Manchester Storm coach Cameron Critchlow has urged the fans to pack the Storm Shelter for Saturday’s Elite League with Nottingham Panthers (Face off 7:00pm).

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And Critchlow has given one particular reason why fans still pondering the decision to come to the Shelter on Saturday should as he pondered his opponents.

⁠⁠”When the Storm Shelter is rocking it’s a very tough place to come and play,” he said.

“The Panthers are the best team in the league. They have very few weaknesses and we will need to play a near perfect game to win.

“But if there are any fans on the fence, I would say with Air the Bear, this is one of the best atmospheres of the season and I expect our fans to bring the energy.”

Last Friday’s postponement of the game against Belfast Giants left the Storm without a fixture to play over the weekend so will come into Saturday’s clash fresh against the Panthers.

For Critchlow, there were certainly benefits to not playing while the other nine teams all took to the ice.

He added: “It was very unfortunate we were unable to play last weekend, but without play we still remained in the same spot in the standings which is a positive.

“It also gave us an opportunity to get guys some rest and nurse a few injuries.

“Rest is definitely a weapon, and it gave us an opportunity to get healthier with no further setbacks, so we’re ready for the weekend.”

Words by: Craig Anderson