Manchester Storm are thrilled to confirm the signing of forward Tim McGauley ahead of the 2026/27 season, most recently of Eispiraten Crimmitschau in Germany’s DEL2.

Originally from Wilcox, the 30-year-old enjoyed a standout junior career in the WHL, where he was named an Eastern Conference First Team All-Star following a prolific season with the Brandon Wheat Kings before beginning his professional career in North America.

He later signed an entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals organisation, gaining experience across the AHL and ECHL before making the move to Europe in 2020. Prior to crossing the Atlantic, McGauley amassed 143 points (51G, 92A) in 175 ECHL appearances — production that is often viewed as transferable to the Elite League.

The forward quickly established himself as a consistent offensive contributor in European hockey. He first joined Stjernen Hockey in Norway, recording 34 points (11G, 23A) in just 24 games. He followed that with another impressive campaign at HC Innsbruck, posting 50 points (19G, 31A) in 47 appearances, which earned him a move to ERC Ingolstadt in Germany’s top division for the remainder of the 2021/22 season.

McGauley then signed with EC Kassel Huskies in the DEL2 and produced another point-per-game campaign during the 2022/23 season. By 2024/25, the forward had returned to Norway with Vålerenga Ishockey, where he recorded 51 points (26G, 25A) in 45 regular-season games, further underlining his reputation as a dangerous top-line forward.

McGauley brings a wealth of professional experience from both sides of the Atlantic, having iced in the AHL, ECHL, DEL, DEL2, ICEHL and Norway’s top flight. The new Storm forward spoke of his excitement at joining the club and making the move to Manchester:

 

“I’m very excited to sign in Manchester. I’ve heard tons about how great the city is and what a classy organisation the Storm have.

I’m hoping to have a very successful season. We’re looking to win and bring home the trophy to Manchester.

The expectation here is that we win, that’s what makes a season enjoyable and makes coming to the rink a very exciting time.

I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started!”

 

Head Coach Cameron Critchlow believes McGauley’s experience and offensive quality will make him a major addition to the Storm roster heading into the new campaign:

“Tim has been on our radar for a little while now and, with the increased budget this year, we have
been able to match offers he received from other arena teams in the league.

I have said it before and I will say it again — Manchester is becoming one of the best destinations in the league.

I have no doubt his experience and quality will show over the course of the season. I am excited to get the year underway in our new home, and having players like Tim to call upon makes my job a little easier.”

 

McGauley’s Own and Loan Jerseys are available to purchase here. More details on the Own and Loan programme are available here.

Words by: Callum Schora