Manchester Storm ice hockey match called off due to ice problem at AO Arena
Manchester Storm were forced to postpone their Challenge Cup match against Nottingham Panthers after a technical issue with the ice at AO Arena. The game will now be played on 14 October.
Manchester Storm were forced to call off their Challenge Cup fixture against Nottingham Panthers, which had been scheduled for Sunday at AO Arena in central Manchester. The club cited a "technical issue with the ice" as the reason.
The match was set to mark the Storm's first competitive game at the venue in 24 years, originally due to start at 16:00 BST. Supporters endured a long wait before the club confirmed via social media that the fixture was suspended, coming just minutes before a rescheduled 19:30 start time.
In its statement, the club apologised to supporters and ticket holders for the disruption and thanked those in attendance for their patience. Fans were told to hold onto their tickets, as they will remain valid for the rearranged match on 14 October.
The AO Arena had hosted a concert by American actor and singer Hilary Duff the previous evening, less than 24 hours before the ice hockey fixture was due to take place.
Manchester Storm had been playing at Planet Ice in Altrincham before returning to AO Arena on 6 September for a sold-out pre-season friendly against the Sheffield Steelers. Founded in 1995, the club previously played at the newly opened Manchester Arena as a tenant and won the inaugural Ice Hockey Superleague title in 1996. The team left the venue in 2002 but has now returned, aiming to capitalise on ice hockey's growing popularity and draw more fans to the 23,000-capacity arena.
