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Ice Hockey Returns To Manchester Arena After More Than 20 Years
After more than two decades without permanent ice hockey, Manchester Arena will once again host professional ice hockey as Manchester Storm returns for the 2026/27 Elite Ice Hockey League season. The move marks one of the biggest developments in UK ice hockey in recent years and represents a significant investment in the future of the sport. For Marshalls International, it is also a project that comes full circle.
A Partnership Dating Back To 1995
When Manchester Arena first opened in 1995, Marshalls International supplied many of the core elements required to create one of the UK’s premier ice hockey venues, including:
- Ice hockey barrier systems
- Jet Ice paints
- IIHF goal frames
- Ice maintenance equipment
That same year, our Managing Director, Mark Johnson, joined the arena as Field Operations Manager, overseeing daily ice operations and arena floor conversions.
More than 30 years later, Marshalls International has once again been chosen to help deliver the next chapter of Manchester Arena’s ice hockey story.
Supporting The Return Of Manchester Storm
The return of Manchester Storm isn’t simply a venue move.
It represents the return of elite ice hockey to one of the UK’s largest arenas, helping bring the sport back to the city centre while creating one of the country’s most exciting venues for fans, players and future events.
Marshalls International is proud to be supplying key equipment and infrastructure that will help make that possible.
What's Being Delivered?
For the AO Arena project, Marshalls International is providing:
- Riley Sports ice hockey barrier system
- Spectator safety netting
- IceCap Pro event floor
- Jet Ice paints and maintenance products
- Olympia ice resurfacer
- Ice hockey goals and accessories
Every component has been selected to deliver a professional-standard playing environment capable of supporting Elite Ice Hockey League competition.
A Full Circle Moment
Few people understand Manchester Arena’s ice operations better than Mark Johnson.
Before becoming Managing Director of Marshalls International, Mark helped establish the arena’s original ice programme in 1995, later building a career that included managing and operating ice rinks across the UK, delivering major arena projects and leading international resurfacing operations.
Today, he returns to Manchester Arena not as the arena’s operations manager, but as Managing Director of the company supplying much of the infrastructure behind its return.
That experience gives Marshalls International a unique perspective that few suppliers can offer.
More Than Equipment
rojects like Manchester Arena demonstrate that successful ice facilities require far more than purchasing equipment.
They require planning, technical knowledge, operational experience and long-term support.
With over 40 years supporting ice rinks throughout the UK and internationally, Marshalls International continues to help arenas, leisure centres and event venues deliver reliable, professional ice facilities that perform season after season.
Looking Ahead
As Manchester Storm prepares for its return, the project represents another exciting chapter for UK ice hockey.
We’re proud to be playing our part in bringing one of Britain’s most iconic ice hockey venues back to life and look forward to supporting Manchester Arena for many years to come.
Project at a Glance
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Manchester Arena (AO Arena) |
| Client | Manchester Storm |
| Season | 2026/27 |
| Marshalls Role | Complete ice rink infrastructure supplier |
| Equipment | Barrier system, resurfacer, IceCap Pro flooring, goals, paints, safety netting |
| Industry | Elite Ice Hockey League |
