Local ice hockey side Manchester Storm have announced a promising new signing in the form of Canadian forward, Brandon Cutler – a player they have already dubbed as a “proven goalscorer.”
Cutler arrives from DEL2 (DEL2 (Deutsche Eishockey Liga 2) outfit EC Kassel Huskies over in Hessen, Germany, where he spent his maiden campaign outside of North America.
Now set to remain on the European circuit for a sophomore season and first here in the UK, the Alberta-born winger and Western Hockey League (WHL) youth product comes with a great pedigree and stat pack even at just 25.
Officially revealed on Tuesday night, 5 August, Storm didn’t hide their excitement over the acquisition of the soon-to-be Elite Ice Hockey League debutant.
Having notched multiple AHL call-ups and represented teams such as the Abbotsford Canucks, Belleville Senators, Hartford Wolf Pack, and Colorado Eagles, as well as the Victoria Royals and Red Deer Rebels, he’s amassed plenty of worldly experience and a broader knowledge of the sport.
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It’s this foundation, along with a record of 25 points (11G, 14A) across 40 appearances in his first season across the pond, that has seen him identified as a viable attacking threat for Manchester Storm.
Writing in a statement on the club website, they noted how “Cutler enjoyed a highly productive spell with the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL), where he amassed 122 points (61G, 61A) in just 127 games.”
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During his five cumulative seasons with the Royals and the Rebels, he racked up more than 250 appearances and developed a reputation as one of their most prolific and industrious players.
Newly-installed head coach and former veteran player, Cam Critchlow, said of the latest recruit: “Brandon is a dynamic forward who brings a great work ethic and a solid two-way game.
“He’s proven he can produce offensively at the professional level and will be a key part of our forward group this season. He’s hungry to win and will fit right into the culture we’re building here in Manchester.”
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📝 A PROVEN GOAL-SCORER
25-year-old Canadian winger Brandon Cutler arrives from EC Kassel Huskies (DEL2), as he looks to extend his stay on the European circuit. In 40 DEL2 appearances, Cutler recorded 25 points (11G, 14A) in his debut season outside North America.
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) August 5, 2025
Cutler follows the announcement of fellow new signings Brad Jenion, along with Storm academy graduates Tyler de la Bertouche and Jace Gledhill, who recently arrived in Altrincham from Chester’s Deeside Dragons.
This also comes after another announcement detailing a treble of two-way deals, which will see Noah Kääriäinen, Josh Crawley, and elite development squad product Theo Malone spend time with fellow affiliated partners Hull Seahawks as part of their ongoing collaboration.
Already a Manc ice hockey legend, Critchlow confirmed his retirement (again) back in March, but was quickly unveiled as the new Storm boss just a couple of months later.
Safe to say there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the 2025/26 season inside the Storm Shelter.
Critchlow will be watching from the sidelines at Planet Ice this year.
Manchester Basketball set to make history at first-ever Super League Cup finals in the city
Danny Jones
In case you missed the latest landmark for Manchester Basketball, both of our men’s and women’s teams have officially reached the 2026 Super League Cup Finals.
Aside from being a huge achievement for the fresh sporting franchise in itself, things are now all set up for a perfect weekend for local fans, with the conclusion of the Super League Cup taking place in our city for the very first time.
All that being said, it’s quite a watershed moment for this new and improved outfit – and pretty soon, too, so here’s hoping they can follow it up with a dream ending against the kings and queens of the capital.
Secure your Cup Finals tickets now 🏆 You don’t want to miss it 🎟️
— Super League Basketball (@SprLeagueBballM) March 8, 2026
It’s rare you get both the male and female members from the same side making it to the final of a major competition in the same year, not to mention having it hosted on their own turf.
Zak Irvin, Captain of the Men’s side, said in a statement: “Since I arrived here, the goal has been to bring championships home to the city.
“Our team has a great opportunity to do that in front of a Manchester crowd on the 22nd. It’s going to be an electric final, and having the backing of the Manchester crowd can be a real difference maker.”
With multiple Manc natives like Kaiyem Cleary, Demi Babalola and Irene Oboavwoduo in the squad – all of whom have come through the club’s junior pathways – they’ve got hometown pride on the line, too.
And better yet, they’ve already proved that they can make sure the weight of the occasion doesn’t get the better of them, having just won a major European knockout match as part of the MOBOs Fringe Festival earlier this week.
Facing off against KK Dubrava from Zagreb, they managed to pull off a narrow victory, beating the Croatians 94-92 to make it through to the quarter-finals of this year’s European North Basketball League (ENBL) knockout phase.
17-year-old Irene added, “It means a lot to me to play in a Cup final in my home city. Having my family and friends there, as well as all the support for Manchester, will be incredible.
“To play in a domestic final around the corner from where I’ve grown up is really unique. We’re all excited for the game; it will be a great occasion.”
With the stage set for what we have every faith will be an unforgettable conclusion at the AO Arena, it’s on us to make sure they’ve got the stands on their side.
Taking place on Sunday, 22 March, with seat prices starting from just £26 for adults (or £65 if you want to sit courtside), let’s help Manchester Basketball get over the line against London Lions.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via MCR Basketball/AO Arena)
Sport
Kyle Walker announces retirement from international football with England at 35
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City star and England defender has announced his retirement from international football at 35 years old.
He calls it a day for his country with nearly a century of appearances.
Kyle Walker, who has won six Premier Leagues, four Carabao trophies, a pair of FA Cups and a Champions League title with Man City, made his national team debut back in 2011.
Now, nearly a full decade and a half later, he is hanging up his boots on the biggest stage, retiring as England’s most capped right back in history.
As you can see, he confirmed the news in a highlight video looking back on her best moments with the Three Lions.
Sharing a lengthy and emotional statement in the caption, the Yorkshireman wrote: “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.”
His last appearance in an England shirt came in June against Senegal, since dropping out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice team and future plans, with both form and age no doubt being factored into that decision.
Walker added: “The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.”
96 caps 🧢 Five major tournaments 🏴 A #ThreeLions legend ⭐
He went on to sign off by saying, “I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”
The Sheffield-born fullback left Manchester last year following a loan spell at AC Milan, before joining fellow Premier League side Burnley FC permanently this past July.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are staring down relegation back to the Championship; however, this step will no doubt help Walker prolong his club career, whether or not he stays in Lancashire.
Where does Walker rank among the all-time England defenders in your mind?
Danny Jones -
6th August 2025 
