The Manchester Storm Academy has linked up with Planet Ice to launch a new Saturday morning Hockey Excellence session, for new players who would like to try playing ice hockey.

With Manchester Storm coach Ryan Finnerty taking charge of the midweek sessions, Academy coaches will run training on a Saturday, which is the first step for players to joining the club.

Academy chair Seth Bennett says it is an important moment for ice hockey in Manchester: “It is fantastic that Planet Ice have recognised that Saturday morning is a great time to run an ice hockey session for new players. It is a traditional time for sport and it also means that young players can begin their hockey journey without having to stay up late on a school night.”

“Hockey excellence is the first step into playing for the Manchester Storm and we want to see as many players as possible on the three sessions every week.

Storm Academy is actively recruiting players born from 2013-2009, who are eligible to play for our U9s and U11s, but the sessions will accommodate kids from 5-15 who want to play hockey.

The first of these sessions begins on Saturday October 12th at 815am. The Academy coaches will be teaching the basics of hockey and the players having fun. Bennet said: “When you first start playing ice hockey, you just want to get out there with a stick and a puck and score a goal. We will make sure that happens each week and hopefully they will be leaving the ice with big smiles on the faces, hungry to come back to the rink to work on their skating and before long they will be ready to link up with the Academy.”

Hockey Excellence is administered by Planet Ice, so to book your place on the Saturday morning course, please get in touch with Planet Ice Altrincham. No previous hockey experience is required and helmets and sticks can be provided by the rink. Long trousers and long sleeves are advised and gloves are also recommended.