Manchester ice hockey team retire number 22 jersey to honour bomb victims

Published May 22, 2018
A photograph of victims Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford is seen amongst floral tributes at the base of a 'tree of hope', planted as a memorial following the Manchester Arena bombing in central Manchester on May 22, 2018. — AFP
A photograph of victims Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford is seen amongst floral tributes at the base of a 'tree of hope', planted as a memorial following the Manchester Arena bombing in central Manchester on May 22, 2018. — AFP

Manchester Storm ice hockey team announced on Tuesday they are retiring their number 22 jersey in honour of the victims of last year's bombing in the city.

On May 22, 2017 Salman Abedi, a British man of Libyan heritage, blew himself up outside the Manchester Arena, which had been hosting a concert by teen pop idol Ariana Grande.

Players from Storm and former English Premier League side Manchester Phoenix also took part in a one-off game against a United Kingdom all-star team last year to raise money for the victims and their families.

“As many fans know, the ownership took charge shortly after the attack at the Manchester Arena last year,” said managing director Jamie Tunstall. “We were able to see at first hand what it meant to so many people at the sold-out 'For Manchester' game.

“It was a moving moment that certainly has stuck in our memories, and since taking over the club we've wanted to do something to honour those affected by the attack.

“To us, retiring the number 22 is the best way possible in our minds and the banner will be lifted into place over the summer months in preparation for the 2018/19 season."

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