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…

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

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

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.

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:

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.

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.