“This marks the start of an exciting new era for the club. Manchester Storm is coming home”
10:00, 27 Apr 2026Updated 10:46, 27 Apr 2026
Manchester Storm have announced big news – they are returning to the AO Arena as their home for the 2026/2027 season(Image: Manchester Storm)
Ice hockey team Manchester Storm has confirmed it is to make a huge return to Manchester’s AO Arena for the 2026/2027 season, ending months of speculation about a move from its previous home in Altrincham. It will see a return to the huge arena for the first time in over 20 years.
The Elite League club made its big announcement on Monday morning that they will make a historic return to the arena, which they say marks a “powerful homecoming that reconnects the club with its roots and marks a new era for ice hockey in the city.”
The move comes at a time of unprecedented momentum for the club, who reached the play-off finals in April for the first time in 24 years, an “achievement that reflects both their on-ice success and the sport’s rapid growth across the UK”, bosses say.
Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter
Owners of the Planet Ice rink in Altrincham issued a lengthy statement on Saturday saying they would not be issuing a licence for them to play there in the new season. The statement claimed they had been left in the dark about the team’s plans despite “persistent rumours” of a move to the AO Arena.
Now, those rumours have been officially confirmed as bosses outlined their hopes of “accelerating growth and attracting new fans” by making an historic return to the 23,000 capacity AO Arena for the new season.
Manchester Storm was first founded back in 1995 as a tenant of the then newly-opened Manchester Arena. The original Manchester Storm quickly became one of British ice hockey’s most iconic teams and in their inaugural season, secured the First Division championship before becoming founding members of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996.
A statement issued today by Manchester Storm and AO Arena said: “Storm’s early years were defined by success and spectacle. The club claimed the league championship title in the 1998–99 season and lifted the Autumn Cup the following year. During this golden era, AO Arena became synonymous with record-breaking crowds and electric atmospheres.
The moves comes amid big success for the team(Image: Manchester Storm)
“A standout moment came during the 1996–97 season, when 17,245 fans packed the venue for a clash against rivals the Sheffield Steelers, setting a British attendance record that still stands today.
“Now, nearly three decades on, the Storm’s return represents a full-circle moment not just for the club, but for the people behind it. Members of the current coaching staff were part of that original era as players, bringing with them an emotional connection to the arena and its legacy.”
Manchester Storm’s move comes at a time of a wider rise in the popularity of ice hockey across England. Increased grassroots participation, growing fan engagement, and rising visibility of the Elite Ice Hockey League have all contributed to the sport’s resurgence.
The team’s return to a major arena stage is expected to further accelerate that growth, attracting new fans and “re-energising its long-time supporters”. They last played at the Manchester Arena as the original Manchester Storm in 2002.
The statement continued: “AO Arena, one of the UK’s largest and most iconic live entertainment venues, will once again transform into a fortress for ice hockey in the city, reviving the spirit of the ‘Storm Shelter’ for all generations to enjoy. Further details on fixtures, ticketing, and fan experiences for the 2026/27 season will be announced in due course.”
Emma and Ryan Finnerty, representatives of the Manchester Storm ownership group said: “This is a major milestone for our partnership group and a vision we’ve worked towards for some time. Returning Manchester Storm to the AO Arena is a proud moment for everyone involved.
“It’s about giving our fans a premier stage in the heart of the city and delivering an outstanding live experience. Together with our leadership team and Canadian partners, our ambition is clear — not just to compete, but to lead in the Elite Ice Hockey League and beyond.”This marks the start of an exciting new era for the club. Manchester Storm is coming home”
Bosses say “Manchester Storm is coming home”(Image: Manchester Storm)
Mark Brooks, Head of Commercial Operations at the Elite Ice Hockey League, also backed the move. He said: “Today marks a hugely exciting and significant moment for both the Manchester Storm and the Elite League.
“Moving into the AO Arena reflects the ambition of the team and the continued growth of the League. Manchester is one of the country’s most vibrant sporting cities, and we’re proud to support the Storm as they take this next step and showcase Elite League ice hockey on one of the UK’s most iconic stages. This move will also enhance the experience for visiting teams and supporters, providing a world-class environment that reflects the scale and ambition of the League.”
Officials assembled at the AO Arena on Monday morning for a photocall to celebrate the news. Gemma Vaughan, AO Arena General Manager, said: “We’re proud to welcome Manchester Storm back to AO Arena, it’s a move that strengthens our venue’s position as a world-class sports and entertainment hub, as well as the UK’s largest indoor sporting arena.
“This homecoming will bring new energy to the city centre, driving footfall for local bars, restaurants, and hotels while creating more opportunities for fans to engage with the sport. It’s a major step forward for ice hockey’s growth in the UK and a brilliant moment for Manchester’s already thriving sporting community.”
Manchester Storm have been playing at Altrincham Ice Rink since 2015. Operators Planet Ice issued a full statement on Saturday announcing that “following careful consideration” the rink would not be issuing a licence for Manchester Storm to continue their operation at the venue for the 2026/27 season.
The statement said: “For several months, there have been persistent rumours regarding a potential move by Manchester Storm to the AO Arena Manchester. The club’s initial communication to us confirmed that they intended to remain in Altrincham until the new arena is ready at TraffordCity which would become their new home. However, the frequency and credibility of these rumours have since increased, with venue operators, players, and staff informing us that discussions between Manchester Storm and the AO Arena have taken place and that plans for a move were being agreed.
“In response to this, Heath Rhodes, the rinks Chief Operations Officer, issued a further email on Tuesday April 21st requesting clear confirmation of the club’s intentions for the 2026/27 season. This request sought a simple and direct answer. No reply was received until today at 16:47, and even then, the club did not indicate what their intentions are regarding a potential relocation from the Altrincham rink.
“Throughout our correspondence, the rink has been clear that we fully support Manchester Storm in pursuing opportunities that allow them to build on their success. Should they wish to relocate, we would do what we can to support a smooth and professional transition. However, it is both reasonable and necessary that we receive sufficient notice of any such decision.
“Unlike other teams in the league, Manchester Storm have not released season tickets for the upcoming season. This has placed rink staff in a difficult position, facing questions from supporters that they are unable to answer. We do not believe this is fair to either supporters or staff.
“As a result of the continued lack of communication and clarity, the rink has been placed in a position where we must determine our next steps to safeguard the future and will now pursue other opportunities.”
