Manchester Storm head coach Cameron Critchlow says he’s looking forward to the challenge of trying to take Storm to their first play-off finals weekend.

The quarter final double header against Nottingham Panthers is just days away as excitement builds over the post season campaign.

And Critchlow is no different but knows only too well just how the difficult the task ahead is against a team who won the competition last year.

“It’s been a positive season for our club; the players have been great to work with and compete night in and night out. You can’t ask much more as a coach,” he said.

“We are excited for the opportunity ahead of us in the quarter final and I know, after seven years now of trying to get to the finals weekend, it’s not an easy task.

“Looking at the standings, it didn’t matter what your position was, you would have a tough opponent.

“For us, it’s Nottingham, a historic franchise in this league with two trophies on their resume this season and we look forward to the challenge.

“This group has the character, belief and buy in to earn that opportunity and I look forward to see us in these big moments.”

The games itself are one thing, carrying a sense of occasion to the weekend as the season moves into its final couple of weeks.

Fortunately, Manchester have very recent memories of coming up against the Panthers, having faced them twice in the final week of the regular season.

And Critchlow plans to keep it simple when it comes to managing the ties, outlining what he learned from those previous two games.

He added: “We know Nottingham can create a lot of offense from below the goal line and our defensive zone will have to be sharp.  If we rely on our structure decision making, we will have to contain a very offensive and skilled team. It won’t be easy.

“But all you can do from a coaching standpoint is stay focused on the task at hand. If we play to our potential, I feel confident in our group.”

By: Craig Anderson