Manchester Storm ready for 'emotional' homecoming
The ice hockey team say their return to the AO Arena could set a new crowd record.
Manchester Storm is gearing up for an emotional return to the AO Arena, marking their first homecoming in 24 years. The team will face the Sheffield Steelers in a pre-season game at 16:00 BST on Sunday at the Manchester AO Arena. This is following their departure from Planet Ice in Altrincham. The club anticipates a significant crowd turnout, potentially breaking the record attendance for an Elite Ice Hockey League team.
Goalie Drew DeRidder expressed excitement about the return, stating it would be a game-changer with nicer facilities, attracting more fans and future talent. Established in 1995, the team previously played at Manchester Arena and won the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996, setting a British ice hockey attendance record with 17,245 fans watching a match against Sheffield Steelers that year.
After leaving the arena in 2002, Manchester Storm is returning to capitalize on the growing popularity of ice hockey and boost attendance at the 23,000-capacity venue. A fanzone will open at 14:30 ahead of the match, offering live entertainment, player and coach interviews, and special guests until face-off, followed by another hour of fan interaction post-game.
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