Manchester Storm reform and replace Hull in Elite League

Storm won the British Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996 and 1999

Manchester Storm are to reform and make a return to ice hockey's Elite League next season.

The will replace Hull Stingrays in the league following their liquidation.

Storm were disbanded in 2002 after their own financial problems when based at the Manchester Arena.

They will play at the Altrincham ice dome which English Premier League side Manchester Phoenix, who were formed after Storm's collapse, have left after a dispute with the owners.

"These are exciting times for ice hockey in the Manchester area and when we were approached to join the league we pulled out all the stops to make it happen," said Storm director Mark Johnson.

"This has become part of an even bigger picture for ice hockey in the region and we are looking forward to growing the fan base and the grassroots of the sport in the area."