Manchester Storm confirm club veteran will serve in a ‘player-coach’ role this season

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Dallas Ehrhardt serving as player-coach for Manchester Storm 25/26 season

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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:

Manchester Storm announce signing of ‘proven goalscorer’ Brandon Cutler ahead of new season

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Featured Images — Dean Rose/All Sports Photography (via Manchester Storm)