View from the Commentary Box
As the Covid pandemic halted the domestic Ice Hockey season in 2020 many storm fans were right to wonder when they would see their team play again.
The Elite Ice Hockey league was born out of the sport’s frustration and Manchester Storm, Coventry Blaze, Sheffield Stealers and Nottingham Panthers will compete in a mini series which will excite Ice Hockey fans county wide.
Manchester Storm have been busy in the off season recruiting talent, Coach Ryan Finnerty identified weakness in his squad and has strengthened his squad to give Storm the maximum opportunity to claim the Elite League title.
Jacob Lundell Noer a new signing for Storm will come to the Storm shelter with a big reputation in Norway.
JLN has been lighting up Norway’s top division for three consecutive years, with 39 goals and 23 assists in 63 appearances, he will provide the fire power to potentially fire Manchester Storm to glory.
Good teams are built on a Solid defence and Storm have improved in this area for the Elite League 2021.
Andreas Klavestad is a Norwegian international, a fantastic defender and will be looking to build a good relationship with Storm Captain and fans favourite Dallas Ehrhardt.
Ryan Finnerty knows that he has a strong squad with talent like Cam Critchlow and Harry Gulliver looking to make a impression in 2021 the Storm will be a contender at the business end of the season.
Manchester Storm face Coventry in their 1st game of the series, the 4 time Elite League Champions Coventry will be a tough test for Ryan Finnerty’s men. I think the Storm will give the Elite series a very good go which may result in the title being celebrated at the Storm Shelter.
Salford Red Devil’s
Salford Red Devil’s new head coach Richard Marshall started his 1st Super League game in charge with a defeat against St Helens.
For long periods Marshalls men stayed in the tactical arm wrestle with Saints but ultimately errors and penalties cost field position which the Saints punished.
Defensively Salford impressed, a “all for one and one for all” attitude helped keep Saints attacking threat subdued until the end of the game.
This will give confidence for the next challenge and the rest of the season.
Hull FC are Salfords next opponents, after beating Huddersfield at weekend coached by ex Salford coach Ian Watson the Airie Birds will be looking to make it two wins from two games.
Salford have a attacking back line which has pace to burn, Ken Sio, Dan Sarginson and Kallum Watkins are all xfactor players who can score tries.
Richard Marshall will hope for a clinical performance from his Red Devil’s to register their 1st league win of 2021.
Swinton Lions
Swinton Lions are celebrating getting to the next round of the Challenge Cup after a hard fought win against Oldham.
Tries from Sam Grant, Will Hope, Martin Ridyard and Dean Meadows gave Swinton Lions and 23-14 win.
They were rewarded with home tie against Warrington Wolves, and a place in the 1895 cup semi final, the final will be played at Wembley later in the year.
They face Oldham away in their 1st league game of the season, Stuart Littler and his men will be looking to keep their winning run going which will breed confidence in this Swinton side moving forward
Pictures from Manchester Storm Twitter, Swinton Lions Twitter and Steve McCormick
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