Manchester Storm are back after it was announced they will be competing in the Elite Ice Hockey League next season.

It will be the first time the Storm have been in existence ever since they went out of business due to financial problems.

The Manchester side will replace Hull Stingrays in the division after they were liquidated by owner Bobby McEwan earlier this week.

Storm will be owned and operated by the Ice Rink Company LTD, led by Mark Johnson, and he is delighted by the new opportunity.

"These are exciting times for ice hockey in the Manchester area and when we were approached by the EIHL to join the league, we pulled out all the stops to make it happen," he said.

"This has become part of an even bigger picture for ice hockey in the region and we are looking forward to growing the fanbase and the grassroots of the sport in the area, alongside the re-birth of one of the iconic names in British sport.

"Whilst it is sad to see the demise of the Hull Stingrays, a team with a long history of competitive hockey, it is a fantastic opportunity to be able to resurrect Elite League Ice Hockey in the North West.

"The Manchester Storm were a legendary team in British Ice Hockey and it is both humbling and inspiring that we are able to play a part in the continuation of that legend.

"Going forward it is our intent to provide North West hockey fans with a team that can entertain, inspire and challenge for silverware.

"Through strong, creative marketing aligned with a comprehensive community programme the Manchester Storm will become one of the most recognised ice hockey brands in the UK.

"The Manchester Storm are going to set new standards in ice hockey in the North West on and off the ice and we look forward to welcoming the Elite Ice Hockey League to Altrincham."

Storm will compete at the Altrincham Ice Rink, the former home of fellow ice hockey side Manchester Phoenix until earlier this year.

Phoenix play in the English Premier Division, one league below the Elite League, and they were set up back in 2003 by a supporters group following the collaspe of Storm.

Storm's return was unanimously welcomed into the league by the other nines EIHL teams, and Elite League chairman Tony Smith is glad to have them back.

"We would like to officially welcome Manchester Storm to the Elite Ice Hockey League," he said.

"The name Manchester Storm is steeped in hockey tradition and it is great that it will once again be in the top flight of the sport."