Manchester Storm have confirmed that defenceman CJ Garcia will not be returning to the club for the 2025/26 season.
He has opted to leave the club in order to take up a deal with Planet Ice NIHL National Division side Sheffield Steeldogs.
Since joining the Storm back in 2023, Garcia has proven to be a dependable and consistent presence on the blue line. Over the last two seasons in Manchester colours, he featured in 128 games, registering 4 goals and 25 assists for a total of 29 points.
In a statement confirming his departure, the club said: “CJ’s true impact goes far beyond the numbers.
“Known for his disciplined defensive play and tireless work ethic, he gave everything each night for the jersey and earned the admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
“His calm presence under pressure and unwavering commitment to the team made him a respected figure in the locker room and a firm fan favourite at the Shelter.”
‘An experience I’ll never forget’
Garcia made the move to Manchester in the summer of 2023 after a stint with Romanian side ASC Corona Brasov.
In his last season with the club, the franchise won the Romanian Championship and finished 4th overall in the Erste Liga – a league for club based in Hungary and Romania.
Reflecting on his time in the north-west, Garcia said: “I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made my time with the Manchester Storm so special.
“Playing in front of the Storm faithful has been an absolute privilege – your support, energy, and passion for the game made Manchester feel like home and made my time here an experience I’ll never forget.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity the club gave me to be part of this team, and I’ll carry the memories I’ve made over the past two years with me, always.”
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