The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze open their 2025/26 Challenge Cup campaign with a double-header against the Manchester Storm – travelling to Altrincham on Saturday (7pm) before returning to the Skydome for their home opener on Sunday (5.30pm).
Both sides compete in Group A, alongside the Cardiff Devils, Guildford Flames, Nottingham Panthers, and Sheffield Steelers. Each team plays one home and one away fixture against every group opponent.
If games are tied after 60 minutes, overtime and shootouts will decide the winner.
The group stage is scheduled to conclude by Sunday 8 November.
The Format
- The top team in each group automatically advances to the Semi-Finals, seeded 1st and 2nd by win percentage.
- The runner up in Group A, will also go directly into the Semi-finals.
- The second-placed team in Group B will host the third-placed team in Group A in a one-off Elimination Game for the final Semi-Final spot.
- Semi-Final seeding is based solely on group stage win percentage (the Elimination Game does not count).
- Matchups:
- 1st Seed vs 4th Seed
- 2nd Seed vs 3rd Seed
- The higher seed has the option to play the second leg at home.
The Opponents: Manchester Storm
Manchester have a fresh look under new head coach and former captain Cameron Critchlow.
At the back, the ever-reliable Evan Weninger returns in goal, while ex-Guildford Flame Kyle Locke adds toughness to the blue-line. The standout signing on defence is Nicholas Welsh, who brings top-level European experience from the German DEL, Finland, and Austria, along with an offensive spark honed during two strong seasons in USports.
Up front, there’s a familiar name for Blaze fans in J.D. Dudek, who played two seasons in Coventry between 2022 and 2024. He’s joined by returning Storm forwards Tyler Hinam, Stephen Johnson, and Loren Ulett, who will help provide firepower.
Another key addition is Gary Haden, well known from his time with the Glasgow Clan. The 26-year-old is a proven point producer aiming to rediscover form after a stop-start 2024/25 season. New recruit Brandon Cutler is also one to watch. The 25-year-old arrives from the DEL2’s Kassel Huskies, just two years removed from a standout 65-point, 36-goal campaign with the Utah Grizzlies in the ECHL.
Blaze vs. Storm | Sunday | 5.30pm | Skydome Arena
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