Ice hockey team Manchester Storm have confirmed that a long-standing club servant will return in a dual player-coach role for the new season.
Unveiling the news on Monday, 11 August, Manchester Storm commented, “Was it ever in doubt?”, as they announced that fan favourite Dallas Ehrhardt is back at the ice shelter only with an adjusted sphere of responsibilities for 2025/26.
Approaching nearly a full decade here on the European circuit, this upcoming campaign marks Ehrhardt’s ninth Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) season, representing both Manchester Storm and Great Britain over his many years spent across the pond.
Having already operated as a highly experienced and valuable figure in the dressing room for some time, his focus will now switch primarily to coaching, but he will still be eligible to pull on a jersey when needed.
🤝 Was it ever in doubt?
Manchester Storm are pleased to confirm veteran defenceman Dallas Ehrhardt returns for his ninth full EIHL season. While stepping back from a full-time playing role to focus on coaching, he will remain on the active roster and be available when required.… pic.twitter.com/swu9WNv3nb
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) August 11, 2025
Writing in an official statement on the club website, the Storm said: “Veteran defenceman Dallas Ehrhardt returns for his ninth full EIHL season. Despite stepping back from a full-time playing role to focus on coaching, he will remain on the active roster and be available when required.
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“Ehrhardt holds the franchise record for league appearances (420) and leads the club’s all-time points, goals, and assists charts for a defenceman with 207 points (70G, 137A).
“Since joining the Storm in 2016, he has featured in over 90% of all league games and has earned 20 international caps for Great Britain.”
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The 33-year-old will also be joined by assistant and junior development coach, Mike Morin, who is remaining in his post, helping the senior team whilst also helping support the growth of local and academy players.
In terms of playing personnel, Manchester Storm have been doing plenty of recruitment at the same time, announcing multiple new signings for 25/26.
All three of these backroom figures have represented Storm for multiple decades between them, so they know the place inside out.
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Fellow club veteran and now former player turned head coach, Cam Critchlow, said of the appointment: “Dallas and Mike both have a deep understanding of the game and of this club.”
“Dallas’s experience and leadership will be vital behind the bench, and Mike’s commitment to developing players speaks for itself. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them both.”
While Ehrhardt’s on-ice experience will no doubt be called upon throughout the season, it’s good to see plenty of new and exciting faces being brought into the Storm Shelter – case in point:
A League Of Their Own LIVE is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
The inaugural live tour version of A League Of Their Own Live Tour is heading out across the UK, with a big Manchester show booked on the list of dates.
For fans of the hit sports-based TV show on Sky, this will be the first time ever that the A League Of Their Own (ALOTO) cast will be presenting, performing and cracking plenty of jokes in front of a proper live audience.
There’s no stopping and resetting to get the shot with this production: just them and the crowds up and down the country – we know you won’t let the side down, Manchester.
Booking one of the city’s biggest and most storied live entertainment spaces, we have every faith they’ll make it a night to remember.
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN LIVE TOUR
The hit TV show announces its first-ever live arena tour! Hosted by Jamie Redknapp!
As you can see, already confirmed to be taking part in the live adaptation of the panel show are regular co-hosts Jamie Redknapp and Jill Scott, as well as some of the big names.
In addition to famous former sports personalities like Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and ex-boxer Tony Bellew, they will also be joined by comedians Tom Davies and Maisie Adam.
Massive football fans themselves, who have both been part of the ALOTO cast in the past, it’s a funny lineup, for sure.
While the main presenter, Romesh Ranganathan, has not been confirmed as part of the touring crew, it’s worth noting that the lineup could change closer to the time. We wouldn’t be surprised if they have some special guests up their sleeves for one or two of the shows, either…
Please let us see ‘Wazza’ roped in to recreate this moment:
Speaking of the dates, you can see all the shows – including the Manchester this coming autumn – currently announced down below:
A League Of Their Own Live Tour dates – 2026
Friday, 4 September – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Saturday, 5 September – AO Arena, Manchester
Tuesday, 8 September – OVO Arena Wembley, London
Friday, 11 September – Utilita Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne
Monday, 14 September – bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham
Thursday, 17 September – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
As detailed above, early access can be enjoyed either for Three Mobile members or via the venue’s official presale window, which opens at 10am this Thursday, 30 April.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live at the same time the following Friday (1 May); you can get ready to grab yours right HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via AO Arena)
Sport
John Stones is leaving Manchester City after a decade
Danny Jones
Manchester City defender John Stones has revealed he will be leaving after nearly a full decade in sky blue at the end of the season.
The England and Man City defender has lifted pretty much everything there is to win at club level, being part of the ‘Centurions’, Treble-winning and four-in-a-row sides.
John Stones signed for City back in August of 2016 and has gone on to be part of their greatest-ever period of success under Pep Guardiola, not to mention becoming a mainstay in the national team during that time.
Sharing a moving video on social media, announced the decision that will see him depart after the best part of 10 years this summer.
Having made nearly 300 appearances for the Cityzens, he will leave the Etihad as one of their most decorated players, with a tally of 19 major trophies, the same number of goals and nine assists during his time with the club.
That being said, depending on how the remainder of this 2025/26 campaign goes, all of those stats could improve even further.
Writing in an official statement of their own, Man City went on to say: “Armed with wonderful technique, a sublime passing range allied to a superb work rate and astute reading of the game, Stones was in many ways the very embodiment of Pep Guardiola’s City.
“Such was his natural talent and tactical flexibility that Stones’ City career later saw him often deployed in a hybrid role, which saw him move into the middle of the City engine room to great effect, not least in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final…”
He is now set to leave as a free agent this June.
John Stones will leave Manchester City in the summer, bringing an end to a memorable and hugely successful ten-year stay.
They sign off by adding that “the Club and all of our supporters will take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to a superb servant of Manchester City Football Club at the end of the season.”
Following rumours of his departure in recent weeks and months, a number of clubs across Europe are already thought to have expressed interest in a transfer for the 31-year-old.
Some of the names floating around the Yorkshire-born centre-back’s signature include AC Milan and Bayern Munich; there have even been some hints at Everton attempting to re-sign him.
Where does he rank among your favourite City stars of all-time, Blues?
Danny Jones -
11th August 2025 
