It’s the weekend we’ve all been waiting for and it’s finally here as Manchester Storm get ready to take part in the Elite League play-off finals weekend.

Fans from all over the country have converged on Nottingham for this festive of hockey which brings the curtain down on a memorable 2025/26 campaign.

And we’re pleased to be there as Storm fans have a vested interest for the first time since joining the EIHL in 2015.

So allow us to let you know what you can look for and the information you need, whether you’re going to be there or not.

 

NEXT UP…

Two semi-finals make up Saturday’s schedule and Storm are on second when they take on Sheffield Steelers for a place in Sunday’s final, which faces off at 7pm.

It all comes down to what happens in the 60 minutes and as we’ve seen all season, Manchester are more than capable of getting the job done.

Winners of the tie will take on the winners of the first semi, between Cardiff Devils and Glasgow Clan, starting at 3pm on Saturday to decide who will win the play-off trophy.

The teams who don’t win their last four tie will meet in the third-place play-off, which will begin at 1pm.

The final will be a 5pm face off on Sunday to round everything off.

 

TICKETS/WEBCAST

The event is run by the Elite League and is sold out so if were unable to obtain a ticket, then please don’t make the journey.

All games will be available to watch on Elite League TV, webcasts which bring all the action so you won’t miss a thing, even if you can’t be there.

Information and how to buy can be found through this link for Elite League TV.

Sunday’s final will be shown live on television, with Premier Sports 2 bringing the game from the Motorpoint Arena.  Coverage begins at 4.30pm.

 

LAST TIME OUT

Not that we need much of an excuse to bring you this again, but Manchester’s route to the weekend was confirmed over two legs as they eliminated holders Nottingham Panthers in a dramatic quarter final weekend last week.

Re-live both games here

1st Leg: https://youtu.be/JwNeqdB1qe4?si=Q6tX50d5ajHuZgIf

2nd Leg: https://youtu.be/buk1yAtH8jg?si=UYPasyMdGE_9RKy5

THE STORY SO FAR

 21 Sep 25 – Sheffield 4 Manchester 3 OT (Challenge Cup)

26 Oct 25 – Manchester 1 Sheffield 2 (Challenge Cup)

23 Nov 25 – Sheffield 5 Manchester 0 (Elite League)

30 Dec 25 – Sheffield 3 Manchester 5 (Elite League)

01 Jan 26 – Manchester 3 Sheffield 0 (Elite League)

24 Jan 26 – Sheffield 5 Manchester 2 (Elite League)

31 Jan 26 – Manchester 4 Sheffield 3 PS (Elite League)

07 Feb 26 – Manchester 2 Sheffield 5 (Elite League)

This is Steelers’ 13th appearance in the Elite League play-off finals so are expected to be heavy favourites against a Storm making their debut at this stage of the competition.

Meetings in 2025/26 have leaned towards Sheffield, who have won five of the eight games between the teams this season, but Storm have picked up big victories themselves.

Defeating the Steelers twice either side of New Year were highlights, especially shutting them out 3-0 at home – the first time Storm have done that.

Both teams haven’t met in over three months so we could see a much different game in this occasion.

 

WEEKEND COMPS

50/50 DRAW

You could leave the Motorpoint Arena a little richer as the Elite League run their 50/50 draw across both days.

Tickets are only £1 a go so look out for the vendors around the arena and you could win a bumper prize as the jackpot tallies up throughout the day.

Listen out for the announcement and watch the screens during the third period of the second game on Saturday and the final on Sunday.

SHIRT OFF THE BACK

Fancy winning a piece of history?  The Elite League are also running their Shirt off the Back draws where you could win a jersey from one of the players.

Again, tickets are £1 each and will be on sale from vendors all over the arena.  Winning ticket numbers will be announced during the third period of the second game on Saturday and the final on Sunday.

 

JERSEY AUCTION

If you don’t win a piece of history, you could one through the Elite League auctions where all the play-off jerseys of all ten clubs are up for grabs.

Simply make your online bid and see if you win when the auction closes on Thursday 30^th April.

For more information, check out this article on the Elite League website

Place your bid here on the EIHL Auction site

 

ARENA INFORMATION

If you’re going to be at the Motorpoint Arena, please be aware of the information they have posted ahead of the weekend.

Please note, the arena will deploy a wristband system for you enjoy greater flexibility while in the arena and surrounding areas.

Wristbands will be issued on arrival at the arena at the ticketing lanes so make sure you arrive in plenty of time to get yours.

USING YOUR WRISTBAND

Your wristband allows you to leave and re-enter the venue between games, so you can enjoy the full weekend.

Please ensure your wristband is worn securely at all times throughout the weekend and is not removed.

Please note wristbands are non-transferable

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Each ticket holder will receive one wristband per ticket. Wristbands must remain intact – if removed, a replacement fee may apply, and re-entry could be delayed.

Please keep your event ticket with you at all times, as it may be required alongside your wristband.

 

 

EVENT TIMINGS

SATURDAY

Bolero Square Open – 11am

Doors Open – 1pm

Semi Final 1: Cardiff Devils vs Glasgow Clan – 3pm

Approx Finish – 5:30pm

Semi Final 2: Sheffield Steelers vs Manchester Storm – 7pm

Approx Finish – 9:30pm

SUNDAY

Bolero Square Open – 11am

Doors Open – 11:30am

Third Place Play-Off – 1pm

Approx Finish – 3:30pm

Elite League Play-off Final – 5pm

 

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FINALLY

Have a brilliant weekend, wherever you’re cheering the Storm from and we’ll bring you up to date with any news throughout the summer.

Thank you for your ongoing support this season and have a great summer!

 

By: Craig Anderson