What a weekend that was! We’re back home and now we can’t wait for the season to start properly. The good news is it’s only days away.

After a testing couple of days against Sheffield Steelers, the focus now turns to the Challenge Cup and the first opportunities to put points on the board.

So let’s take a look at what’s to come over the next seven days.

Saturday 12th September

Nottingham Panthers vs Manchester Storm

(Motorpoint Arena, 7:00pm)

Cameron Critchlow takes his team to the Motorpoint Arena for the first time this season and the first time since the play-off finals weekend earlier in the year.

Panthers are out to keep hold of the trophy they won last season so the test for Storm in their first competitive game will be a big one as they look to get an early cup win.

Danny Stewart’s men are fresh from a gruelling double header with Cardiff Devils, where they won at home and lost on the road, but there is no doubt they will be ready for this one.

Tickets

Webcast

Sunday 13th September

Manchester Storm vs Nottingham Panthers

(AO Arena, 4:00pm)

After waiting 24 years to return home, it’s less than a week before we’re back in the AO Arena as the competitive home campaign gets underway in a reverse of Saturday’s fixture.

Saturday’s game could well set the tone for what may come when the two teams converge on Manchester for the conclusion of the double header.

Regardless, it’s going to be another big night as Storm look for their first home points in the new season against a very difficult opponent.