Manchester Storm are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian forward Joseph Nardi ahead of the 2025–26 Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) season. Nardi joins the Storm from the Reading Royals (ECHL).

Aged 28 and hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, Nardi brings a wealth of experience to the Storm line-up. Standing at 5’10” and shooting left, he impressed during the 2023–24 season with the Reading Royals, finishing as the team’s leading point-scorer with 50 points (17G, 33A).

Before turning professional, Joe enjoyed a standout collegiate career at Northern Michigan University, where he featured in 170 NCAA games, recording 41 goals and 72 assists. He wore the captain’s “C” during the 2020–21 campaign and was named to the WCHA Second All-Star Team.

Earlier in his career, Nardi captained the Whitecourt Wolverines in the AJHL, leading them to the 2017 finals while registering six goals and fifteen assists during the play-offs. He also represented Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge, winning gold in 2015 and serving as an alternate captain in 2016.

Nardi’s most recent season was split between Europe and North America. He began the 2024-25 campaign in the ICE Hockey League with Pioneers Vorarlberg, where he played 26 games alongside future Storm teammate Brady Gilmour, before making a brief move to Slovakia. In February, he returned to familiar territory, rejoining the Reading Royals for a further 27 appearances.

Head Coach Cam Critchlow commented:

“Joe is exactly the type of forward we want in our line-up—relentless, creative, and with proven leadership experience. His skillset and attitude align perfectly with the Storm identity, and we’re excited to see him thrive in the Storm Shelter.”