PRE-SEASON: Tickets for our pre-season fixtures on Saturday 16th September and Wednesday 20th September are available online HERE, by calling 0161-926-8782 or in person at the Planet Ice Box Office!

Manchester Storm are thrilled to announce the additions of Declan Balmer and Bobby Chamberlain on a two-way deal with Hull Seahawks.

Hull Seahawks will remain as their primary club for the 2023/24 season but will be invited to train with Head Coach Matt Ginn and the squad throughout the week alongside playing when the opportunity arises should there be no clash of fixtures.

Balmer is no stranger to the Storm or Elite League – as the British blueliner made 158 league appearances for the club between 2017-2020. 

Since then, Balmer has gone on to make 88 NIHL appearances for Swindon Wildcats and Hull Seahawks, tallying 46 points (6G 40A) in the process. 

Chamberlain, 28, has long been on the radar of multiple EIHL franchises after several successive years in the second-tier. The British forward has made light work of the NIHL amassing 220 points (102G 118A) in only 127 matches for Hull Pirates (now Seahawks) and Milton Keynes Lightning. 

The club’s association with the forward began in 2018-19 when Chamberlain debuted for the Storm – whilst playing in Hull. 

Both British skaters have agreed to sign with the club for the 2023-24 EIHL campaign on two-way deals and everyone within the club is delighted to be able bring back a couple of familiar names. 

Head Coach Matt Ginn had this to say: “I’m happy to be able to sign Declan and Bobby to 2-way contracts. Both players have experience at the EIHL level and will provide us with depth both up front and in the back end. Declan and Bobby both compete extremely hard and are terrific teammates. I’m thrilled to add them to our group and thanks to Hull for their cooperation in getting it done.”

Returning Balmer, excited on his return commented: “Storm fans, long time no see! Many thanks to to Ginner & Finner for the opportunity to come back, Matty Davies for facilitating the 2-way and Chris and the team at VSG for all of their efforts and support in getting this deal done. I’m really looking forward to seeing you guys at the Storm Shelter for round two.”

Forward Bobby Chamberlain added: “I’m really looking forward to playing with Manchester this season, it’s a set up I’ve been to before and surrounded by good people. Manchester is certainly a club that suits my style of play!“

The club would like to thank Matty Davies and the Hull Seahawks organisation on their co-operation and willingness to secure the two-way deal ahead of the upcoming season.

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP: If you’re interested in sponsoring a Manchester Storm player or member of the coaching staff for the 2023/24 Elite League season, please contact RF@storm-office.com for more information!