Following a week where EIHL chairman Tony Smith called into question the validity of British players in the league, the Manchester Storm opted to take a forward-thinking approach.
On Wednesday, August 18, Manchester announced the signing of seven British players, six of whom are aged either 20 or 21.
This bucks the trend in the EIHL where the import level has risen to fourteen for the 2021-22 season and British players are looked upon by certain teams as expensive luxuries.
The Storm has penned Ben Solder, Harry Gulliver, Finlay Ulrick, Jacob Lutwyche, Zach Sullivan, Joe Hazeldine and James Downie and quite rightly made a fuss of their acquisitions online.
Finlay Ulrick, Harry Gulliver, Joseph Hazeldine and Ben Solder have been signed to three-year deals which is a fantastic and admirable commitment by Manchester to the young British players.
It would be folly to think that all if any EIHL teams will follow this path but if it makes another one or two clubs question their future path or roster-building strategy then it could be a positive step long-term.
At 27 years of age, Zach Sullivan is the veteran signing of this group.
He has much to offer on the blue line, has proven himself a fantastic role model and is on the fringes of the Team GB roster.
Goaltender James Downie is an interesting acquisition from Australia. The 21-year-old is a dual national and first played in the AIHL during the 2014-15 season. He has North American experience courtesy of the Ontario Hockey Academy and most recently in the NA3HL.
Jacob Lutwyche is the only player of the seven signed to a two-way deal.
He’ll train with Manchester, doubtless be available for call-up in case of injury or suspension and the Blackburn Hawks will benefit from his addition in the NIHL 1 as a top-line player.
For more information on these signings please check out the official Manchester press release: https://www.manchesterstorm.com/manchester-storm-announce-top-british-talent-ahead-of-2021-22-elite-league-season/
Without asking him directly it’s unclear whether Head Coach Ryan Finnerty’s mind was made up after watching Finlay Ulrick, Harry Gulliver, Joseph Hazeldine and Ben Solder impress in the Elite Series.
I would surmise it’s a fair bet to assume so.
It is just a shame that many other clubs chose to ignore excellent performance from young British players during the shortened tournament played just before the 2021 World Championships.
The Storm’s roster is comprised of six British players and two dual nationals with Dallas Ehrhardt the elder statesmen of those at 29 years of age.
Manchester has gained a few fans and admirers for taking this stance with British players.
I will not be alone in hoping they have what’s perceived to be a successive season.
If they can punch above their weight in 2021-22, perhaps they won’t be bucking the British trend but setting it for the future.
UK Hockey Blog 