ELITE LEAGUE ICE HOCKEY: Elite League new boys Manchester Storm have moved swiftly to announce two pre-season games against Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers.

Storm will meet Nottingham Panthers at their home in Altrincham on August 29th followed by a visit from last season's Elite league champions Sheffield Steelers on Wednesday 2nd September .

The fixtures were agreed yesterday during a lengthy Elite League fixtures meeting where the ten clubs thrashed out the forthcoming seasons fixtures. A full league and cup fixture list is expected to be released in the next few weeks.

Storm’s Director Mark Johnson said: “This is fantastic news for ice hockey in the North-west. Manchester Storm were one of the most successful teams in the Super League days and we intend to revive high quality ice hockey action for fans in Manchester and the North-west of England this season."

“The Manchester Storm are going to set new standards in ice hockey both on and off the ice and we look forward to welcoming all the Elite League teams to Altrincham."