Manchester Storm and the Deeside Dragons are proud to announce a strengthened partnership between the two clubs, creating an exciting new chapter for player development and British ice hockey.

The collaboration further strengthens the relationship between one of the UK’s most promising Elite Ice Hockey League organisations and one of North Wales’ most passionate and historic hockey communities, creating greater opportunities for young British talent to develop, compete and progress through an elite performance pathway.

As part of the partnership, Manchester Storm will continue to support the Dragons with developing players from within the organisation, while also expanding opportunities for Storm Academy athletes to gain valuable senior experience in a competitive environment.

The relationship will also see Manchester Storm utilise Deeside Leisure Centre as an additional training base, with the venue’s Olympic-sized ice pad and high-quality off-ice facilities providing an ideal environment for elite-level preparation and development.

Storm supporters and Dragons fans alike have already seen the early success of the relationship, with Manchester Storm Academy graduates Theo Malone, Bailey Thomas and Jace Gledhill all progressing through the pathway into senior opportunities with Deeside.

Young goaltender Tyler de la Bertouche also spent last season on a two-way development agreement between the clubs, further demonstrating the commitment to creating opportunities for emerging British talent.

The continued collaboration between Manchester Storm and Deeside Dragons is designed to provide young players with meaningful senior experience while supporting their long-term development within the professional game.

Now, both organisations are committed to taking the partnership to the next level.

 

“This partnership is hugely important for the future of Manchester Storm and the elite development pathway we are continuing to build throughout the organisation.

 

From ownership, management and coaching staff right through to the players and supporters, there’s a real alignment between both clubs and what we want to achieve together. Deeside has become a fantastic environment for young players to develop, gain senior experience and continue progressing within an elite structure.

 

There’s a real passion for hockey in Deeside, and the support around the club creates an environment that is hugely valuable for developing young players both on and off the ice.

 

The facilities at Deeside Leisure Centre are outstanding and we’re looking forward to it becoming a real home away from home for our organisation. Having access to an Olympic-sized ice pad and elite training environment gives us another fantastic base to work from as we continue building for the future.

 

This partnership creates genuine opportunities for young British players. We’re looking forward to continuing to work closely together under the same umbrella, further strengthening the pathway between our academy system and senior hockey while creating more opportunities for talented British players to shine through our development programme.

 

It’s a partnership that will not only help both clubs play an important role in developing the next generation of talent, but also continue strengthening the game in the UK for years to come”

— Ryan Finnerty, General Manager, Manchester Storm

For Manchester Storm, the partnership represents another major step in building a long-term development model capable of producing and supporting the next generation of British talent.

For Deeside, it further reinforces The Den’s reputation as one of the most respected and best-supported venues in British ice hockey.

“This partnership is a really exciting step forward for both organisations and, more importantly, for the development of young British players.

 

Manchester Storm and Deeside Dragons share the same ambition when it comes to creating opportunities for players to grow, compete and progress through the game at the right level. Having that pathway between the clubs is hugely important for the future of British ice hockey.

 

We’ve already seen the quality and professionalism that young Storm players can bring into our environment, and I’m excited to continue building on that relationship moving forward.

 

Personally, I’m looking forward to working closely alongside Cam Critchlow and Ryan Finnerty. They are both people who care deeply about player development, and together we can help create an environment where young players are challenged, supported and prepared for the next stage of their careers.

 

For Deeside, this is a fantastic opportunity. Our fans create one of the best atmospheres in the league, and giving young players the chance to develop in front of that support is something that will benefit everyone involved.

 

This partnership is about building for the future, and it’s an exciting time for hockey in Deeside.”

 — Mike Clancy, Head Coach, Deeside Dragons

The partnership also creates exciting opportunities for Storm Academy players, giving them a clear route to experience senior hockey while continuing to develop within a professional environment.

With Manchester Storm preparing for an exciting new era at the AO Arena, the strengthened relationship with Deeside Dragons forms another key part of the club’s long-term vision both on and off the ice.

For supporters, it means more emerging talent, stronger development opportunities and an even closer connection between two ambitious hockey organisations committed to growing the British game.

This is more than a partnership. It is a commitment to the future of player development, opportunity and British ice hockey.

Together, Manchester Storm and Deeside Dragons are creating a pathway designed to strengthen the game for years to come.

And this is only the beginning.