New Manchester Storm forward Kyle Maksimovich admits a trip to Nottingham last season gave him the taste for the Elite League.

 

The 28-year-old was part of the Herning Blue Fox team from Denmark, who competed in the IIHF Continental Cup Final group at the Motorpoint Arena, where his team won the bronze medal.

 

And it wasn’t the only thing to convince him to make the move to the UK, as he explained in the latest episode of the official Manchester Storm podcast, StormCast.

 

“Travelling to Nottingham was my first experience of the UK,” he said. “It was definitely fun and being in the culture of England was really good.

 

“It definitely gave me the taste to want to come back and experience more of it.  I saw how it fast and strong it was.  It was good hockey with a lot more imports than Denmark so I knew I would be comfortable with that.

 

“I also saw how strongly the team finished last year so that was also a big pull for me, to come in and help build on what was achieved.

 

“I played against Brady Gilmour and Dennis Busby in USports so I knew they had played in Manchester, which made it more appealing for me to come. I felt I had to make that transition to the Elite League.”

 

Maksimovich is excited for his move to the city, but arrives after a season of success after helping Herning win the Metal Ligaen title in Denmark.

 

But it’s all about what’s to come and he’s already pondering a big dilemma.

 

“Manchester seems like a great city and I know they’re very passionate about their soccer,” he added. “It’s like a religion there, but I don’t which team I’m going to support.

 

“Just seeing the photos of the new arena, I know it’s at the heart of Manchester and holds a lot of big events and concerts there .

 

“I’ve seen the new rink and it looks pretty big too so I’m excited to see it for myself. I’ve got to get used to the big ice.

 

“For us to be able to play there is a huge honour and a privilege and we’re very fortunate to be able to call it our home.”

 

 

By: Craig Anderson