Manchester Storm are delighted to confirm the return of import netminder Evan Weninger for the 2026–27 EIHL campaign.

The All-Star shot-stopper enjoyed a phenomenal debut season in the EIHL and has since firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the Storm roster heading into his fourth campaign. Weninger’s .929 SV % and 2.54 GAA across 47 league starts during the 2023–24 season was the previous franchise benchmark until this season when fellow returnee DeRidder posted .938 SV % and 2.28 GAA. The impressive import goaltending duo will no doubt continue to push each other and backstop Storm in their typical battling fashion.

After an injury-disrupted sophomore campaign, the Canadian bounced back strongly in 2025–26, across 20 league appearances, Weninger recorded an impressive .911 save percentage and 3.12 GAA, producing a number of standout performances while helping provide stability between the pipes.

Head Coach Cam Critchlow shared his thoughts on Weninger’s return:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Evan back for a fourth season. He’s a proven competitor and one
of the top goaltenders in the league.

Sharing the workload with Drew last season allowed both goaltenders to push one another. I know
he’s motivated to come back stronger than ever, and we have full confidence in him to be a
difference-maker once again.”

Weninger spoke of his excitement of returning and playing out of the AO Arena:

“I’m really excited with how our team is shaping up, and to get the chance to play for Critch again is something I couldn’t pass up.

 

To get to play in front of the best fans in the UK in what is now the nicest arena in the league will be a highlight of my career.”

Weninger’s Own and Loan Jerseys are available to purchase here. More details on the Own and Loan programme are available here.

Words by: Callum Schora