A massive moment for Manchester Storm and Manc youth sport, in general, as the local ice hockey side have just handed out a professional contract to one of their own for the first time in history.
Following an incredible 2022/23 season split across two teams and having been firmly on the radar of the club for years now, 16-year-old ice hockey player Connor Lee has become the first player ever to make the jump from Manchester Storm‘s youth academy to the first team.
The hugely talented British prospect had interest from all over, with head coach Matt Ginn and GM Ryan Finnerty fending off multiple teams from all over North America and Europe to secure Connor’s signature and offer him a three-year deal.
Having put up some serious stats in the past few seasons alone and still at such a young age, it’s safe to say the club believe he has an extremely bright future ahead of him.
𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗠 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗘
ICYMI – Manchester Storm are incredibly proud to announce the signing of Connor Lee – the first professional contracted player out of the Manchester Storm Academy! 🤝
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) August 17, 2023
A huge moment for Manchester Storm and in the 16-year-old’s fledgling career.
It was the 2021-22 season that was a breakout campaign for Lee, with the then-14-year-old forward contributing 21 points (12G 9A) in just 12 games in the Under 16’s league but, even more staggeringly, he was already impressing when he was just 10 years old.
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Back in 2017, when he was playing just his second season of hockey after switching from his football dreams in the youth ranks at Stoke City, he was already playing three years above his age group and, as commentator Jonathan Bullard, remarked at the time, “If this progression continues, I expect big things”.
Describing the youngster as “a naturally gifted skater and forward who possesses great stick-handling skills” even back then, “his ability to beat opposition defenders and get towards the net has made him a huge asset for Storm” throughout the youth ranks and is now set to do the same with the big boys.
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In 2022-23, Connor split his time between Solway Sharks and Manchester Storm and in a combined 36 games, he registered 62 goals and 45 assists for a combined total of 107 points — an average of 2.97 points per game. Prolific. Cut to this year and he’s modelling the 23/34 kit with his boyhood hero and Storm’s longest-serving player, Dallas Ehrhardt, as he returns for his eighth stint at the club. Time flies.
Connor with Ehrhardt as a kid and now as his teammate (Credit: Manchester Storm)
Speaking on the announcement, head coach Ginn hailed Lee as “a very good and promising prospect with a bright future ahead of him, describing him as “a big body that skates well and is hungry to develop and improve his game”, as well as a “great kid”.
As for Connor himself, the local lad said: “I’ve always thanked coaches for all the help they’ve given me and I’d like to thank them again now for helping me to get to this point in my career — and thank you to Matt and Ryan for giving me this opportunity”.
Manchester United to wear special one-off shirt for important awareness campaign
Danny Jones
Just to pre-empt any Manchester United fans fearing they’re still in total delirium the next time they see that iconic red shirt, we can confirm it isn’t just your rose-tinted glasses deceiving you – the club will be wearing a special one-off shirt with a notable difference very soon.
All eyes may now be on Wednesday, 21 May but this limited edition kit has already caught the eye of many supporters for one very obvious reason.
In case you haven’t seen it for yourselves already, Man United have confirmed that both the men’s and women’s squads will be will be wearing a slight variation on their home shirt for their next two matches as part of a special campaign for an important charitable cause.
Joining forces with their usual primary shirt sponsors Snapdragon and global health campaigners Product RED, this one-off alternative strip will be unveiled on the pitch this week.
Product Red, or simply (RED) as it will read on the jersey itself, is a worldwide charity that’s been working to fight global health crises since 2006.
(RED)’s key aim is to end the AIDS epidemic and related injustices by raising money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
The organisation officially partnered with the club and Snapdragon back in January in an effort to help drive awareness and generate further backing for their work – it just so happens that teaming up with one the planet’s biggest brands and one synomyous with that colour made for the perfect collaboration.
With that in mind, putting together a one-off Man United kit with (RED) slap bang in the middle as is close to a commercial/charitable tap-in as you’re probably ever going to get.
Set to be debuted by Manchester United Women in their WSL fixutre against Arsenal this Saturday, 10 May and then again by Ruben Amorim’s side in the Premier League the following day (Sun, 11 May); plus, a select few limited edition replicas shirts will be made available for fans to purchase.
Be first in the know, Reds 👀
Get notified when our limited-edition @RED collection drops ⤵️#MUFC || @Snapdragon
It goes without saying that given the nature of the front-of-shirt sponsor swap, these will no doubt become somewhat of a special item among kit collectors from the off.
More importantly, however, the funds raised through selling these one-off Man United shirts will provide much-needed income for the non-profit and their crucial efforts.
The unveiling of the comes not long after the bedlam that ensued inside Old Trafford during the second leg against Athletic Club, in which United booked their return trip back to Bilbao for the Europa League final, leaving plenty of fans of seeing nothing but the colour red ever since.
MUWFC also sealed their spot in the Women’s Champions League next season to with an important point in the Manchester Derby this past weekend, confirming a finish above Man City this year.
Safe to say it’s been a good few days to be a (RED).
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Danny Jones -
17th August 2023 
