Kudla signs for 26/27

Manchester Storm are thrilled to announce the signing of former NHL Draft pick defenceman Patrick Kudla, who most recently iced for HC Innsbruck (ICEHL).

The vastly experienced 30-year-old import blueliner hails from Guelph, Ontario, where he progressed through his hometown's junior system. During that time, Kudla was selected 158th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2016 NHL Draft after an outstanding OJHL campaign in which he collected seven individual honours.

A one-year spell at the University of Guelph (U Sports) proved to be his final season in the amateur ranks before the Canadian took his first steps into the professional game with HC Nové Zámky in Slovakia.

The pandemic naturally limited opportunities for hockey players across the world, but Kudla impressed enough to earn a full-time role with HC Litvínov in Czechia's top division, one of Europe's elite leagues.

In 2021-22, Kudla returned to Slovakia to sign for one of the country's traditional powerhouses, HK Dukla Trenčín. The following season saw the defenceman head back to North America, signing with the Idaho Steelheads in the ECHL where he began to really make a name for himself.

It was in the Gem State that Kudla truly seized his opportunity and became established as one of the league's premier defencemen. During a three-year spell in Idaho, he amassed 140 points (26 goals, 114 assists) in 171 appearances, while also earning several call-ups to the AHL.

The 2023-24 campaign was undoubtedly the finest of Kudla's career from an individual perspective, as he was named ECHL Defenceman of the Year, selected to the First All-Star Team and also voted Idaho Steelheads Defenceman of the Year.

By 2025-26, Kudla had returned to Europe to represent HC Innsbruck, making 44 appearances and recording 26 points (3 goals, 23 assists), while serving as an alternate captain throughout the campaign. His outstanding vision and playmaking ability remained evident in Austria despite his side enduring a difficult season towards the foot of the table, and his arrival in Manchester is expected to add another attacking dimension from the blue line.

"Patrick has a great CV and comes highly recommended to us. He has great vision and passing ability, which will really help stretch the ice for us. He'll log big minutes and brings so many leadership qualities to our group. I'm really looking forward to welcoming him into our settled core of players, and I'm sure everyone is excited to watch this team play. See you all very soon!"

Head Coach Cam Critchlow could not hide his delight at securing Kudla's signature:

"I’m super excited to be joining the storm family. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the city, organization, and the fans. Can’t wait to get there to start getting to work with the boys."

The Storm's newest edition had this to say:

Kudla's Own and Loan can be secured here:

Words by: Callum Schora