Harrison Caines has a second chance to shine in the Elite League.
The 24-year-old forward first joined the Manchester Storm in February, but injuries limited his rookie season to only four appearances.
On Thursday [14 August], the Manchester Storm announced Caines as their latest summer signing, with head coach Cameron Critchlow confident in his bouncebackability.
“We’re really pleased to have Harrison back for the upcoming season,” said the former Team Great Britain international.
“Despite battling through some injuries last year, he showed flashes of the player we know he can be—fast, intelligent, and relentless on the forecheck.
“Harrison has worked hard this off-season to come in fully fit, and we’re confident he’ll take a big step forward in 2025–26. He’s got the character we want in the locker room and the versatility that helps us in so many situations.”
Who is Manchester Storm forward Harrison Caines?
Despite making eight Quebec Major Junior Hockey League appearances, Caines is a product of the Ontario Hockey League.
Harrison Caines, Manchester Storm (Image: Mark Ferriss)
The Canadian spent two seasons with the North Bay Battalion and recorded 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists) in 62 appearances.
Caines followed his major junior career with a four-year stint at Nipissing University, scoring 81 points (32 goals, 49 assists) in 94 USports appearances.
The Richmond Hill-born forward starred in his final season of collegiate play, earning a place in USports’ Second All-Star Team with 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 26 games.
Caines signed his first professional contract with the Storm in February 2025, just weeks after his collegiate career came to an end.
He made four appearances for Manchester last season, providing one assist before a training injury ended his season early.
Analysis: Manchester Storm re-sign forward Harrison Caines
For the avoidance of doubt, very little meaningful analysis can be gleaned from Caines’ four Elite League appearances.
He provided one assist (a primary helper on an overtime-forcing equaliser against the Guildford Flames) and played roughly fifteen minutes per night from the third line.
That’s not a sample size we can draw much intel from.
However, Caines’ collegiate record speaks for itself.
When put in positions to produce offence, he does.
Caines played four seasons at Nipissing University, starting in a middle-six role, before climbing into the top-six and onto the powerplay.
Fleetfooted and capable of playing in any attacking role, he offers Manchester much-needed flexibility and depth.
If he stays healthy, Caines could be a high-impact player for the Storm.
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