Manchester Storm return to British hockey

06 Jul 2015Jake Porritt»

After nearly an absence of 15 years one of England's more popular teams have made a return to the top flight of English ice hockey. Due to the liquidation of Hull Stingrays the EIHL were short one team for the forthcoming season.

The reformed Storm will play their home matches at the Altrincham Ice Rink, the former home of fellow ice hockey side Manchester Phoenix. Instead the Phoenix will relocate to a new arena based in the city centre of Manchester.

Crowds of 18,000 would gather to see the Storm during their glory days of the 1990s. But now concerns have been raised about whether Manchester can sustain not just one, but two teams in what is very much a niche sport in England.

The initial reaction from British hockey fans has been a positive one and only time will tell if this reincarnation can survive and become a powerhouse in British hockey once again.

The Storm have already begun to recruit players for the up coming season. Last week Great Britain internationals David Phillips and Matty Davies were unveiled as the club's first signings. And now Manchester have found their new coach. Fresh from leading Hull to the play-off semi finals, Omar Pacha has been announced as player-coach of the EIHL's newest team.

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