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Manchester Storm announce return to AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades

The 'homecoming' is confirmed.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 27th April 2026

In a huge bit of regional sporting news, Manchester Storm have announced they will be coming home to the AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades away from the iconic venue.

Massive news for Manc ice hockey followers and local sports fans in general.

Revealing the long-awaited return after 24 long years away from the place where Manchester’s native hockey team first began its story, the team, AO figures, and even some fans were part of a special announcement event inside the 20,000-seater stadium this week.

Confirming the news on Monday, 27 April, MCR Storm will be back playing at the AO Arena later this year – just in time for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.

As detailed in a full press release from the Greater Manchester club, they are seemingly marking a milestone moment in their next chapter by going back to their roots.

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It goes on to read: “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.

“In their inaugural season, the Storm secured the First Division championship before becoming founding members of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996.”

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Coming somewhat full circle more than a generation later (Storm having made it to the play-off finals of the modern Elite Ice Hockey League era this April for the first time in their history), they have made one-off returns to the storied space in recent times.

However, many supporters have been waiting for a fully fledged return for some time now; equally, others are understandably sad to pay a bittersweet goodbye to the ‘Storm Shelter’ over in Altrincham, with the building having already pulled licensing for next year.

They have been at the Planet Ice rink for over a decade now, and the company itself have even issued a lengthy response following the departure – namely noting the issue of communication, clarity and fair notice. Nevertheless, for the vast majority, this felt like a long-overdue comeback.

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With an ex-player turned head coach and all-round club legend, Cam Critchlow, having also signed on for another campaign behind the bench, it’s been a busy week in and around the organisation.

Representing the Manchester Storm ownership group, former coach Ryan Finnerty and partner Emma said in a joint statement: “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.

“Today marks a hugely exciting and significant moment for both the Manchester Storm and the Elite League”. The EIHL themselves have also celebrated the news, adding that they feel it reflects “the scale and ambition of the league”.

Are you happy to see them setting up shop at the AO Arena once again? Better still, do you remember going there to watch games the first time around? Let us know down in the comments.

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Featured Images — Press shots (supplied via GALA PR)/The Manc Group/AO Arena

Sport

Rochdale AFC vs York City is set upto be one of the most blockbuster title-deciding matches ever

Danny Jones Danny Jones Rochdale AFC York City National League title decider

In case you haven’t been keeping track of the absolutely incredible story that’s been unfolding in the National League, local club Rochdale AFC and York City have put on one of THE very best season-long shows in recent memory, and it’s all set to be decided this Saturday, 25 April.

Despite both teams having surpassed the 100-point mark and only losing 10 games between them – just four in the case of current ‘favourites’, York – it’s still anyone’s guess as to who could win the title.

One of the most divisive but undeniable dramatic things about non-league‘s top division is that only one team is promoted: the one that wins the lot and lifts the trophy.

At present, the table toppers need just a draw to claim victory and wrap up what has been nothing short of an incredible 2025/26 term, but Rochdale need all three points to pip them to the post after an equally praiseworthy campaign. We can all agree it would make for quite the Hollywood ending.

We’re obviously biased towards the Greater Manchester hopeful, but it’s worth mentioning that The Dale have been just as good value for money in terms of entertainment this year.

Having most recently finished with yet another late goal in (get this) the 99th minute of extra time against Braintree last weekend, it’s basically become a habit for them over the past few months.

Mani Dieseruvwe’s winner is just the latest in a long line of similar blockbuster moments for Rochdalians, both home and away: Luke Hannant won it in the 90th minute to beat Wealdstone in the previous game, Ian Henderson netted in the 97th against Sutton United before that.

There’s also been plenty of goals post the 80-minute mark, and so on and so forth.

Honestly, there have been so many of these at-the-death moments during the 25/26 contest; here’s just one of many examples that produced unbelievable limbs in recent weeks…

York City beat these boys 4-1 in the reverse fixture, but how will they fare on the road?

Weren’t not exaggerating when we say there’s been so much last-minute bedlam from both outfits that you’d think the novelty might have possibly worn off by now – a bit Ross and Rachel, ‘will they, won’t they?’. Rest assured, it absolutely hasn’t.

Not a little bit.

Currently sitting just two points behind their Yorkshire title rivals, with a goal difference of nearly 50 to boot, in most instances, this would be far and away enough to make it over the line most years.

However, the Minstermen have had other ideas, leading the pack pretty much from day one, not only racking up 107 points but also amassing a whopping 105 goals so far – quite literally the same number of points that Jimmy McNulty’s squad have in their entirety up to this point.

In fact, as if these figures weren’t already eye-watering enough, it is also worth noting that they have outperformed virtually everyone on the continent, scoring more than any other team in all of Europe’s top five leagues.

Truly staggering stuff, and not just in terms of the stats themselves, but because this could still prove not enough to lift the all-important piece of silverware and secure a place back in the EFL. It’s already produced plenty of hold-your-breath level viral clips on social media:

With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Rochdale have sold all of their home tickets to fill the max capacity of the 10,249-seater stadium as they prepare to host the league leaders at the Crown Oil Arena.

Equally, the entire 850 allocation afforded to fans travelling from York was snapped up in less than 10 minutes earlier this month, with supporters queuing around the ground at the crack of dawn to secure their spot in what will be an unforgettable and no doubt crucial away end.

We have no idea how things are going to pan out, especially given all the players and plot points that have made this one of the most box office title sporting contests ever (you heard), but we do know that it’ll be a day that stays with all those involved forever.

The two sides have even penned a joint statement ahead of this highly anticipated conclusion, reiterating this as the best advert for the tier teetering on the edge of the professional pyramid: “This Saturday’s game brings an end to one of the most thrilling, exciting and unpredictable title races in football history.

Both ourselves and Rochdale have the chance to write our names in National League history. The National League is no longer a non-league competition. It is effectively a League 3, with fully professional clubs operating at a level equal to or higher than many of those in League 2.”

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They all know how much this one game means not just for the respective organisations and fan bases, but their communities, culture and native areas on the whole.

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Kyron Gordon wants Rochdale fans to bring the energy tomorrow 💥 An exclusive Kyron Gordon interview features in NL72 | Promotion Race Preview, which is free to watch on DAZN with no sign up required ▶️

♬ original sound – National League on DAZN

It continues: “We both understand how important this game is to both clubs and supporters. We both pledge now that whatever happens tomorrow, we will both continue to fight for 3UP.

“Both clubs sit on over 100 points. One of us will have to fight once more in the National League Play-Offs. However, we both strongly believe that this shouldn’t have to be the case.

“We call on the National League, Football Regulator, EFL and Premier League to come together immediately and resolve this issue, so that we do not have to highlight this injustice year after year.”

Rousing stuff, to be sure.

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They sign off by adding: “For both sets of supporters attending the Crown Oil Arena this weekend, we say thank you for being with us all season. The passion you’ve shown for both clubs has been felt across the world. This game will be seen far and wide.

“We want to showcase this league for all its potential. Keep your support in the stands, not on the pitch, and let’s all protect the game we love. Thank you! Rochdale AFC & York City FC.”

Naturally, we’re wishing all the best for Rochdale, but who do you fancy to put a ribbon on this truly unreal title race?

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Featured Images — Bill Boaden (via Geograph)/York City Football Club

Sport

Manchester City announce freeze on season ticket prices and change ticket transfer policy

Danny Jones Danny Jones Man City freeze season ticket prices and scrap seat transfer policy

In a welcome bit of news for Manchester City supporters, the club have announced another freeze on season card prices, as well as a change to a controversial policy surrounding ticket transfers.

A big bonus ahead of next term and what could still prove to be a blockbuster end to the 2025/26.

Confirming the news in a statement released on Friday, 24 April, Man City announced that they will be maintaining the current cost of season tickets for at least another campaign.

Sharing the information on social media, the update by and large has been met with a warm reception, with fan groups such as City Matters, various branches of the official Man City Supporters Clubs, and the likes of the 1894 Group welcoming the decisions.

The post reads as follows: “Following extensive consultations with its fan engagement network, City Matters, Manchester City can confirm its approach to pricing for the 2026/27 season.

“Prices for renewing general admission season tickets and Premier League match-by-match tickets for junior and adult Matchday Members will be retained at the same rate for a third consecutive season.

“The Club has taken the approach in recognition of the extraordinary accumulated impact of the current cost of living pressures on fans and their families.”

City have also now informed Etihad Stadium matchgoers of the latest info regarding several other ‘significant’ choices and changes.

Besides paying the same price for their seat upon renewal, the cost of ‘match-by-match’ tickets will also stay at the same rate for juniors and adults, and they will also be introducing a new category for selected mid-week Premier League home games, starting from £25 for 18+ visitors.

Although annual adult matchday membership has increased by £3, juniors haven’t changed, and another 4,000 new ‘Flexi-Season Tickets’ – with 50% ringfenced for juniors – are set to be introduced as part of the home ground’s expansion and their “commitment to future generations of Cityzens”.

The 1894, who have been vocal against the club and mobilised as part of multiple peaceful protests in recent times, shared a lengthy response of their own:

Perhaps just as crucially, though, following extensive consultation with City Matters, the previously unpopular ticket transfer policy has been simplified. Ahead of next season, matchgoers will be able to list up to a total of 18 family members and friends, regardless of their membership status.

City fans will also be able to do this at any point throughout the year if they are unable to attend a match. You won’t hear any complaints when it comes to this one.

Reflecting on the productive discussions, fan representatives said: “City Matters is delighted with the Club’s ticketing announcement and the decisions that have been made, both in relation to Season Ticket and Match-by-Match prices as well as the simplified ticket transfer policy.

“Over several months, we have worked closely and constructively with the Club, taking part in positive dialogue with them, sharing a wide range of views from within our fan base on ticketing-related topics.

“The outcome that the Club and City Matters have delivered together demonstrates the real and positive impact that City Matters has as the Club’s official fan network.

“We would like to thank the Club for delivering on our priorities, showing once again that there is a clear understanding of the needs of fans and a commitment to acting in their best interests.”

There might still be somewhat of a bittersweet end coming very soon, but at least there’s stuff coming that can still be celebrated.

Bernardo Silva has confirmed he is leaving Manchester City at the end of the season
Defender John Stones is also expected to leave the club this summer.

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Featured Images – The Manc Group

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