Manchester Storm are pleased to confirm that Academy graduates Noah Kääriäinen and Josh Crawley have signed professional contracts with the club through to the end of the 2027/28 season, continuing their journey along the newly formed Elite Development Programme.

Both players, born in 2007, joined up with the Storm senior set up last season featuring in pre-season and making a single appearance each in competitive action whilst both spending time on 2-way arrangements in the NIHL – a deliberate step in their progression, designed to provide meaningful senior ice time and accelerate their transition into full-time professional roles. Their return to Manchester marks the next phase in a carefully structured development strategy focused on producing high-performance athletes.

This re-signing reinforces the effectiveness of the Storm Academy’s long-term development model for nurturing homegrown talent.

Kääriäinen brings composure, strong skating fundamentals, and a high hockey IQ to the Storm’s setup. Despite an injury disrupting part of last season, his leadership qualities and ability to read the game have earned him continued trust within the organisation.

Crawley, known for his dynamic offensive instincts and excellent puck control, impressed with his ability to adapt and contribute at senior level whilst featuring in the lower divisions last season.

“Bringing Noah and Josh back into the fold is part of our long-term commitment to developing top British talent through our own system,” said General Manager Ryan Finnerty. “We’ve built a structure where young players can take meaningful steps at the right time, and these two are great examples of how that process works when it’s done right. The Storm Academy continues to be a vital part of our future, and we’re proud to see it producing professional-calibre players who are ready to contribute.”

Their re-signing isn’t just a vote of confidence in their talent – it reflects the Storm’s commitment to developing and retaining top-tier prospects through a high-performance pathway tailored to individual growth.

Further supporting this developmental focus, Manchester Storm will host the Manchester Storm Hockey School from 18th to 21st August — an intensive camp designed to expose aspiring players to the same elite training environment that has helped shape the careers of players like Kääriäinen and Crawley. Participants will receive on-ice technical instruction, tactical education, and off-ice performance training from experienced coaches and professional athletes. Spaces are limited so contact mark@manchesterstorm.com for more information and to secure a spot!

With the continued progression of Academy graduates and the return of the Storm Hockey School, Manchester Storm are further cementing their status as a leading force in British ice hockey development – inspiring the next generation and building for sustained success.