The Manchester Storm have finalised their roster for the 2023-24 Elite League season, signing forward Andreas Heier on Thursday [31 August].
The Norwegian sharp-shooter boasts a wealth of experience across the continent, with spells in the Fjordkraft-Ligaen, Hockey Allsvenskan, and International Central European Hockey League (ICEHL).
“I’m thrilled to add Andreas to our group and complete our roster,” explained second-year head coach Matt Ginn.
“He is a very versatile player that we will look to contribute on both sides of the puck. Andreas’ experience across Europe and representing his country internationally will be very beneficial to our group. Signing Andreas completes our roster and I can’t wait to get started.”
Heier, a 32-cap player for his national team, split last season between his boyhood club, Stjernen Hockey, and new ICEHL franchise Pioneers Vorarlberg, notching 22 points (15 goals, seven assists) in 50 appearances.
The 29-year-old’s best senior season came in 2020-21, scoring 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) in 24 appearances as Stjernen’s captain and top offensive player.
“I’m very excited to come to Manchester and get started,” said the Fredrikstad-born sniper. “I’m looking forward to getting to know my new teammates, coaches, the staff and of course the fans. I’m very glad for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get there, get going and work for achieving our goals.”
Manchester Storm set for another competitive season after Andreas Heier signing
The Manchester Storm have built the kind of under-the-radar squad that will come into their own down the stretch.
Matt Ginn has an impressive array of talent at his disposal, with Andreas Heier sneaking through the door as his final addition of the summer.
The Norwegian attacker is a sensible acquisition for the Storm, who always find a way to maximise their budget in a competitive recruitment market.
Andreas Heier, now of the Manchester Storm (Image: Stjernen Hockey)
Heier joins with a well-established record across the continent, with plenty of middle-six know-how from his time in Norway and Sweden.
The 29-year-old’s numbers from last season are ‘meh’, but he was on a bottom-feeding roster with no chance of making the playoffs.
In Manchester, Heier is poised to assume a prominent role within a team that is on the rise and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
There’s no doubt that the Storm intend to solidify their position in the playoffs this season.
