Manchester Storm coach Ryan Finnerty reckons new forward Rob Linsmayer can adapt quickly to the Elite League after sealing a move from French side Rapaces de Gap.

The 28-year-old will play his second season in Europe after spending a year in France and becomes Manchester’s ninth signing of the summer so far.

And Finnerty is looking forward to having him join the roster when the team get together for the 2018/19 season in a couple of months’ time.

"Rob is a skilled forward and a consistent point scorer,” Finnerty said. “I have confidence he will adapt quickly to our style of play; as it mirrors the ECHL where he had plenty of success. 

“We’re excited for him to be a part of the team and to continue our tradition of student athletes at the University of Salford, being successful on and off the ice.”

Linsmayer, who will wear the number 62 jerseypicked up 19 points in 28 games with Gap, prior to which he spent five seasons in the ECHL, with San Francisco Bulls and Idaho Steelheads.

He is also is set to study at University of Salford, who have a partnership with the Storm which will enable him to gain his MBA in the process.

And he’s excited by his move to the UK, joining the team that finished second in the Elite League last season.  

He said: “I am really excited to be playing in Manchester, I heard some really good things happened last season and the team was fun to watch. I can't wait to get over and get started.”

The arrival of Linsmayer has come on the back of the news that match night announcer Jon Hammond would be retiring after serving the club initially from 1995, when Storm were first formed.

When the club returned in 2015 on joining the Elite League, ‘the Voice of the Storm” also came back, but has decided to hang up his famous yellow jacket.

He said: “I have made a huge number of friends in the ice hockey world and it’s been an honour and a pleasure to have been at the heart of Manchester Storm for so long. 

“I’ve worked with some great people and also have been fortunate to have seen generations of families become supporters.

“My sincere thanks go to everyone who has let me cajole, tease and generally loon around with them every season and I wish the Storm every success in the coming seasons.

Storm’s Managing Director Jamie Tunstall paid tribute to Hammond and announced his departure will be marked in appropriate fashion.

“Jon is a true legend and it’s sad to see him hang up his microphone. We wish him all the very best in the future and can think of no better way to honour his many years with the Storm than to hold a special night where we can retire his yellow jacket.

“To us, it’s the most appropriate way where we can all celebrate Jon’s retirement together.”

Storm coach Ryan Finnerty added: “Jon is a professional through and throughand many don’t see the behind the scenes work and motivation he gives everyone.

“His charisma and charm is well and truly infectious and will be missed by everyone here.”

PHOTO: Idaho Steelheads