Trojan Hull Seahawks have confirmed the continuation of their development partnership with Manchester Storm ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The partnership will once again see young British players gain valuable senior experience with the Seahawks while continuing their development within the Manchester Storm organisation and Motorpoint Elite League environment.
Four players will be involved with Hull as part of the partnership this season, with Noah Kääriäinen, Josh Crawley, Tyler de la Bertouche and Bailey Thomas all set to feature for the Seahawks.
The partnership follows a successful first season, with players gaining important senior experience and contributing to Hull’s 2025/26 campaign, which saw the Trojan Hull Seahawks reach the NIHL Final Four in Coventry.
Seahawks head coach and general manager Matty Davies is delighted to see the partnership continue.
“To continue our affiliation with Manchester Storm is a massive positive for both sides,” Davies said.
“The first year was a success, and the fact we are able to continue and build on that is a huge achievement for both organisations.
“Noah is a massive part of this affiliation. I think very highly of him and believe he can take another step this year with being full-time in hockey. He is a huge part of our defensive core and essential in my plans.
“Josh came in later for us last season, his performance in Coventry was outstanding. When we lost him in the final, it affected us a lot, so getting him back this year is a massive plus.
“Tyler and Bailey are two players I am really excited about.
“Tyler is a young goalie who can push for minutes and continue his development in a competitive environment”
“Bailey is a really promising defenceman with a great pedigree and will add to our defensive depth. I am excited to see what he can bring.”
Davies also highlighted the importance of the relationship between the three clubs in helping the players progress.
“Overall, this partnership is massive for us,” he added.
“To be aligned with Ryan and Cam on the players on this two-way platform is something I take very seriously.
“It’s not only about adding to our team, but also helping the players develop and hopefully become full-time Storm players in the future”
The partnership will see the players continue to train within a professional Motorpoint Elite League environment while gaining regular senior hockey and meaningful ice time with the Trojan Hull Seahawks.
Hull will once again play an important role in the development pathway throughout the 2026/27 campaign as the club looks to build on the success of last season’s partnership.
Molly Nichols
