Romaniuk signs for Storm

Gallant's line will benefit from Romaniuk's experience

By BBC Sport Online's Stuart Hughes

Canadian left-winger Russ Romaniuk has signed for Manchester Storm.

The 31-year-old Romaniuk has played more than 100 games in the NHL with Winnipeg Jets and Philadelphia Flyers.

Storm head coach Daryl Lipsey said: "Russ comes with a very good pedigree.

"He has proved he's got what it takes to play at the highest level and I'm confident that his experience will be a major factor for the Manchester Storm this season."

Romaniuk has played for than 100 NHL games

Romaniuk was a Winnipeg Jets second-round draft pick in 1988.

He made 86 appearances for the team and played a further 18 games for the Flyers.

He later played for Las Vegas Thunder under former London Knights coach Chris McSorley.

Lipsey said he had taken McSorley's advice before signing him.

"I spoke with Chris about Russ and he told me that he's a very good player," Lipsey said.

"Anyone who knows Chris knows he is a very demanding person so, if he says Russ can play, that further endorses the reports we already had on him."

Lipsey expects Romaniuk to play a key role in the Storm's forthcoming Superleague campaign, which begins in just over two weeks time.

"Right now, I've pencilled Russ in on a line with Trevor Gallant and Joe Cardarelli," he said.

"They're both experienced in the ISL and he will add another dimension to their play."