Manchester Storm call off game after 'technical issue with ice'

Manchester Storm were forced to call off their Challenge Cup match against the Nottingham Panthers because of what the club called a "technical issue with the ice" at the AO Arena.

The Storm's first competitive fixture at the city centre venue in 24 years was scheduled to start at 16:00 BST on Sunday.

But supporters were faced with a lengthy wait before the club announced on social media that the match was suspended - just minutes before a revised 19:30 start.

"Unfortunately today's Manchester Storm game has been suspended due to a technical issue with the ice," the Storm said in the statement.

"We sincerely apologise to supporters and ticket holders for the disruption and would like to thank everyone in attendance for their patience."

Fans have been advised to retain their tickets, which will be valid for the rescheduled fixture on 14 October.

The venue, at the heart of Manchester, had staged a concert by American actor and singer Hilary Duff on Saturday evening - less than 24 hours before the ice hockey match.

Having left Planet Ice in Altrincham, the Storm returned to AO Arena on 6 September with a sold out pre-season friendly against the Sheffield Steelers.

Founded in 1995, the team played in the then newly opened Manchester Arena as a tenant and became inaugural champions of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996.

They left the arena in 2002 but said they have returned to take advantage of a growth in ice hockey's popularity to get more fans to the 23,000-capacity venue.