It’s an emotional day for Manchester Storm die-hards as club legend Cam Critchlow has revealed he will soon be retiring.
Consider this well and truly the end of an era, not just for the local side but for the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) and followers of the game up and down the country.
Manchester Storm supporters have said goodbye to the Cam Critchlow before – more than once, in fact – but this time, we’re sad to say, it’s for good. No, really this time.
Confirmed via an official announcement on Friday evening, 2025 is set to be his last year not only as an EIHL star but as a professional ice hockey player full stop.
Sharing an emotional goodbye in a lengthy and heartfelt statement, the club wrote: “Manchester Storm are set to bid farewell to a true club legend, as it has today been confirmed that Captain Cam Critchlow will be retiring from professional hockey at the end of this season.
“After an illustrious career, Critchlow will hang up his skates, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by fans, teammates, and the entire Storm community.”
The 33-year-old began his playing days back in his home country of Canada before a period in Australia and eventually on the ECHL developmental tier, which serves as a proving ground for the American Hockey League and North American’s premier hockey division, the NHL.
Fast forward to 2018, when Critchlow made his EIHL and Storm debut, it’s fair to say few could have predicted just how much of an icon he would become for the club over the next half-decade, going on to mark his fifth season in Altrincham this year – technically across three spells, but who’s counting?
In addition to the wealth of experience he brought to the team, they describe his contributions as “immeasurable”, a sentiment we’re sure supporters would agree with. Speaking in an extensive and candid interview with the club, he said simply: “It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever been able to do.”
For Cam Critchlow, retiring was “the most difficult decision” but one that feels like the right one.
To put it in the words of the club, “Over these years, he has been the heartbeat of the Storm, offering leadership, skill, and commitment both on and off the ice.
“As team captain, his work ethic and dedication to the game have been an inspiration to his teammates, and his passion for the sport has endeared him to fans across the region.”
It goes without saying that he has remained one of Manchester Storm’s top performers from start to fairytale returns and now his twilight ending, racking up 203 points and an impressive 260 PIMs in 296 appearances for the local outfit, boasting a total of 68 goals and 135 assists.
Going on to earn dual citizenship here in the UK, he’s also gone on to represent Great Britain more than a dozen times too. Impact, longevity and commitment.
Former Storm colleague Matt Ginn wrote: “Congrats on an outstanding career. Just truly one of the best. As good of a player, captain, leader, and teammate you were, you’re an even better person, and I’m lucky to call you a friend.” He’s also gone on to help inspire the next generation of Manc players.
@Critchlow11 congrats on your well earned retirement! Jack has loved watching you play, and you have been such an inspiration to him – so much so he plays as #11 for the academy 🏒 wishing you all the best ☺️ pic.twitter.com/y30mo0XH7O
Storm went on to add: “His on-ice performances will forever be etched in the history of the club, but it is his leadership and character that will leave the most lasting impression.”
Expressing their gratitude for his years of service, they also wished him “nothing but success in all future endeavours”; surely a coaching career beckons next?
In celebration of his illustrious career, the Storm Shelter is set to honour ‘Cap Cam’ as part of a celebration on Friday, 4 April, when they host Guildford Flames at Planet Ice.
They signed off by encouraging fans “to join the club as we come together to celebrate Cam Critchlow’s extraordinary journey and bid him a fond farewell. It promises to be a memorable occasion and a fitting tribute to one of the finest captains the team has ever had.
“Thank you, Cam, for everything you have done for the Manchester Storm. Your efforts will never be forgotten.”
Wigan Athletic make statement signing after grabbing Wrexham’s Paul Mullin on loan
Danny Jones
Wigan Athletic have pulled over a big transfer in the summer window, albeit only temporarily for now, as they have managed to acquire the services of Wrexham AFC striker Paul Mullin on loan.
The Merseyside-born marksman, who has been instrumental in helping lift Wrexham from the depths of the National League and into the Championship (the first time they’ve been back in the second division since 1977/78), joins the Latics on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Mullin may be gradually entering the latter end of his career, but he has proved time and again that he can score, managing to chip in with a respectable half dozen goal contributions even amidst a lengthy period out following back surgery and a subsequent shin injury.
The 30-year-old is the third signing for Wigan so far in 2025, following the likes of incomings Fraser Murray, a left-sided Scottish midfielder from Kilmarnock, and fellow forward Christian Saydee from Portsmouth, but he’s no doubt the one who’s caught the most attention.
A regular hero in the well-documented and Hollywood-backed Welcome to Wrexham story, Paul Mullin has notched an unbelievable 110 goals in 172 games, boasting a combined goal contribution tally of 223 across multiple English clubs up and down the football pyramid in just over a decade as a professional.
Put simply, he scores goals wherever he goes.
Commenting on the move, Mullin said via club media: “I’m excited for the next part of my story. The Gaffer has outlined his plan for the season, and I’m hoping to take his trust into the season and make it a really successful one. As a player, I give absolutely everything and work as hard as I can.
“I’ve scored a lot of goals over the last few years, but more than anything, I give my absolute all for the Club that I’m playing for, and I’m going to do that again with Wigan.”
Bidding a brief goodbye to his parent club, he responded to their announcement by adding: “All the best this season! Keep the train rolling.”
Although he’s no stranger to the North West – having been born in Litherland, Sefton and played for both Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers – Wigan Athletic is the first spell at a Greater Manchester club for Mullin. The move will also see him face familiar local foes like Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers.
It’s fair to say that, as well as finding the net pretty regularly throughout his career, he’s managed to pick up a number of accolades along the way, too, especially during his time with Wrexham.
Much-admired rising coach Ryan Lowe, who was snapped up by Wigan Athletic amidst the flurry of names linked last March, said in the official club statement: “I’m delighted that we’ve managed to sign Paul. He’ll be a great addition to the group and is a player who is a proven goal scorer in the EFL.
“He has won promotion in his last three seasons with Wrexham AFC and will add firepower, know-how and experience to the group, which is really important. He is here because he is hungry to score more goals, win games and contribute to Wigan Athletic Football Club.”
“Paul is the type of character we want in the dressing room, and his experience will help support the team on and off the pitch.”
Supporters of The Red Dragons might be sad to see him go, but you’ve got to be happy with this one, right, ‘Tics?
I don’t think words can come to mind. “Oh it’s just a footballer”
No. It’s my hero, our hero Super Paul Mullin thank you.
Thank you for what you have done for us❤️
On personal note I send my high fives before every game I will miss you this season my friend
Rising Manc star Lusaint and more to serenade cricket crowds at The Hundred 2025
Danny Jones
The Hundred crowds inside Emirates Old Trafford are in for a real treat as rising Manchester star, Lusaint, is set to join the lineup of live music acts playing the 2025 tournament.
We’re so excited about this up-and-coming local singer and the rest of the live music lineup on show at this year’s competition.
Ahead of the fast-paced, family-friendly format returning to Emirates Old Trafford this August, the bands and musicians offering yet more entertainment on matchdays have now been announced, along with details of more activities for all ages.
The Hundred Final at Lord’s in London will be headlined by solo singer, Perrie (a.k.a. Perrie Edwards, formerly of Little Mix), and the Manchester games are boasting some great names too.
In addition to Perrie, other big names signed up for 2025 are the likes of York four-piece Glass Caves, Bristol experimental live-looper, Bexx, as well as the best of soul and R’n’B in Brighton, Iyamah.
But we can’t lie, naturally, it’s all about whose playing The Hundred fixtures at Old Trafford that we’re most fussed about.
Following past years where the competition has seen the likes of Zara Larsson, Rudimental, Bastille and Jax Jones; Raye, Becky Hill, Everything Everything and Self Esteem, they’ve managed to pique our interest yet again.
Really channelling the platforming power of the BBC Introducing partnered stages for the latest edition, Lusaint was the first name to catch our attention for obvious reasons.
She featured on our Manchester artists of the month list not too long ago, and if you haven’t given her music a try before, now’s the perfect time before seeing her in person at The Hundred – worth the ticket price on her own, if you ask us.
Better still, she’s not the only name we’re excited about seeing this summer, as joining the live music lineup in Manchester is native hip-hop, grime, soul and afrobeats musician, Prido, whose storytelling style has been making waves not just within the genre but across the city.
For instance, his last live set for BBC Introducing at Reading Festival 2024 saw plenty of attention online, and he’s definitely one to watch, even if you don’t manage to catch him at the cricket. Aimei 媚 and Lowes complete this year’s lineup and are set to take the stage throughout August.
Manchester Originals women’s player Sophie Ecclestone said: “The live music at The Hundred is one of my favourite things about playing in the competition. It brings an extra element to The Hundred which is different to other forms of cricket.”
With early bird tickets available from just £5 for under 16s and for £17 adults, it’s no surprise that 9,000 have already been sold for the Originals‘ derby against Northern Superchargers on Sunday, 17 August.
You can find out more information on what else is in store at The Hundred 2025 beyond the live music lineup and grab your tickets for Manchester HERE.
You can read our review of her recent show HERE.PerriePridoJust some of the names that make up The Hundred live music lineup for 2025. (Credit: Press shots/Audio North)
Danny Jones -
29th March 2025 
