MANCHESTER STORM SIGN FORMER NHL DEFENCEMAN JOE MORROW

NEXT HOME GAME: Tickets for our Elite League fixture on Saturday 30th September 2023 are available online HERE, by calling 0161-926-8782 or in person at the Planet Ice Box Office! Doors open 6PM for a 7PM start. 

Manchester Storm are hugely excited to announce the acquisition of former NHL defenceman Joe Morrow!

The former first round NHL draftee, 23rd overall in 2011, joins the roster with an unrivalled pedigree and experience having iced for Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets.

The 30 year old blueliner spent four years in the major juniors with Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) during which he amassed 151 points (33G 118A) in 227 matches.

His draft year was undoubtedly the best, as Morrow had 64 points (17G 47A) in a 62-game campaign. The entry level contract signed by Morrow, evidently boosted his final major junior campaign and the defencemen was unfortunate that an NHL lockout slowed his progress into the highest level of our game.

After a string of solid performances, in the AHL, for Providence Bruins across the 2013/14 season. Morrow made his full NHL debut in 2014 for Boston Bruins and would maintain his status as an NHL skater until 2019. The Canadian has made a total of 162 NHL appearances, across five seasons for Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets.

In late 2019, Morrow would depart North America for the first time in his playing career when he signed with Dinamo Minsk (KHL). For the 2020-21, Morrow moved north to join Ässät (Finland), the Infamous Nordic franchise proved to be one Morrow enjoyed. The blueliner had 11 points (4G 7A) in only 29 league appearances – in a traditional defensive and low-scoring division.

Another move in 2021-22, saw the Edmonton native signed to Barys Nur-Sultan (formerly Barys Astana) in the capital of Kazakhstan. The KHL stay was extended in 2022 when he signed with HC Sochi – bringing his KHL appearance total to 82 across three campaigns. A very brief two-game stint for HC Davos in late 2023 was the last competitive action seen by Morrow.

To round-out an unbelievable professional hockey CV. The club are delighted to able to bring in the former NHL player after several months of work behind the scenes ensuring this deal got over the line.

Head Coach, Matt Ginn, commented on the signing of Joe Morrow: “To be able to sign a player of Joe’s calibre is huge for our group. When he became available we jumped at the opportunity to better ourselves. His experience in the top leagues around the world, including the NHL, will be invaluable to our group. Joe will be relied upon on both sides of the puck, and I’m thrilled to bring him onboard.”

NEXT HOME GAME: Tickets for our Elite League fixture on Saturday 30th September 2023 are available online HERE, by calling 0161-926-8782 or in person at the Planet Ice Box Office! Doors open 6PM for a 7PM start. 

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP: If you’re interested in sponsoring former NHL player Joe Morrow for the 2023/24 Elite League season, please contact RF@storm-office.com for more information!