The post-season is here, and things are about to get very exciting. If you’re new to the playoffs or just need a refresher, here’s your complete guide to how it all works – and what lies ahead in a huge week for the Storm.

 

🔢 How the Playoffs Work

At the end of the regular season, the top eight teams qualify for the knockout stages. From there:

Teams are seeded #1 through #8 based on their league finish.

 The matchups are:

• 1st vs 8th – Belfast Giants v Glasgow Clan
• 2nd vs 7th – Cardiff Devils v Coventry Blaze
• 3rd vs 6th – Nottingham Panthers v Manchester Storm
• 4th vs 5th – Sheffield Steelers v Guildford Flames

Each quarter-final is played over two legs (home and away), with the aggregate score deciding who progresses.

The higher-seeded team gets to choose whether they play the first or second leg at home – an advantage that can be crucial.

 

🏆 What Happens Next: Finals Weekend

The four winners move on to the Playoff Finals Weekend, held at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on April 17–18.

• Semi-finals take place on Saturday
• Sunday features:  Third-place game & Grand Final

From this stage onward, it’s single-elimination hockey – win and you’re through, lose and you’re done.

Seeding still matters:

• The highest remaining seed plays the lowest in the semi-finals
• The better-seeded team gets “home” advantage (last change, etc.)

 

⚡ Storm’s Road: Quarter-Final Showdown

Standing between Manchester and Finals Weekend? The reigning Playoff champions, Nottingham Panthers.

This is a blockbuster matchup – and it all comes down to two games.

🗓️ Saturday 11th April

Manchester Storm vs Nottingham Panthers

📍 Storm Shelter

⏰ 7:00 PM

The first leg kicks off in Manchester, and the atmosphere is set to be electric. The Panthers may be the defending champions, but recent meetings suggest Storm know exactly what they’re up against.

Expect intensity, physical play, and a crowd that could make all the difference. If you’ve never experienced a playoff night at the Storm Shelter, this is the one.

 

🗓️ Sunday 12th April

Nottingham Panthers vs Manchester Storm

📍 Motorpoint Arena

⏰ 4:00 PM

The second leg heads to Nottingham, where the tie will be decided.

This is where big-game players shine. Whether Storm are protecting a lead or chasing the game, it’s all on the line. Expect drama, momentum swings, and possibly a season-defining performance.

 

 📊 A Bit of History

This marks the fifth playoff appearance for Manchester Storm, having previously competed in:

• 2016–17
• 2017–18
• 2022–23
• 2023–24

Now, they’re chasing a trip to Finals Weekend for the first time in their Elite League history.

 

🤔 So… Will Storm Be There?

That’s the question.

Two games. One aggregate score. A place at #POFW26 on the line.

If Storm can rise to the occasion, we could be talking about them heading to Finals Weekend with real momentum. If not, it’s season over.

Either way, strap in. This is what playoff hockey is all about!

Limited tickets remain for the home leg of the quarter-final – don’t miss your chance to be part of it. Book online here, or call the Planet Ice Box Office on 0161 926 8782 to secure your tickets.