Brendon Clavelle signed a one-year contract with the Manchester Storm on Wednesday [13 August].
The 25-year-old defenceman joins the Elite League side from the University of Ottawa, for whom he recorded 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in 27 USports appearances last season.
“Brendon is a really solid addition to our back end,” said Manchester head coach Cameron Critchlow.
“He’s calm under pressure, makes smart decisions, and leads by example. He’s coming off a strong season in USports and made his professional debut in the AHL, which speaks volumes.
“We’re confident he’ll make a smooth transition to the EIHL.”
Who is Manchester Storm defenceman Brendon Clavelle?
Clavelle is a product of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, in which he recorded 48 points (six goals, 42 assists) in 178 appearances for the Charlottetown Islanders.
The Canadian took on the captaincy in his final season with the Islanders and recorded a career-best points-per-game rating (0.37).
With USports on hold due to the pandemic, hewas forced to wait a year before debuting for Saint Francis Xavier University.
Through three seasons in Antigonish, Clavelle recorded 27 points (four goals, 23 assists) in 84 appearances, before transferring to the University of Ottawa.
Brendon Clavelle, Manchester Storm (Image: Ottawa Gee-Gees)
Clavelle played a starring role for the Gee-Gees last term, helping Ottawa win the USports national championship with 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in 27 outings.
He also made one appearance for the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket.
Analysis: Brendon Clavelle signs one-year Manchester Storm deal
The Storm have steadily rebuilt their blueline over the summer and Clavelle arrives as a dependable two-way presence.
His leadership pedigree, calm puck management, and ability to play up and down the line-up should complement Manchester’s more offensively-minded defencemen.
While his points totals suggest a stay-at-home style, Clavelle’s championship-winning run in Ottawa demonstrated his offensive potential.
With his mix of composure and smooth skating, Clavelle looks well-placed to become a trusted fixture on the Storm’s back end in 2025–26.
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