Club Statement

To our supporters,

Following the abandonment of Sunday’s game, we want to provide a further update.

First and foremost, we are genuinely sorry. We know how much time, money and effort goes into attending a game — from our home supporters and those who travelled, to everyone who purchased the webcast to support the team from home. We fully understand the frustration and disappointment caused.

We did not expect the game to be postponed. When circumstances like these arise, numerous stakeholders are involved, each with their own responsibilities and considerations, which can make communication and decision-making complex. We fully respect the league’s independent role in determining whether a game can proceed or ultimately needs to be postponed, prioritising the interests of all parties involved. Above all, at every stage, the safety of players, officials, supporters and staff must be the priority.

Over the past 24 hours, a significant amount of work has been taking place behind the scenes between Manchester Storm, the AO Arena, the league and our ticketing and webcast partners.

Our focus has been on understanding exactly what happened, addressing the issues that led to the game being unable to continue, and putting the necessary measures in place to reduce the risk of this happening again.

We also want to recognise our arena partners. They are operating in a new situation, and we appreciate the considerable efforts they are making as they navigate it. We have a strong relationship with the arena and will continue to work closely together, alongside the league, to learn from the experience and improve how we communicate with our supporters.

We also recognise that the communication on the night was not good enough. We have heard your feedback, and we accept that we need to do better.

We know that silence can be frustrating, and we appreciate that many of you have been waiting for answers. Our priority has been to work through the situation properly so that, when we do communicate further, we can provide clear and accurate information.

Most importantly, we want to thank our supporters.

We know the commitment that comes with following a hockey club: the tickets, the travel, the time, the weekends and the passion. We see it, we value it and we never take it for granted.

To our home supporters and travelling supporters, thank you!

The commitment of fans across this league is what makes our sport so special. Rivalries bring the noise, but there is a genuine sense of community within our game. We are a hockey family, and that is something worth protecting.

We also want to recognise those who supported the club from home by purchasing the webcast. You made that commitment to watch your team, and we appreciate you just as much as those who made the journey to the arena.

All tickets purchased for last night’s fixture, including webcast purchases, will be transferred to the rescheduled fixture on Wednesday 14th October.

We will communicate more information regarding supporter arrangements directly in due course.

We know this cannot replace the evening you had planned, and we understand that for many of you this has been frustrating, disappointing and inconvenient. We genuinely appreciate your patience while we work through the next steps.

Our next game is an opportunity to bring everyone together: our long-standing Storm Family, travelling supporters, families, friends and those discovering Manchester Storm for the very first time.

Every supporter has a place at this club.

Manchester Storm is going through a period of transition, both on and off the ice. We are building for the future, and we believe there is something genuinely exciting taking shape here.

This is a time for our supporters to rally around the club, get behind the team and be part of what comes next.

We believe in the ambitious direction we are taking and in the opportunity ahead of us.

We want to fill the arena. We want to hear you. We want to feel that Storm atmosphere again.

And we want everyone, existing supporters and new fans alike, to be part of one of the most exciting projects in British hockey.

Sunday was a difficult day. It does not define this club. Now we must move forward. Together.

Thank you for your patience, your passion and your belief in Manchester Storm.

Sincerely,

Manchester Storm