Sunday’s 8-0 victory over Caledonia Steel Queens was the culmination of nearly four years’ work for Manchester Storm Women and their head coach James Ashton.

Manchester kicked off their WNIHL 2 North Elizabeth campaign in style at Planet Ice Altrincham.

“This team started not long after the Covid pause,” said Ashton, a former coach with the GB Women’s Programme.

“We had some regular ice time and had 14 or so each week from rec, uni and ‘Learn to Play. Our captain, Hannah, came from the Altrincham Jets rec team.

“The sessions continued and we linked in with the Storm Academy U16 Girls to a point last year when the numbers and the finance made sense for a league team. We had the player numbers and knew it would work financially.

“We had great help from Faye and the WNIHL to get our paperwork in order, constitution and such, and we were accepted at the league meeting, and all of a sudden we were a league team!

“So it’s been almost four years to get to this point.”

Ashton had previous involvement with the U16 Girls team as part of Storm Academy and always had an eye on a full senior women’s team. He didn’t think it would take this long!

“When the academy started the U16 Girls team, the goal was to follow up with a senior team. We knew it would have to be step-by-step, but the women’s team was a natural next move.

“A lot of the U16 girls were towards the top of the age limit so needed somewhere to play. At that time, I was around the GB programme and a lot of the players had north-west and Manchester links, like goalie Nicole Jackson, forward CJ Ashton and defender Sarah Hutchinson. But there was nothing here for them and they had to go elsewhere to play.”

Ashton mentioned his captain, Hannah Waterhouse, who was one of those early adopters of the Storm Women a few years ago. She takes up the story.

“I was playing with Altrincham Jets and this women’s team had the ice just before us,” Hannah began.

“I’ve only ever played mixed hockey with the rec team, but when James asked if I would be interested, it was an easy yes.

“We trained regularly, our numbers grew and with James and Wez [Spurrett, GM] having the vision and running the club so professionally, we had the place in the league and we’re excited to compete!”

Both Hannah and James agree that having the Storm Women is the final piece of the jigsaw of Manchester ice hockey and both recognise the importance of the Storm name.

“We’re very proud to be Manchester Storm,” says Hannah. “It’s an iconic name, and in a city that loves sport and a city that’s so progressive.

“Women’s sport is on a high right now and we want ice hockey and Manchester Storm women to be part of it.”

Coach Ashton agrees: “Getting to use the Storm name and logo is huge for us. We’re grateful to Ryan Finnerty from Manchester Storm for his support and allowing it.

“We’ve had our players at Storm Elite games in their jerseys and fans have asked about the women’s team, so the interest is there.

“We might be a separate entity, but we feel very much part of the Storm hockey family. In Europe it’s commonplace for men’s and women’s teams in the same rink to have the same name.

“This team is proud to be called Manchester Storm.”

And of his captain? Ashton is fulsome in his praise.

“Hannah has been with us from very early on. She said how great it would be to play competitive games against other women, and now that’s happening.

“She’s really engaged, isn’t afraid to ask questions and challenge coaches or ask ‘why’. She wants to learn and is a great leader for the team.

“For all we’re brand-new to the league, in essence the team has been skating together for over 12 months.”

Captain Hannah herself can’t wait to get started.

“It’s the first time I’ve captained a team. I’m going to be figuring things out as we go and seeing how things work,” she said.

“I’ve got two great assistants in Tay and Julia. Tay is one of the younger players and I’m not ashamed to say she probably knows the game better than I do. We often play on a line together. Julia is the heart of the team, so committed on the ice, and has been part of the organisation of things too.

“Between us, we have a mix of skills and experience but we work really well together.”

Finally towards the future? Both James and Hannah have one word to start: promotion!

James also has some longer term goals. You can tell he’s been thinking about this team hitting the ice for a long time.

“We’re ready for our first league season. We want to be seen as a professionally run club, we want to win and want to get promoted.

“In time I’d love to see a Storm Women in the WNIHL Elite League and have one of our players play for GB.”

After working so hard and so long to get here, you’d be a fool to doubt them. As their website banner says: “Unleash the Storm. conquer the ice!”

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