MANCHESTER Storm will host four different European teams at their Storm Shelter home as well as one Elite Ice Hockey League team, in the inaugural Four Nations Showcase in pre-season.

The Storm will begin the Four Nations Showcase with a rematch against the reigning Gardiner Conference champions, and their 2018 Predictor Bet play-off quarter-final opponents, the Fife Flyers, at home on Wednesday, August 22, before facing them again at the Fife Ice Arena seven days later.

The Storm will then welcome top Danish Metal Ligaen sides Odense Bulldogs and Aalborg Pirates to Altrincham on August 25 and 26 respectively.

Next up is German DEL2 sides Eispiraten Crimmitschau and SC Riessersee the following weekend – September 1 and 2.

It is the first time since Storm's reformation that they will face European opposition and managing director, Jamie Tunstall, said: "Last season we only had eight weeks to prepare for the season, so this coming season we knew we had more time to plan and make sure we get a proper pre-season schedule together that not only challenges our players but also gives our fanbase top European action on home ice.

"We’re delighted to announce the Four Nations Showcase, and hope this can become an annual pre-season event."