Storm sign Hamilton

Photo: William Cherry

The Manchester Storm have picked up forward Curtis Hamilton ahead of the new season.

29-year-old Hamilton played for the Belfast Giants during the last Elite League season, scoring 16 goals and assisting on another 17 for 33 points in 45 regular season games. He arrived in Belfast after a 40-point season in the then EBEL with Graz.

Having been drafted #48 overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, US-born forward began his professional career in the AHL, playing one game in the NHL, before heading to Europe in 2015 to join Sparta Prague. He then spent two seasons in the Finnish top flight before heading to Austria.

"You only have to look at the players Curtis has shared the ice with to fully appreciate his talent. To get drafted that early and go on to play in some of the world’s best hockey leagues, is a visual representation of his dedication to the game of hockey," explained Head Coach Ryan finnerty.

"I have always said I want to develop a solid core group of players and I feel like Curtis will slip into one of those roles with ease. I am expecting big things from him this year and having spoken to him in-depth, he sees this as a great opportunity to get back playing some of his best hockey.

"He is heading to Manchester during the prime years of his career and I know the fans will absolutely love watching this guy don the Storm jersey.

"I am delighted to have got this deal over the line, as some big clubs were chasing him – but his experiences in Manchester and chance to recapture his form were too much for him to pass up on. He isn’t here for the money; he wants to push our franchise up the standings and put our guys on his back in the biggest moments.”