Net man Clente signs in for Storm

ICE Hockey side Manchester Storm have signed American netminder Mike Clente ahead of the forthcoming Elite League campaign.

The 26-year-old joins after a recent spell in Denmark, having also played in the AHL, ECHL and NCAA during his career.

He’s the latest oversees player to join the Storm, and head coach Omar Pacha is expecting big things from his new recruit.

“Mike was someone that flashed up on my radar recently, and I am delighted to have secured his services,” he said.

“Goaltending is such an important position, so we took our time in doing research on Mike, and I’m very happy with all the references I received back on him.

“He covers the net and moves well so he is really agile. He challenges the shooters and comes highly recommended to us by many former coaches of his and players who have played against him. I’m delighted Mike will be between the pipes for us this season.”

Storm general manager Neil Russell was equally as pleased, and has stressed just how big a signing Clente could turn out to be.

“This is such an important deal for us. Good goaltending is key, and we are very confident that we’ve found our guy to stand tall between the pipes for us throughout all of next season,” he said.

“Mike is excited to get over here to Manchester and he is also really excited about helping the Storm continue in our off ice growth too, which was a big selling point to me.”