Manchester Retire Number 22 Jersey To Honour Victims

Manchester Storm have retired their number 22 jersey to mark the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attack on the city.

Storm, who have former Devils captain Ryan Finnerty as head coach, are major rivals to Cardiff in Elite League.

They have moved to mark the anniversary of the night a suicide bomber detonated a device at Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 and injuring 800 on a tragic night.

And as Storm’s Managing Director Jamie Tunstall explains, they’ve been keen to honour the victims in some way since taking over the club last year.

“As many fans know, the ownership took charge shortly after the attack at the Manchester Arena last year,” he said.

“We were able to see at first-hand what it meant to so many people at the sold-out ‘For Manchester’ game.

“It was a moving moment that certainly has stuck in our memories and since taking over the club, we’ve wanted to do something to honour those affected by the attack.”

People across the city will unite the remember those who died and reflect on what happened over the last year.

The attack itself saw various events organised to raise money for the victims and those affected, including the One Love concert and ‘We Love MCR’.

For ice hockey, fans of both Storm and former EPL side Manchester Phoenix came together for a one-off game, with Tony Hand and Ryan Finnerty coaching the teams on the day, which helped to raise a vast amount of money.

But unlike previous jersey retirement events the club have held, this one won’t be marked in the same way.

Tunstall added: “To us, retiring the number 22 is the best way possible in our minds and the banner will be lifted into place over the summer months, in preparation for the 2018/19 season.

“Unlike previous jersey retirements, there will be no special jersey, no parade, no applause. We do this for one simple reason. To remember those lost and injured in the horrible attack.”