STORM FORECAST – Storm vs Sheffield Steelers | The Ultimate Storm Preview
Happy New Year! We’ve finally arrived in 2026 and what a first day of the year we have for you. The Winter Classic is here and we couldn’t be more excited.
It’s the only way to celebrate the changing of the calendars and we’re looking forward to welcoming you all to the Storm Shelter for this wonderful occasion.
Before we get into what you need to know, we have to remind you that this game is SOLD OUT so the only place to watch is on our live webcast, available to purchase now.
Face off is at 5:30pm, with doors opening at 4:30pm.
Tickets remain available for Saturday’s game against Belfast Giants so if you are unable to make it for this one, we hope to see you on Saturday (Face off 7:00pm).
NEXT IN THE STORM SHELTER…
Fresh from Tuesday’s game at the Utilita Arena, we’re delighted to welcome Sheffield Steelers for our January 1st game for the eighth time since joining the league in 2015.
Storm skated away with the points in a 5-3 victory two days ago – Storm’s third ever league win there – but today will be a different game and Sheffield will be keen to get those points back.
On the road, Steelers have wins in nine of their last 11 road trips with the only two losses suffered at the hands of Nottingham Panthers, but Storm will go all out to start 2026 in the best possible way.
TICKETS/WEBCAST
Tickets are SOLD OUT for this clash so you can secure your seats for future games, including Saturday’s visit from Belfast Giants.
You can buy yours online at this website or alternatively they can also be purchased by calling 0161 926 8782 or in person at the Planet Ice Box Office.
For disability or wheelchair seating, please contact the Planet Ice box office by email altrincham@planet-ice.co.uk or by telephone on 0161 926 8782.
If you can’t make it, not to worry. You can cheer on the Storm wherever you are with our game night webcast, available to purchase on Manchester Storm TV as we take you through the action.
Tune in and be part of another big night of hockey in Manchester!
THE STORY SO FAR
21 Sep – Sheffield 4 Manchester 3 OT (Challenge Cup)
26 Oct – Manchester 1 Sheffield 2 (Challenge Cup)
23 Nov – Sheffield 5 Manchester 0
30 Dec – Sheffield 3 Manchester 5
Sheffield Steelers are in the building for the first time this season on league business and looking to make it four wins out of five.
Storm’s win on Tuesday in Sheffield certainly adds another layer to the series between the teams so far so it has the makings of a cracker in the Storm Shelter.
LAST TIME OUT
It’s only been two days, but it was a great night for Manchester Storm, who picked up a rare road win in Sheffield, winning 5-3 against the Steelers.
Stephen Johnson picked up a goal and two assists as Storm slammed in three goals in the second period to make it a night to remember for the travelling Manchester fans.
https://youtu.be/ZOmVI-3Yt1w?si=G8zpGrxz6D6f5gXo
MATCH NIGHT COMPS
50/50 DRAW
Why not leave the Storm Shelter as a winner through one of our competitions, taking place throughout the night?
We have our 50/50 draw, where you could go home a little richer. Tickets are only £1 a go so keep an eye out for our match night sellers, or head to the Storm Support desk located under Block 113.
SHIRT OFF THE BACK
This week’s prize is worth going for as you could be the proud owner of a Winter Whiteout jersey, either game worn or game issued and jerseys belonging to the whole team are up for grabs.
Tonight, tickets are £5 each so look out for our match night sellers, or head to the Storm Support desk located under Block 113.
Buy your tickets and listen out for the winning number. It could be you!
CHUCK A PUCK
It’s exactly what it says. Chuck a foam puck in the direction of Lightning Jack, standing on centre ice and if your puck is the closest, you win a commemorative puck AND a replica jersey of your choice (terms and conditions apply).
You know what to do. Purchase those pucks (£1 each) and find a great position at the second period break from where you can chuck that puck. Good luck!
These can be purchased from the Storm Support Match Night Desk located under Block 113.
For any further info about these games – check this information page on the Storm website
ARE YOU PLAYING THE FRENZY?
Are you signed up to play the Manchester Storm Forecast Frenzy – a chance to put your knowledge and ice hockey wisdom to the test in our prediction game?
It’s up and running right now and ready for you to come and play, all while doing your bit for Storm in the Community too. Don’t forget to lock in your score now.
Don’t forget to check the leaderboard too to check on your progress.
Find out more about it by checking out this page and head on over to the Manchester Storm Forecast Frenzy page.
ONLINE 50/50 DRAW
You could be a winner EVERY FRIDAY in our new Online 50/50 draw available now. You might have just missed this week’s draw, but it will be back again next week so don’t miss out!
Buy your online tickets here for a chance to win a bumper cash prize and support the team with draws taking place every Friday at 12 noon
STORM SUPPORT
Visit the Storm Support desk underneath block 113 for information on ‘Own and Loan’ equipment for the 25/26 season.
For more information on own and loans, match night experiences and more, download the Storm Support app and keep an eye on social media.
Our website also offers Own and Loan information.
SHOP
Whether you fancy a souvenir from your visit to the Storm Shelter or maybe just adding to an already bulging collection of memorabilia, we’re here for whatever your reason is. With a selection of hoodies, mini car jerseys, mugs, flags and of course jerseys to choose from, a visit to the Storm Store is a must.
Various jerseys in a range of sizes are available during our open times with the option to personalise as well.
You can visit us at the following opening times:
- Match Nights
- Tuesday and Thursday: 18:00-22:00
- Saturday 8:00-12PM
Skate sharpening is also available.
Alternatively, if you’d rather check everything we have online, visit the Storm online shop here.
FOOD & BEVERAGE OFFERS
Don’t forget to take advantage of our great offers of drinks and snacks in Saturday’s game with exclusive in-venue deals.
- Any 3 Pints + 2 Packs of That’s Nuts – £19.99 Excluding Budvar
- Any 3 AU Cane or White Claw Cans – £10
- Any 3 AU Spirits Single + Mixer – £13.50
- Single Jack Daniel’s + Mixer – £3.95
- 2 Hot Chocolates – £5.00
Don’t miss out, these deals are game-time only, brought to you in partnership with Planet Ice and available from the start of the third period until closing time.
VIP EXPERIENCE AND HOSPITALITY
Fancy watching your hockey in style? Then our hospitality packages are available for you and up to 20 people to enjoy the game, with food and drink brought to your box so you don’t miss any of the action.
Find out more about what we offer in our Match Night Hospitality page with details on how to book.
EYE OF THE STORM NEWSLETTER
If you haven’t subscribed yet, make sure you do to our thrice weekly newsletter, keeping you up to the date with everything going on around the Storm.
You’ll hear from coaches, players, great offers, news and highlights as we make our way through the week.
Subscribe here and Eye of the Storm will land in your inbox automatically whenever there’s a new one.
Don’t miss it!
We’re sorry if you’re unable to make this particular game, but the Storm will be back home real soon if you want to catch the next game at the Storm Shelter.
We’re back on Saturday to take on Belfast Giants and that is one not to be missed when it takes place this Saturday (3rd January).
Get your tickets now and avoid disappointment for one of the biggest nights of the year in the Storm Shelter. Face off is at 7:00pm.
Further fixtures info and how to purchase tickets can be found here.

