This was the year when Storm felt that they could deliver the trophies to the fans and Kurt Kleinendorst further strengthened the team.  The team's new netminder, Frank Pietrangelo, brought a wealth of experience from the NHL (where he helped win the Stanley Cup) and Europe.

The season proved to one of highs, lows .... and nearlies!  The high was without doubt the team winning the Superleague title.  The Storm had set the early pace and were chased to the finishing line by the Cardiff Devils.  The Storm didn't crack - some might say they wobbled slightly - and the first top flight silverware came to Manchester

In Europe Storm again played well but once more missed out on the play off stages of the competition.  Domestically Storm again failed to make the final of any of the knock out competitions.  Nottingham won the B&H Cup, Sheffield the Challenge Cup and Cardiff Devils the Play Off final ... all after beating Storm along the way.

The facts and figures speak for themselves in the 1998-99 season. The Storm.....
· Scored more goals than any other team.
· Conceded less goals than any other team.
· Won more games that any other team.
· Lost fewer games than any other team.
· Have the best Penalty Killing record.
· Have the best Powerplay Scoring record.
· Have the league's best netminder.
· Have accumulated the most points.
· Have the biggest and best support.

See highlights of the Autumn 1998 Storm vs Steelers game by clicking here