Manchester Storm

Manchester Storm 2025–26 Season Preview

A New Chapter in Altrincham: Youth, Grit, and Quiet Ambition

As the puck drops on the 2025–26 EIHL season, a fresh era begins at Planet Ice Altrincham. Former assistant captain Cameron Critchlow steps behind the bench for his first full season as head coach, bringing a renewed philosophy focused on development, discipline, and identity.

With the departure of star forward Alexis D’Aoust but with the introduction of a new Elite Development Programme, this is a transitional campaign one rooted in laying foundations, nurturing young talent, and reshaping the Storm’s long-term trajectory. Quiet ambition drives this group, but questions remain: Can they replace elite scoring? Can the rebuilt defense support Weninger? Can they stay in the playoff picture?

The answers will define their season.

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Roster Breakdown & New Signings Overview

Critchlow has built a roster that prioritizes character, structure, and long-term potential over marquee names. With key veterans returning and a handful of intriguing additions, this version of the Storm will likely be tough, committed and scrappy. But without a proven top end scorer to replace D’Aoust’s 68 points, offensive production could be a concern.

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Goaltending: Storm’s Best Hope?

Evan Weninger returns as Manchester’s most valuable asset. When healthy, he’s capable of stealing games outright.

Departures:

• David Tendeck has not been re-signed.
• Alexander Oldale joins Sheffield as a depth option.

Returning:

• Evan Weninger: One of the EIHL’s top netminders, capable of elite-level play (.929 save percentage in 2022–23). His health and workload management will be crucial.

New Signings:

• Drew DeRidder: A technically sound and agile goaltender, DeRidder has consistently displayed composure and athleticism throughout his career
• Tyler de la Bertouche and Jace Gledhill both young Brits join on 2-way deals.

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Defence: Rebuilt, But Still a Work in Progress

The blue line has been retooled with size and grit, but puck-moving and offensive contribution are still question marks.

Departures:

• Joe Morrow (Poland), C.J. Garcia (NIHL – Sheffield Steeldogs), and Tyler Rockwell (Japan) — all key contributors now gone.

Returning:

• Chase Harrison: A mainstay and leadership figure entering his fourth year with the Storm.
• Noah Kaariainen: Still developing. Could see increased responsibility, though may not be top-four ready yet.
• Dallas Ehrhardt: On an injury-cover basis only, Dallas will be assisting Critch with coaching this season but still provides experience and will be great coaching.
• Zach Sullivan: Brit provides EIHL experience and adds to the depth of the Storm back end.

New Additions:

• Dennis Busby: Offensive upside from the back end. If he adapts quickly to pro hockey, he could be a key power play piece.
• Kyle Locke: Brings EIHL toughness and stability from his time in Guildford.
• Bradley Jenion: Local product at 6’5”, expected to fill a physical, shutdown role.
• Nick Welsh: Right-shooting Canadian defenseman known for his offensive contributions from the back end, good point production in European leagues. With a career path spanning North America to top-tier European leagues, he’s versatile and experienced.
• Brendon Clavelle: A dependable two-way defenseman known for his consistent play, strong positional awareness, and leadership both on and off the ice.

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Forwards: Questions at the Top

The biggest challenge for the Storm lies up front. The departure of D’Aoust, the EIHL’s top scorer, leaves a massive hole that no single player currently fills. The group as it stands looks hardworking and balanced, but lacks an obvious game-breaker.

Departures:

• Alexis D’Aoust (Lausitzer Füchse, DEL2): 32 goals, 68 points gone can this be replaced?.
• Owen Griffiths (NIHL): Brings an end to a 300+ game EIHL career.
• Jake Durflinger, Gianluca Esteves, Grant Hebert, Ryan Hughes and Craig Martin all are yet to be announced as returning so we’d assume the aren’t coming back.

Returning:

• Stephen Johnson: Veteran presence, potential captain, strong two-way player but not a primary scorer.
• Tyler Hinam: Locked in through 2026. Scored 16 goals last season and will be expected to take on more offensive load.
• Loren Ulett: Physical, dependable, but more of a bottom-six contributor.
• Harrison Caines: Fast, intelligent, and relentless on the forecheck

New Signings:

• Gary Haden: The headline addition. Scored 100+ points in Glasgow, but can he thrive without a high-end setup man?
• J.D. Dudek: Familiar with the EIHL, bring work ethic and system fit.
• Kaleb Ergang: First full year pro but did feature in 13 ECHL games last season in Adirondack scoring 6 goals.
• Brady Gilmour: Will provide depth to the top 9.
• Rais Francis: Towering British forward with NCAA DIII background. A wildcard, but an interesting project player.
• Brandon Cutler: Cutler is a versatile and offensively gifted forward with solid size and a strong two-way game. He brings a mix of North American grit and finesse, making him a valuable asset for any top-six forward group
• Joe Nardi: Known for his versatility, capable of playing both centre and left wing. He combines speed, hockey IQ, and a strong work ethic, making him a valuable asset in various game situations.

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EIHL Dream Team – One to Watch: Brandon Cutler.

Cutler fits the mold of a modern EIHL forward skilled, hard-working, and adaptable. His North American experience, combined with an improving offensive upside, makes him an exciting addition to any dream team lineup.

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Overall Verdict and EIHL Dream Team Predicted Finish:

There’s promise here — and clear direction under Critchlow. But without a top-tier replacement for D’Aoust, or a confirmed second netminder, the margin for error is slim.

If Weninger stays healthy and Gary Haden finds instant chemistry with linemates, the Storm could scrape into the top eight. However, the more realistic expectation is a tough battle just to stay competitive in a tightly packed mid-table.

The pieces for future success may be falling into place but 2025–26 is about surviving the transition, not skipping the rebuild.

EIHL Dream Team Predicted Finish: 10th Place