STORM YOUNGSTERS GIVEN ELITE LEAGUE TREATMENT
Prospective talent from Manchester Storm’s academy got to share the ice with their Elite League heroes at Saturday’s game with Coventry Blaze.
Players from Ryan Finnerty’s side presented Northern Conference shirts to nine players who have made the north of England representative teams this season.
Storm linked up with the Trafford Tornados last summer to create the Energy Check Manchester Storm Academy.
And Director of Junior Development, former Sheffield Steelers defenceman Mark Thomas felt it was a great opportunity to show how the relationship is working.
“The players have worked really hard this season and have improved a lot. This was a great reward for them,” he said.
“It was fantastic to see them on the ice at the weekend and the fans gave them a really big cheer which I am sure the kids will have enjoyed.
“We have a lot of talent in the Academy and it is exciting to see the players starting to come through.”
Storm Academy chairman Seth Bennett is delighted that the partnership between the two clubs has proved to be fruitful.
He added: “It was always a bit of a leap of faith in the summer and we were never entirely sure exactly how the relationship would look.
“I can’t thank Storm coach Ryan Finnerty and the rest of the club’s management team enough for the way they have supported us.
“Storm players have joined us on the ice every week and worked alongside our coaches to help the kids improve.
“Saturday night was a real highlight for the club and show of unity as we got the chance to give the kids a massive pat on the back and celebrate the achievement of being North of England players.”
The Storm Academy are looking for more coaches to join the club to cope with the demand of more players. If you are a former player, or you would like to get involved them, please visit their Facebook page and get in touch.
In the group photo (left to right): Josh Crawley, Josh Milnes, Jayson Burgess, Connor Lee, James Best (U13s), Liam Hine, Jason Roscoe, Jonas Bennett; missing from the photo is Noah Kaariainen.
With thanks to EIHA
PHOTO: MANCHESTER STORM
