The Forecast

We started the episode with the once Toronto Maple Leafs winger wearing Clare's Leafs' hoodie because “he was cold” after watching cricket for 6 hours. The conversation which unfolded over the 90 minutes was fascinating… goalie quirks, post game hand shakes, chirps… Clare Freeman, Stephen Packer & Nick Barlow of The Forecast are joined with Manchester Storm captain Jay Rosehill and the “goal scorer” Luke Moffatt. Also available to download on iTunes. Photo credit: Mark Ferriss Photography

Ryan Finnerty: “At times it was so bad, it was almost comical at times. But it's early in the season, we can only apologise to the fans. It was a bad night at the office. We gotta lick our wounds, put it past us and see how this group responds...” Manchester Storm 0 Coventry Blaze 5 Saturday 16th September 2017

An ‘all-you-need-to-know' guide to Storm's third season. Who, what, where and when… Clare Freeman and Simon Harris preview what's to come, with inserts from Lee Middleton and Stephen Packer. Including: >A bit from Paul Swindlehurst and Declan Balmer >Mark Thomas and Nick Crawley on Manchester Storm Academy >Head coach Ryan Finnerty's aspirations >A mash up of the signings' interviews >Your thoughts on season expectations and roster >Behind the scenes interview with club Physio Craig Collier

Here at The Forecast we've followed Neil Russell from day one with the Manchester Storm reform. He's been a huge supporter of helping our podcast grow and always offered great access with the players - no questions asked. Something we know is a rarity in UK ice hockey. So when we heard the news that the general manager was hanging up his (imaginary) skates working for the Elite League, it's fair to say we shed a little tear. During his last ever (official) interview with Clare Freeman, Neil looks over the past, the present and the future of the club. Plus we've delved into our back catalogue and found some of the stand out moments speaking with 'coach' over the last two years. Get the tissues out, it's emotional... Thanks a bunch Neil, best of luck!

A look around the league with podcasters and journalists from various clubs across the UK. No fancy intros, no frills - just four women who love hockey talking about a bit of everything. Discussed: Why has the role of player coach almost disappeared this season? Who are the movers and shakers? How are Elite League teams perceived internationally? Who are the winners and losers of the new conference system? What does an assistant coach really do? Plus roster previews for all 12 teams. Featuring: Clare Freeman (Manchester Storm podcast host & news journalist) Vic Steveley (UTV news journalist & sports coverage of Belfast Giants) Tina Taylor (Cats Whiskers podcaster & Nottingham Panther fan) Jen Shaw (Purple Army podcaster & Braehead Clan fan)

Two of the league's studs from last season have been captured, once again, by coach Ryan Finnerty. But this time they'll be switching one shade of purple for another as they head down the M6 from Braehead Clan to Manchester Storm... Matt Beca explains why Scott Pitt wanted to move on from the Elite League, and why he considers himself more of a ‘set-up guy' than a goal scorer. He talks as a hardcore fan through Toronto Maple Leafs' dark times and his love of Doug Gilmore… And, who will Mike Hammond miss the most this season? How is he fairing after ‘that' season-finishing injury? Plus is there is any family connection to Manchester Storm announcer Jon Hammond…? Visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/TheForecastMcr to see an exclusive video provided by our 'special guest'!

Ryan Trenz is preparing to take the leap over the ocean and play hockey outside of North America for the very first time, so what is he expecting? Lee Middleton speaks with Ryan from his home in St Louis to catch up on the Trenz story so far. From collegiate hockey at the well respected North Michigan University to the Last Frontier in Alaska, where his first pro year ended in a way that long time Manchester Storm fans will be sadly all to familiar with. We uncover another link between 2 of this years new signings and find out if ABBA were involved. Plus does Ryan know the Elite League's most temperamental netminder? They went to the same university after all . . . . . . . . .

Chris Auger talks Fife Flyers, cancer diagnosis, highs and lows of his life - as well as his career, and the rather tricky issue of how the heck to say his name… He's been tested to the limit - both physically and emotionally in recent years but he's keen to reiterate the tests have done nothing but fuel his passion for playing on the ice day in and day out. As he approaches the big '30' Auger pays credit to the incredible coaches and support he's received during his career, and give an honest and open insight into what it was like receiving intense chemotherapy 5 days a week for 7 weeks. Plus just to clarify, does he love or hate Justin Bieber? Dane Byers says he's a “meat and potato kinda guy, the typical Sasky”… But his CV gives him far more credit than his own humble and modest description. He was drafted in the NHL second round 2004 by New York Rangers, but it took him 4 hard working years before making his top flight debut in North America. “Grit”, “hard nosed” and “an inspirational leader in the locker room” are noted as his top skills on and off the ice. In his conversation with The Forecast's Clare Freeman, Byers discusses recent life in Germany compared with Finland, raising two boys on the road and how there's another one due in October. In September, Byers will head back to school aged 31 (as part of the club's education package with the University of Salford), bizarrely at the same time his oldest son starts school. It was his own brother, Cole, whom highly recommended the Elite League after playing with Hull Stingrays himself 10 years ago, back in the days Manchester Storm's now head coach Ryan Finnerty first arrived in the UK as a player. It's no surprise Byers has crossed paths of many a player already in the UK league. One of whom is second year Storm goaltender Mike Clemente. But the big question we've all been wondering, is has he ever heard of Another Level's 90s popstar Dane Bowers?

Matt 'Bizz' Bissonnette says he'll miss his bezzie Mario Trabucco (but only a bit), and Mike 'Clemmer' Clemente is ready to head back to school as both players explain why they chose to return for a second season with Manchester Storm. Bizz opens up about expectations from his new coach and how he believes significant improvements are being made to ensure the team has better offence this season. And, as The Forecast's Stephen Packer discovers, it really is a small world when it comes to ice hockey as he reveals his connections to new Stormie and MBA student Luke Moffatt... From groin injuries to being the butt of all jokes, Clemmer says he can't wait for another noisy season in the Storm Shelter - a rink which left him deaf for his first week last year. This year he's signed up to one of the educational packages with the University of Salford Business School. He's excited to see the line up in front of him bigger and better than ever, hoping he can prove to fans in Altrincham why he really is one of the hottest goalies in the Elite League. Plus what an earth has happened to his hair?!

Episode 64: Luke Moffatt He comes from a place with one of the most idylic names you have ever heard - but is it as good as it sounds? He's played hockey in front of 113,000 people (not a typo!) so not too dissimilar to the Storm Shelter He's put on the skates in pretty much every corner of the globe and he's only 25 years old. He is Luke Moffatt, the Manchester Storm's new number 9, and he drinks tea . . . . . Luke speaks with Lee Middleton for The Forecast as we get an exclusive pre-season interview to find out what it's like winning a gold medal for your country, how different hockey is in North America, Scandanavia and Australia, and which returning Manchester Storm player was a former team mate playing for the East Coast Selects.

"A playmaker more than a goal scorer..." is how Gerard Hanson describes himself. In this exclusive interview with The Forecast, the 25 year-old Swedish forward explains how early training in Scandinavia is different to North America. He and his European peers didn't see the puck for the first five years, the drills were heavily focussed on skating skills - which means Gerard should be an asset when Storm play the big ice teams. Plus he reveals to Stephen Packer that former Manchester Storm defender Paul Phillips was the one who recommended Gerard consider the English Elite League team top of his list as a first year pro.

Episode 62: Shane ‘Bakes' Bakker Bakes (or double K) is a psychology graduate and son of a farmer, often missed by his mother and was once assumed a career in teaching. Instead, the 29 year old Canadian made his name as a tough guy in the ECHL (including a Kelly Cup Final), and forged multiple opportunities in the AHL. The lifelong Ottawa Senators fan names Russian stalwart Alexei Yashin as his role model, but his own route to playing pro didn't quite go to plan after knocking himself out 20 seconds into his first shift for Wheeling Nailers. In this conversation with Clare Freeman, Bakker recalls the long and slightly terrifying trips to St John's in Newfoundland for two months at the Montreal Canadiens affiliation team. He's humble and honest about his game style, which Bakker claims focusses on creating space and energy for his team mates. But one of his proudest claims to fame was achieving a Gordie Howe hat trick last season. Now, with family in Europe and plenty of Dutch heritage to uncover, Bakker views moving to Manchester Storm as a great opportunity to travel and get accustomed to a European way of life. And we warn you, his musical guilty pleasure may shock you...

Visiting the Nynex Arena as a child, meeting Brad Rubachuk in the dressing room and still a proud owner his Manchester Storm European cup jerseys to this day... EPL veteran Ciaran Long is the most recent signing for the Elite League club, and brings over a decade of competitive playing experience. The 26 year old British forward says he's "not afraid of big hits", and openly admits he's a player the opposition fans love to hate. The Long family have a long standing connection with the British hockey community, many as players for Solihull Barons - including his uncle and his mum. Plus dad, Tom, has a rather unusual way of celebrating his son's goals...of which there were over 30 in Ciaran's last season with Basingstoke Bison. He'll spend his off-season working as a labourer, and growing his trademark red beard back ready to make his debut in top level British ice hockey.

“One of the most exciting places to play in…” says one player, “He injected confidence in me, something that other coaches have seemingly done their best to take away from me at times…” says another. “We want to develop Manchester hockey” says Manchester Storm's new head coach, along with using the words ‘sustainable' and ‘competitive'… “We have to work together. It can only benefit the long term future for the sport,” says former Manchester Phoenix coach on upcoming #ManchesterVictims benefit game. Clare Freeman hosts a round up of all the Manchester Storm new-ness. Featuring: >New owner Gordon Greig >New head coach Ryan Finnerty >New starts with Tony Hand on EPL demise and future of British Ice Hockey >New signing Jay Rosehill >Newly latest announced signing Dallas Ehrhardt

Eric Neilson and Trevor Johnson give great insight living their nomadic multi-lingual lives as professional ice hockey players. In the final part of The Forecast takeover, Eric Neilson attempts to sing the national anthem: "God Save The Queen of England...she is gorgeous and beautiful". That's the remix version apparently.... Manchester Storm's match announcer Jon Hammond's keyboard playing is described as "between Elton John and Ray Charles", there's a surprise call to one of the other players, and why does Eric breathe in when he's speaking? Also available to inhale, digest, review and download on iTunes.

Role models, horsemen and the complexities of being assistant coach/captain/a bit of everything... Eric Neilson & Trevor Johnson Takeover The Forecast: Part Two… Manchester Storm's #44 and #29 give their perspective of playing ice hockey in the Elite League and insight into their off-ice relationships with the rest of the team behind closed doors. Produced by Clare Freeman. Also available to download on iTunes.

Eric Neilson & Trevor Johnson Takeover The Forecast: Part One… Manchester Storm's #44 and #29 give their perspective of playing ice hockey in the Elite League and insight into their off-ice relationships with the rest of the team behind closed doors. Produced by Clare Freeman. Also available to download on iTunes.

Who needs a dose of feel good, audio happiness? Manchester Storm made sure that their fans will be going in to the final game of the regular season with a smile on their face after a huge win over Nottingham Panthers, and The Forecast was there to bring the happiness to your ears. Lee Middletons speaks with Forecast regular Nick Barlow as well as some of the assembled Storm fans at the Nottingham Ice Arena, as we get reaction during and after the game. We hear the thoughts of Player/Coach Omar Pacha ahead of the final game of the regular season. Scorer of the opening goal, Jack Prince, gives us an insight into how the players are feeling and we also discuss his call up to the Team GB Squad. Plus something you never thought you would hear as a Manchester Storm fan wishes Sheffield Steelers Head Coach Paul Thomson, Good Luck . . . . . . . If this week's podcast doesnt leave you smiling then you haven't played it loud enough. The Forecast, supported by Hockey Night In Manchester, is also available on iTunes Photo: Mark Ferriss - All Sports Photography

Sometime there just are no words . . . . . The race to the play offs is going right down to the wire and with a potential make or break game against Dundee Stars this weekend, it's time to look at the "ifs" and "buts" with just over a week of the regular season left to play. Clare Freeman joins Lee Middleton to review, preview and feel generally nervous, as well as taking us behind the scenes with what's been happening over at Hockey Night in Manchester. We have an exclusive listen in to Paul Swindlehurst speaking with the 2 winners of his celebration video competition. And after Sebastians story captured the hearts of hockey fans around the world, we find out what's next on the bucket list? Plus as the Belfast Giants prepare to hold a special event for one of their most loyal fans this weekend, we share the story of Blakes Wheels. The Forecast, supported by Hockey Night In Manchester, is also available on iTunes.

Are you nervous yet? Things could not be closer in the race for the final 2 play-off places in the Elite League. With that in mind, Manchester Storm have the biggest weekend of the season so far lying in wait. On this weeks edition of The Forecast, Player / Coach Omar Pacha rallies the fans, We hear from Matt Bissonnette with an update on his injury and how he has enjoyed his first year in Manchester, plus we review, dissect and preview all things Manchester Storm. Nick Barlow is in Braehead with live end of period reports from Braehead Clan vs Manchester Storm, meanwhile back at Forecast HQ, Lee Middleton and Simon Harris try to piece the final parts of the playoff push together. Plus a very special Man Crush Of The Week, as we step off the ice to remember why so many people fall head over heels for Ice Hockey. The Forecast, supported by Hockey Night In Manchester, is also available on iTunes.

Manchester Storm - Sometimes they are like a really nice car that just won't start. Just one of a few ways to describe the frustration that most Storm fans felt last weekend. On this weeks edition of The Forecast we do our best to pick out the positives as the battle for the play off places took yet another turn. What type of team are Manchester Storm right now? Nick Barlow and Simon Harris do their best to answer that question and we get your thoughts on the current run of form. Player / Coach Omar Pacha gives his reaction to the 2-5 loss to the Edinburgh Capitals and Eric Neilson talks about the lack of consistent performances and results in 2017. The Forecast, supported by Hockey Night In Manchester, is also available on iTunes

The Rock is back . . . . After weeks of anticipation, the moment that so many Manchester Storm fans had been waiting for finally arrived. On this weeks podcast, we follow the return of Brad Rubachuk as he sets foot in Manchester for the first time in 18 years, starting with "An Evening With Ruby" at the Cresta Court hotel, and culminating with the re-retirement of his number 41 at the Storm Shelter. From a Manchester Storm legacy to the future of the Elite League as Lee Middleton travels to Milton Keynes to take in an exhibition game between Storm and MK Lightning in a sneak preview of one of next seasons fixtures. As well as the old and the new, there's also something borrowed and something blue. Take a listen The Forecast, supported by Hokey Night In Manchester is also available on iTunes.

Brad Rubachuk created a lasting legacy for the original generation of Manchester Storm fans. As "The Rock" returns to Manchester to see his number 41 raised to the rafters once again, we ask what that legacy will mean to the reincarnation of Manchester Storm, the fans, and the players. Nick Barlow relives that fateful night in 1999 and shares his memories from the Ruby era, as we discuss how the past can be an inspiration for the future. We bring you reaction to recent results from player / coach Omar Pacha as well as his take on how having a Manchester Storm legend return will impact on the current roster. Plus a look at this weekend's double header against the Sheffield Steelers The Forecast, supported by Hockey Night In Mancheste, is also available on iTunes.

Manchester Storm Head Coach Omar Pacha reviews a two point weekend for the Storm. Saturday Storm came away with a 7-3 home victory against the Fife Flyers, whilst on Sunday they suffered a 4-2 road defeat to the Dundee Stars. Plus Coach Pacha looks ahead to this weekends double header against Storms long time rival the Sheffield Steelers.

Allan Crow joined Stephen Packer on Storm TV during Saturday's 2nd period break. What makes the UK's oldest professional ice hockey club tick and what does the future hold for the Fife Flyers in the EIHL? Could we see the addition of Aberdeen into the Eilte League? Allan gives us his take.

Transfer deadline, EIHL expansion, the future of the conference system... a few of the topics discussed between Storm TV commentator Stephen Packer and GM Neil Russell during the webcast of Saturday's game against the Fife Flyers.

A point lost or a point gained? 3 on 3 overtime has been far from kind for Manchester Storm and with another overtime loss at the weekend, it's time to take a look at what the problem seems to be. This weeks episode of the podcast was recorded whilst Manchester Storm were in action against Braehead Clan, with reaction from the game courtesy of Clare Freeman, Nick Barlow and Stephen Packer. We also hear from Cody Cartier about his first season as a pro, and his first season in the Elite League. We take a look at the performances against Coventry and Cardiff and look ahead to what will be a crucial weekend in the league with games against Fife and Dundee on the horizon. And what exactly goes through the mind of Simon Harris when a game goes the distance? The Forecast, supported by Hockey Night In Manchester, is also available on iTunes

Mike Clemente, Brian Stewart, Chris Holt...just a few of the goaltenders who've expressed their frustration about the nets and pegs used in the Elite League. Needless to say, #PegGate has become the subject of much debate for fans... So what's the problem here? In this special episode, Clare Freeman sets out to get more information on why UK rinks aren't using the same type of pegs as in North America, the low down on how goalie techniques have developed over the last decade, and why some refs call a delay of game when the nets are kicked off and others say they never have and never will. Guest list includes: David Law, rec goalie Nathan Craze, goalie coach Toby Craig, Elite League referee.

The Brits came to the forefront of a 4 point weekend for Manchester Storm . Jack Prince scored his second hat-trick in 2 weeks, Adam Harding bagged a goal and 2 assists whilst Paul Swindlehurst (who says he doesn't score as he's just "a D man") grabbed a goal in each of the games against Dundee and Edinburgh. How important is it for teams in the Elite league to have good British players? And does the quality of the import players have a positive or negative effect on homegrown talent? We hear from Trafford Tornados coach, and long time Manchester hockey stalwart Nick Crawley, with his views of the Brits in British hockey. With the line of Prince - Harding - Heatley scoring 12 points between them over the weekend, where will Eric Nielson slot back in when he returns to the ice ? We ask you to play coach and give us your forward lines ahead of this weeks games. There's reviews, previews and a sneaky peak at an upcoming podcast special talking about one of our favourite, but still controversial topics. The Forecast, supported by Hockey Night In Manchester is also available on iTunes

Trevor Johnson & Mark Heatley sum up a ‘could-do-better' report from Manchester Storm's triple header weekend - including a special message for #HeatleysFanClub. Caps Podcasters Giant Steve, Big Daz and Even Massiver Brian sing at the end of the episode, plus find out what connects Donald Trump to the Edinburgh Capitals? Clue: It's something to do with fog and a man called Gordon. So as you unpack your man bags from the weekend, Clare Freeman, Lee Middleton, Simon Harris & Nick Barlow summarise the ups, the downs and in-betweens from all three games - with even a reference to the Titanic. Download, inhale and digest all three parts of the Scotland Triple Header, also available on iTunes.

Despite Neilson being ejected from the game after an altercation with a fan, Manchester Storm take a point with a 4-3 OT loss in Fife Ice Arena. With animosity brewing in the stands, the game left a bad taste for fans from both sides of the border. Today's episode features: Laura Duff - @hockey_laura, Stu and Beanie on the webcast, Simon Harris with his synchronised swimmers, Nick Barlow and his unfinished Italian story, plenty of Storm and Fife fans, and Omar Pacha on 'that' moment in the second period. To be continued...

A Friday night trip to Braehead Arena for Manchester Storm signals the start of a huge triple header weekend on the road. Host Clare Freeman chronologically captures hers - and the fans journey. Including the following sensible and not-so-sensible people in order of appearance: Stormforce Fans Brian Varley - Connor Varley's dad Ronnie Nichol - one half of @EIHLStattos Craig Anderson @EIHLCraig Gerry McLaughlin of soon-to-return Clan TV Jen Shaw & Hollie Ritchie of @PurpleArmyPod Justin Bieber/Simon Harris & ‘birthday boy' Nick Barlow of @TheForecastMcr Omar Pacha player coach of @Mcr_Storm. To be continued…

The number 3 . . . . . . 3 periods in a hockey game, 3 goals from Jack Prince, 3 points for Darian Dziurzynski and 3 games for Manchester Storm this weekend. We mark Jack Prince scoring his first pro hat-trick by doing things in 3's this week. We hear from the hat-trick hero himself, Lightning Jack discusses (well kind of) an unfortunate injury within the mascot family and Manchester Storm general manager Neil Russell speaks to Stephen Packer with his thoughts for the future. With the Scottish Triple Header looming large, there's a preview of the games against Braehead Clan, Fife Flyers and Edinburgh Capitals this weekend. We even asked you, The Forecast listeners to do it in 3's this week with your Hockey firsts, your sporting superstitions and rituals and the first ever #WeekendFLASHback. Plus the Nottingham Panthers make British Ice Hockey History, a legendary Brit is honoured by the IIHF Hall of Fame and could the Guildford Flames be about to join the Elite League The Forecast, supported by Hockey Night In Manchester, is also available on iTunes Photo: Mark Ferriss

We've passed the half way mark of the Elite League season and it's time to compile a half-term report on Manchester Storm. With our mortar boards and gowns at the ready, Lee Middleton, Nick Barlow and Simon Harris discuss what we have excelled at this term, areas that could be improved and who should be the "head boy" of the class of 16/17 so far. Manchester Storm captain, Trevor Johnson, talks to us about the mood in the dressing room, how the team have gelled in the first half of the season and the all important matter of his best and worst Christmas presents. Oh, and where is Clare Freeman? Well she's busy doing her make up as Hockey Night In Manchester signs a TV deal. There's also talk of Lasagne, Arsenal, the "Other Messages" tab on Facebook and the dreaded "F" word . . . . . . . . no not that one! The Forecast, supported by Hockey Night In Manchester, is also available on iTunes

The number 41 is etched in the history of Manchester Storm forever, and in February 2017 a banner will be lifted in the storm shelter in his honour. So why do fans remember Ruby so fondly? In this special episode, he chats with Clare Freeman about life then, in between and now - including his thoughts on the career ending injury when he clashed with Paxton Schulte. Also available to download on iTunes.

Happy Christmas from the Manchester Storm fans, players and club! The Forecast were hosts of the OSC Christmas Party with not one but two gameshows... Countdown: Cody Cartier V Dallas Ehrhardt Mr & Mr: Adam Harding & Jack Prince vs Mario Trabucco & Matt Bissonnette Assisted by Connor Varley and Taylor Dickin. Special thanks to Nick Barlow, Jess Patten, Lee Middleton, Simon Harris and Paul Tracey for making this episode happen!

Netminder Mike Clemente suspended, Eric Neilson and Patrik Valcak still on the bench... The idea of Manchester Storm making the next round of the Challenge Cup is becoming more and more like a David and Goliath battle as the days pass... Mixed reaction to Belfast Giant's decision to request a review on Clemente, whilst DOPS downgrade a penalty on Chris Higgins from Sunday's league meet up. Some say it was a tactical move, others say the Giants' were just playing the game. So with back up goalie Phil Spanswick stepping into the light for one of the biggest games of the season so far, will the hockey gods give Manchester Storm fans hope and a little luck this time round in the Challenge Cup? This week's episode with Clare Freeman, Simon Harris and Nick Barlow has a sprinkle of déjà vu as we look back to the painful memory of last year's 11 - 4 aggregate exit from the Challenge Cup. Includes interviews with Phil Spanswick, Omar Pacha and Patrik Valcak.

Eric Neilson on the curse of the teddy bear toss, 'that' eye injury and how the club's doctor has saved his dreams of future career as a model. Omar Pacha gives an emotional reaction to a disappointing weekend for the team, citing they need to "go back to the drawing board". Blaze goalie Brian Stewart on #PegGate, the band Trooper and why he credits NHL goaltender Ed Belfour as a key influence. Would Coventry coach Danny Stewart swop the four points from his weekend wins for the next round of the Challenge Cup? Plus a reminder of last year's Christmas gameshow - Mr & Mr, ahead of the upcoming party for Manchester Storm.

Is it time full visors or cages were necessary for all hockey leagues, not just minor? Dr Victoria Silverwood - lecturer in criminology and researcher in violence in hockey AND Dr Matt Heywood, A&E consultant in Macclesfield and part of Manchester Storm's medical team discuss. Plus fans react to news of Braehead Clan's Corey Cowick's 6 game match ban from DOPS after "bumping into the referee" during the game in Manchester on Saturday night. Clare Freeman presents. Also available to download on iTunes.

He picked up two goals this weekend but Manchester Storm fans seem to be divided over understanding Mark Heatley's playing style. So when it comes to rating players - especially forwards, is it more than just about points? Separately, ice hockey may be an emotional, physical, contact sport but is there a line when it comes to language exchanged on ice between players verbally? Plus The Forecasters discuss Challenge Cup quarter finals fixtures, Eric Neilson's eye injury and Hockey Night In Manchester. Also available to download on iTunes.

Surprising Paul Phillips with an ex-Manchester Storm team mate, celebrating Taylor Dickin's magic moment(s), and talking zorbing with IceTime TV's Aled Lloyd and John Donovan. Clare Freeman and Nick Barlow look to the past, present and future to decode Manchester Storm's final chances of qualifying for the Challenge Cup quarter finals. Also available to download on iTunes.

A ramble of all things Manchester Storm with Clare Freeman and Simon Harris. Who is Brad Rubachuk and how do you say his name? Is the new Nottingham Panthers entrance tunnel a bear or a cat? And can the Queen ice skate? Plus some sensible conversation about our Challenge Cup dreams. Also available to download on iTunes. #BitOfABuzz #CantSpellItDontSayIt #OnTopADops #MCOTW

The PR was plastered on newspapers, TVs and radios...as pop superstar Justin Bieber took to the ice with Manchester Storm. But what really happened that fateful night? What do you talk about? And at the bar - who buys the first round? So from minor pub sports, to dance offs in a night club...in this episode of The Forecast the players and management reveal all on their night with "just an ordinary 22 year old". Plus kudos given to Jack Prince and Paul Swindlehurst for their call up to Team GB earlier in the week. Also available on iTunes to download.

Personal trainer Sam Bell has been working his magic behind the scenes of Manchester Storm for a few months but who is he and what an earth is he up to? Well armed with his mysterious laptop, The Forecast's Clare Freeman and Stephen Packer were given a sneak peek into some of the secret training plans for Storm's roster. And finally, we get a definition of 'bus legs'... Follow Sam on twitter: @SamBellStrength Also available to download and subscribe on iTunes.

Storm need the points this weekend, but so do the Stars and Caps - so what should we expect when Manchester meet both teams this weekend? Stephen Swann of Dundee Stars Podcast and Giant Steve (not his real name) of the Caps Podcast reveal a few trade secrets, plus The Forecast host Clare Freeman plays a cruel cruel trick on them... And Manchester Storm player coach Omar Pacha reflects on the season and team so far - including 'that' game against Fife last Saturday. (Note: The bagpipe music is called 'Will Ye Not Come Back Again?' which is meant to be ironic and clever) Also available to download on iTunes.

Analysis Technologies - the company installing goal-line technology across all the Elite League rinks - explain what the hold up is and Ian Cheeseman, BBC's Manchester City football reporter, gives his thoughts around the pros and cons for the fans (he even commentated on a few of the old Storm games back in the arena days!) Plus Clare Freeman, Simon Harris and Nick Barlow discuss the hokey cokey of last weekend's Sheffield Steelers penalty shoot out and attempt some kind of positive prediction for the weekend ahead with Fife Flyers and Nottingham Panthers. Also available to download on iTunes.

Cody Cartier and Dallas Erhardt reveal - despite growing up just a few towns away - their paths had never crossed - until they joined Manchester Storm. The roomies reveal their first impressions of the league, talk guacamole, bow ties and golf. Now the season is a few weeks in, GM Neil Russell talks webcast plans and his thoughts of the team so far. And Nick Barlow joins Clare Freeman to preview this weekend's games against Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers - plus some heartbreaking news about the family's guinea pig. You can also subscribe to us on iTunes, and even review us too.

Darian Dziurzynski and Michael Clemente give insight into the locker room mentality and their off-ice training secrets. Following three straight competitive wins, Clare Freeman and The Forecast team review the upcoming games against Braehead Clan and Edinburgh Capitals. Plus they launch their Forecast Predictions for the season ahead, which involves top secret enveloped and a shoebox from a well-known British retailer. You can subscribe, download and review our podcast on iTunes too.

More interviews with the Manchester Storm 2016/17 roster... Mark Heatley, Connor Varley, Taylor Dickin, Paul Phillips, Cody Cartier, Mario Trabucco, Matt Bissonnette, Jack Prince, Adam Harding AND Phil Spanswick... Away from the Elite League, Canadian hockey youtuber and sportsnet blogger Steve Dangle gives an insight into college leagues, AHL, ECHL...Whether the enforcer role should disappear for good, prospects for young talented players...PLUS Tony Hand, NHL Draft Pick and Las Vegas. The only thing Clare forgot to ask was his bank account number and Mike Babcock's phone number. We're also on iTunes - subscribe and send us a review over there too.

From Eric Neilson's beard, to Michael Clemente's song request to Paul Swindlehurst's tales of Australia...the opening episode of the 2016/2017 season has many nuggets of weird and wonderful facts to enrich your lives. No, really. With more than 15 minutes or 6 weeks to prepare (Neil Russell's words, not mine) what can we expect from Manchester Storm this year and what are the player's expectations for playing in the UK? Plus, they're the people fans love to hate - the referees. Head of DOPS Simon Kirkham and ref Tom Darnell give insight into their training, discipline and relationships with the clubs. Host Clare Freeman is joined by The Forecast team Paul Tracey, Nick Barlow and Stephen Packer. And man, did we miss each other over summer. Featuring the following players: Eric Neilson Trevor Johnson Paul Swindlehurst Michael Clemente Also available on iTunes.

Tony Hand MBE is to lend a hand to Ice Hockey UK as their national development coach. Hand was the first ice hockey player to be honoured by The Queen, the first British player to be drafted by an NHL team and in his 34 year playing career he notched more than 4,000 points. In this exclusive interview, Hand explains to BBC Radio Manchester and The Forecast's Clare Freeman why he's looking forward to combining his duties with Manchester Phoenix with developing homegrown talent - both coaching and young players.