It’s official: Anthony DeLuca is coming back to the Elite League after signing a one-year contract with the Manchester Storm.
The 27-year-old returns after spending the second half of last season in the ECHL, registering 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 31 appearances for the Kansas City Mavericks and Trois-Rivières Lions.
He is a familiar face around the Elite League from his time with the Sheffield Steelers, for whom he contributed 79 points (47 goals, 32 assists) in 94 appearances.
DeLuca, a left-shooting winger, has also played in the Danish Metal Ligaen, German Oberliga, USports, and QMJHL.
Anthony DeLuca, formerly of the Sheffield Steelers (Image: Dean Woolley)
The Canadian arrives in Manchester in the middle of an injury pinch, with Stephen Johnson, Jordy Stallard, and Jacob Lutwyche currently unavailable.
In a team statement, a Storm spokesperson wrote: “[DeLuca] will arrive in Manchester this week with the view of introducing DeLuca into the line-up as soon as possible.”
Despite their injury concerns, the Storm are 3-3-1 in the Elite League and are on course to advance to in the Challenge Cup.
Matt Ginn’s side are due to host the Steelers on Saturday [8 September], meaning DeLuca could debut against his former club.
Anthony DeLuca returns to the Elite League after serving UK Anti-Doping Ban
DeLuca left the Elite League last season after he received a three-month ban from UK Anti-Doping.
He tested positive for THC, the active compound in marijuana, following Sheffield’s win over the Cardiff Devils on 26 September 2021.
DeLuca was provisionally suspended six weeks later and served his ban this summer.
Anthony DeLuca, formerly of the Sheffield Steelers (Image: Dean Woolley)
“Strict liability means an athlete is solely responsible for what is found in their system at all times, both in and out of competition, whether they had the intention to cheat or not,” said UKAD chief executive Jane Rumble.
“No drug, be it recreational or otherwise, is worth the risk to an athlete’s career, health or the reputation of their sport. They will be caught and face the consequences for not following the rules.”
DeLuca later explained the situation in an interview with The Sheffield Star: “To confirm, my suspension is until 21 September as it was shown that it was not [taken] in competition… and that it was still in my system from the summer.”
He is therefore available for selection for the Storm.
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