➡️ Monday Review: A Storm-ing week
Multiple treats for Manchester fans
Manchester Storm certainly kept their fans glued to their social media accounts as their “huge week” culminated in more signing news for new coach Cameron Critchlow.
Following the tease last Sunday, they didn’t waste any time as Kyle Locke was announced on Monday after his move from Guildford Flames, followed by the return of Loren Ulett on Tuesday then Wednesday’s announcement of Rais Francis.
Storm didn’t let up there.
Tyler Hinam’s return was announced on Thursday, making it four in four before completing a busy week on Friday with the news that Macclesfield-born Brad Jenson would be returning home to the UK to join the Storm after a decade in North America, most recently with Macon Mayhem.
Of his most recent signing, coach Critchlow said: “Brad is a solid addition to our defensive core and brings toughness, composure and a real team mentality.
“We believe he’ll be a steady presence at the back and play a key role for us this season.”
🥹 VENUS HANGS ‘EM UP
Former Coventry Blaze forward Ross Venus has called time on his career after announcing his retirement from ice hockey at the hockey.
The 31-year-old left the Skydome in 2023, but continued to play for Milton Keynes Lightning for two years in the National League. Now he has decided to call it a day and move into the next phase of his life.
Venus featured in David Clements’ testimonial at the Skydome on Saturday night, where he was presented with his last ever Blaze jersey from his final game in 2023 by Clements.
He said in a statement via his X account: “Today, with a full heart and deep gratitude, I'm officially announcing my retirement from professional hockey.
“This game has been so much more than just a sport to me. It's been my passion, my identity, and my purpose for as long as I can remember.
“Hockey has taken me on an incredible journey, and it has shaped me in to who I am today. For that I will be forever grateful.”
Venus went on to pay tribute to Lightning, Coventry Blaze, his coaches and the fans before saying: “Thank you for all of the support over the years.
“No matter the ups and downs, you were always there, and I'm truly grateful for it. While I'm hanging up my skates, hockey will forever be a part of me. As I step into this next chapter, I do so with pride, gratitude, and excitement for what's ahead.”
🤝 ON THE MOVE
Let’s catch up with the other moves around the league in the last few days and there’s been a few.
👋 Belfast Giants bid farewell to forward Pierre Olivier Morin, who left the club after only a season to return to France, where he’s joined Bordeaux - Belfast Giants on X
⭐️ Dundee Stars welcomed back forward Craig Garrigan for what will be a seventh season on Tayside - Dundee Stars website
🔥 Guildford Flames added to their blue line options with the signing of University of Western Ontario D-man Jacob Gravelle - Guildford Flames website
🧤 As announced at the David Clements Testimonial, Coventry Blaze announced the return of netminder Mat Robson for a second season - Coventry Blaze website
✍️ Cardiff Devils ended the week with some signing news as head coach Paul Thompson plundered his old club, Odense Bulldogs, to sign American defenceman Brandon Estes - Cardiff Devils website
🏟️ AROUND THE RINKS
Time to travel the country in a matter of minutes with the best of the news around the Elite League
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ Cardiff Devils are supporting their LGBTQ+ community in Pride Cymru's 2025 parade, taking place on Saturday 21st June - Cardiff Devils on X
📆 Also, the Devils have announced their pre-season schedule, including visits to the Vindico Arena for Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers - Cardiff Devils on X
👔 The coaching line-up for Adam Keefe’s testimonial next month has been revealed with some familiar faces set to take their place on the bench for the Belfast Giants coach’s big night - Belfast Giants on X
👕 Nottingham Panthers’ Ollie Betteridge took us on a journey of his Panthers career through the medium of jerseys
🚗 If you’re around Cardiff and can help with pickups from the airport for Joey Martin’s testimonial, Joey needs your help… - Joey Martin Testimonial on X
👍 Nottingham Panthers’ Sam Herr signed off his career a month on from the play-off finals weekend with this post on Instagram
🇩🇪 Glasgow Clan are off to Germany for a couple of pre-season games in September as they contest the Warrior Cup, where they’ll take on Red Bull Munich in their semi final game - Glasgow Clan on X
🇦🇺 Meanwhile, in Australia, Coventry captain Kim Tallberg found the net twice for Newcastle Northstars in the AIHL, as they racked up a 6-1 home win over Jade Galbraith’s Adelaide Adrenaline on Sunday (Footage courtesy of AIHL TV)
🎙️ INTERVIEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
Check out the chats you may have missed in the last few days
🎙️ Following the news of his announcement of another campaign with Dundee Stars, the Stars TV team caught up with Craig Garrigan to discuss his return
🎙️ Another player recently announced was Grayson Constable of Coventry Blaze and here he is, having a chat on the Blaze podcast
🎙️ On the Nottingham Panthers home bench podcast, Luca Sheldon was joined by Matt Alfaro, another returning player for the play-off champions
🎧 EPISODE 3 PODCAST
As yet, we are unable to reveal who will be joining us on episode 3 of the Elite Podcast, but keep your eye on socials and we’ll announce as soon as we can.
In the meantime, episode 1 (David Simms) and episode 2 (David Clements) remain available if you haven’t listened to them as yet.
Subscribe via Apple podcasts and Spotify now in time for the next episode
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