Manchester Storm head coach Cameron Critchlow is ready to welcome reinforcements as the team get ready for a crucial three-game weekend.

Storm start and end at home when they take on Guildford Flames on Friday then Belfast Giants on Sunday, with a trip to Cardiff Devils in between on Saturday.

And Critch is already anticipating a battle when Flames return to the Storm Shelter, days after Manchester’s 4-1 win over them last Saturday.

“It’s certainly a busy weekend, with three games over three days,” he said. “It’s never easy but luckily we have some injured guys set to return and give us some fresh bodies throughout the weekend.

I wouldn’t classify going into Friday’s game as cautious but it’s difficult to beat an opponent twice in a row.

“You really have to be focused and willing to battle. Guildford are a very good side with a lot of compete and we will need to maintain a nice run.”

Storm come into the congested weekend on the back of a four-point tally after wins over Flames then away at Fife Flyers on Sunday.

And the coach revealed there’s a positive energy around the group as the post-season begins to loom into view.

“I liked the way we were able to dictate the game,” he added.

“I really felt we were able to make it difficult in the middle ice especially on Saturday. We showed a maturity to our game with some guys emerging as leaders.

It’s a great time of year to play hockey, you can feel the excitement and energy in the room and there is a lot to play for.”

 

By: Craig Anderson