Manchester Storm have secured the services of American ‘D’-man Connor Varley for the 2016/17 Elite League season.

The 24-year-old heads to Manchester on the back of a very successful university career with Penn State of the highly-respected NCAA.

Player/Coach Omar Pacha said: “Connor is someone the Storm fans are really going to enjoy watch play next season.

“He prides himself on his skating – he’s a two-way player, and whilst not overly tall, he is built like a brick wall and plays a physical game on the back end.

“He is straight out of a very professional set up in Penn State, and from speaking back and forth he’s super excited to get over here and start the season.

“All the references I received on Connor were exemplary – they all talked about his professionalism and commitment on and off the ice, which is something every coach wants to hear about a player they want to sign.

“I’m delighted to have Connor on board for next season.”