Manchester Storm player-assistant coach Dallas Ehrhardt says there’s a different feel around the play-offs this year.

Storm are preparing for this weekend’s quarter final double header against Nottingham Panthers as they aim for a tilt at the play-off weekend for the first time in their Elite League history.

And Ehrhardt, who has played in each of Manchester’s previous four quarter finals in his decade at the club, reckons the team are set for this one.

“This one definitely feels different,” he said. “For me, my role is different of course but the group of guys we have and the buy-in they have week in week out really puts us in a good place for this kind of play-off format.

“The aggregate games are something new for guys and when you’re up against a good team like Nottingham, you’ve got to have belief.

“You can’t ride the rollercoaster.  You just have to stay focused on the task at hand do your job to the best of your ability.”

“This year the league was deep in talent so any team you’re up against is going to be a real challenge.

“Nottingham are a really good squad who have already played in some big games this year, so we know we have to be dialled and ready to compete all weekend.”

Ehrhardt is perfectly placed to know what it would mean if the Storm were to cross that play-off threshold into a weekend that Storm fans have only been able to watch as neutrals.

The experienced D-man admits he would love to be on the ice but is more than happy to help the team in trying to achieve something that really would be special.

He added: “I don’t think the want to be out there in the mix ever leaves you. I’m sure if you ask Cam or Mike they would probably say the same thing.

“But I know the team we have and have full belief in what they can accomplish so I’m happy to help them out and hopefully put them in situations to be successful.

“Getting to the weekend in Nottingham has been a target of ours and to get the opportunity to be there with a chance to win some hardware would be a great payoff for all the hard work that’s gone on over the years.

“The job Cam did as a player and now as a coach is something impressive, his energy is contagious and to get our club to finals weekend to start off his coaching career would be awesome.”

By: Craig Anderson