Ice hockey’s Manchester Storm are back and when the puck drops in September, they will be playing in the top flight of British ice hockey – the Elite Ice Hockey League.

The Storm will be owned and operated by The Ice Rink Company Ltd, spearheaded by Mark Johnson, and will play out of Silverblades Ice Rink Altrincham.

The rebirth of the Storm keeps the EIHL at 10 strong teams for the upcoming campaign, as Manchester effectively replace Hull Stingrays in all competitions.

The Elite Ice Hockey League approached the new bosses of the Storm a week ago when it emerged that new circumstances meant that the participation of the Hull Stingrays in season 2015-16 was in jeopardy.

Earlier today it was confirmed that Hull would not be taking part in the upcoming campaign.

Manchester Storm were represented at an EIHL board meeting today and were unanimously welcomed into the league.

Mark Johnson, director of the Storm, said: “These are exciting times for ice hockey in the Manchester area and when we were approached by the EIHL to join the league, we pulled out all the stops to make it happen.

“This has become part of an even bigger picture for ice hockey in the region and we are looking forward to growing the fanbase and the grassroots of the sport in the area, alongside the re-birth of one of the iconic names in British sport.”

Elite League chairman Tony Smith said: “We would like to officially welcome Manchester Storm to the Elite Ice Hockey League.

“The name Manchester Storm is steeped in hockey tradition and it is great that it will once again be in the top flight of the sport.

“On behalf of the league I would like to place on record the important contribution made by the Hull Stingrays Ice Hockey Club, both on and off the ice, to the growth and development of the EIHL.

“Owner Bobby McEwan has worked so hard for the Stingrays and has been very passionate about the organisation. We are sad to see them go.”