A local para-athlete from Stockport has been selected for the British Para Ice Hockey squad ahead of the 2024 World Championships and is now in a race to raise enough funds to be able to make it to the tournament in Norway.
So, let’s see if we can help him and some other members of his team out, shall we?
Offerton native Dean Lahan plays for the Manchester Mayhem Para Ice Hockey team over in Altrincham but is also known across Greater Manchester and parts of the UK as the ‘Fingerless Magician’, having sadly lost many of his digits along with his right leg through meningitis as a toddler.
Having featured in multiple stories throughout his youth and become a familiar face online through his impressive card tricks, the SK-born magician and para-athlete has once again been selected by Great Britain for Pool B of the World Para Ice Hockey Championships — but there’s a lot more to it than that.
As is unfortunately the case for many people at this level of sport, especially amongst the para-athletic community, there just isn’t enough funding to pay for everyone’s flights, accommodation, insurance etc, so Dean, like many of his teammates, has had to set up a fundraiser to hopefully pay his way.
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Writing on his GoFundMe page, the 26-year-old wrote: “I have been selected to represent GB at the upcoming World Para Ice Hockey Pool B World Championships in Skien, Norway from 12-21 April 2024.
“During this tournament, we are competing against countries including Norway, Germany, Sweden, Kazakhstan and France. Our GB team is currently unfunded so all athletes including myself are responsible for self-funding their trip and associated expenses through either personal contributions or personal fundraising.”
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Explaining his target, Lahan goes on to explain that “the cost of the trip for me will be around £2000 (to cover accommodations/food/local transport in addition to my flights and associated travel insurance)” — a sizeable financial obstacle for anyone, let alone those who have to make concessions due to disability.
Dean Lahan playing forward for Manchester Mayhem.Dean was first selected for GB back in 2019.Credit: Manchester Mayhem/Facebook
Speaking to The Manc, Dean explained that “one of the main challenges is gathering these funds; we compete against other countries which are fully funded and play ice hockey as their job, whereas us GB players have to work full-time jobs as well as play ice hockey and train in the gym often late at night.
“I like to keep busy and am always looking for ways to challenge myself, training daily in the gym around 5:30am and with the world championships coming up I am currently training twice a day — this means my magic has had to take a back seat and is often done at weekends, weddings or private parties.
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“I’ve been playing para ice hockey for coming up on nine years and still love the sport to this day, but there are around 30 in the men’s GB programme and of the 15 rostered for the competition roughly half are in need of funding.”
When asked why supporting events like this is so important, his response was as simple and inspiring: “Without the funding, a lot of athletes all over the country will be able to compete in a sport they love and it would be an absolute honour for any of us to play internationally for our country again.”
Having nearly amassed half of his £2k target already with just over a month until the World Championships start, Dean and others like Josh Davies, Damien Barker, Jodi Hill and fellow Mayhem player Mark Colquitt are hoping to raise enough money in time for everyone to travel.
The time, money and graft that all of these wonderful individuals put in outside of everyday life is truly inspiring and serves as a reminder that more funding is still needed across various sporting disciplines.
If you want to help do your bit, you can help donate to Dean’s fundraiser HERE and we wish the British Para Ice Hockey team all the best for this year’s tournament.
Featured Images — Dean Lahan (via GoFundMe) British Para Ice Hockey
Sport
Oscar Bobb loan interest ramps up as Manchester City look set to sign Antoine Semenyo
Danny Jones
Interest in Manchester City forward Oscar Bobb appears to be ramping up ahead of the January transfer window, with the club reportedly set to bring in another attacker come the New Year.
Yes, Antoine Semenyo might be on the verge of being the latest incoming, but his arrival could see a minimum of one name heading for the exit door.
According to several sources, there have been plenty of suitors for Oscar Bobb in the Premier League – including Newcastle United and Fulham – but it looks as though another big European team is currently leading the race for his signature.
Multiple outlets are stating that Borussia Dortmund’s pursuit of the Norwegian attacking midfielder/winger is looking the most advanced right now; meanwhile, Man City manager Pep Guardiola has been coy on the subject in his most recent press conference.
🚨🟡⚫️ “Oscar Bobb and Borussia Dortmund in talks? You can ask Oscar, not me…”, says Pep Guardiola. pic.twitter.com/8Al1ron62Q
While Germany looks to be the most likely destination, the 22-year-old’s utmost priority will surely be more regular football, with a hamstring injury having somewhat derailed his progress after making his debut as an academy graduate back in 2023.
Either way, it looks as though the Prem’s hottest prospect, Semenyo, has made up his mind.
Reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared an update on the situation this week, writing: “Antoine Semenyo, on the verge of joining Man City with deal at final stages. Agreement in place with the player after he indicated City as [his favoured] destination – club to club almost done.”
The Italian journalist has it that “Semenyo set to become first Man City’s [January] signing”, but it’s also worth noting that these two deals could set further transfers in motion besides just Bobb’s.
For instance, elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur are supposedly considering a move for either one of two offensive, albeit still quite recent MCFC signings, Savinho and Omar Marmoush – though it has been reported that Pep is keen to keep the latter at the very least.
What do you see happening, Blues, and more importantly, who do you want to see stay or go?
Manchester Storm pays tribute to ‘cherished member’ of club family
Danny Jones
Local ice hockey side Manchester Storm and its supporters are paying tribute to team physiotherapist Cherry Woodhams, who has sadly died over the festive period.
Having become a recognisable face around the club and around the Storm Shelter at Planet Ice Altrincham, plenty of fans are now honouring and sharing stories about her.
Confirming the news on social media last weekend, MCR Storm wrote: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of Cherry Woodhams, our much-loved Team Massage Therapist and a cherished member of the Storm family.
Details around the Sale-based physio’s death remain private, but there has nevertheless been an outpouring of love and support following the announcement.
We are heartbroken to share the passing of Cherry Woodhams, our much-loved Team Massage Therapist and a cherished member of the Storm family.
Cherry played an essential role behind the scenes, helping our players recover from the intense physical demands of the sport.
“Cherry played an essential role behind the scenes, helping our players recover from the intense physical demands of the sport.
“Through her skill, care, and unwavering dedication, she supported muscle recovery, reduced stress, and helped prevent injury – always ensuring our players were ready to perform at their best. More than her expertise, Cherry’s warmth is what made her so special.
“She was trusted, respected, and deeply loved by all who had the privilege of working with her. Our thoughts are with Cherry’s family, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“We are grateful for the time we shared with her and for the lasting impact she leaves on our club and our hearts. Rest peacefully, Cherry. You will always be part of the Storm family.”
Storm supporters and ice hockey heads, in general, have been sending thoughts to the club, along with her friends and family.
As well as fellow British side Guilford Flames sending their condolences, others, such as the fitness and sports rehabilitation centre she worked with, commented: “The most wonderful person… we will miss her immensely in Apex Gym.”
Former Storm player Callum Fryer added, “Cherry helped me out tremendously while I was playing for the Storm. So sad to hear of her passing. Rest in Peace, Cherry.”
Even people who “had the pleasure of playing on the ice with her” themselves in the past took the time to pay their respects to the “lovely soul.”
We have no doubt those in and around the club will find a way to honour her properly at their next home game against Sheffield Steelers on New Year’s Day (5:30pm, 1 Jan 2026).
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Manchester Storm family, as well as all those who knew and loved Cherry. RIP.
Danny Jones -
6th March 2024 
