Schora