MANCHESTER Storm go into the last month of the regulation Elite Hockey League season sat in the final play-off place but knowing they will have to be at their best if they are to extend their season into April.

Last Saturday. they travelled to bottom club Milton Keynes with an injury-ravaged team and lost 4-3.

Netminder Matt Ginn was in top form, stopping shot after shot from the Milton Keynes side, while Dane Byers, Chance Braid and youngster Adam Barnes scored their goals.

Head coach Ryan Finnerty was delighted with Barnes and said: "Barnesy is a young man who has been very patient. He is a popular figure amongst the squad and I wanted to give him more ice time.

"Saturday gave me that chance due to injuries and he responded so well with his big chance and he has a bright future ahead of him.”

On Sunday, the game against Sheffield Steelers was part of the ‘Paint Altrincham Pink’ week.

Storm directors Jamie Tunstall and Mark Thomas did a sponsored walk from Sheffield to Altrincham along with several of Thomas’ colleagues from his time at Steelers to help raise money charity.

Thomas’ wife Vicki has been receiving treatment at The Christie recently and the Storm family got right behind the charity to raise funds.

After a delayed start, Storm won 5-4 with two late goals securing victory.

Luke Moffatt (two), Ciaran Long (two) and Mike Hammond scored the goals for Storm to send the fans home happy.

This weekend they play Dundee Stars at the Storm Shelter on Saturday (7pm) before flying out to Belfast on Sunday.