ICE HOCKEY: Manchester Storm have finally gone bust - but it's not the end of the sport in the region.

As Storm owner Gary Cowan announced on Wednesday he could no longer continue to operate the loss-making club, a new investor threw his hat into the ring.

Craig Bown, a multi-faceted businessman formerly involved with the Birmingham Bullets basketball team, has already had discussions with M.E.N. Arena operators and Manchester City Council and is keen to get involved with ice hockey.

The newly-formed Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey called a public meeting tonight (Thursday) at 7pm - again in the Great Hall of Manchester Town Hall - to discuss how they can sustain this season's Superleague fixture schedule.

Spokesman Andy Costigan said: "No guarantees can be made at this stage but we are hoping to get the support of the fans at tonight's meeting.

"We are hoping that all the people who turned up last week will pledge their support for the new venture and Craig Bown will be there to speak to them.

"It might be that we offer shares in the new team a bit like Sheffield did when they had problems but first we need to gauge the level of response. We just need fans who want hockey to remain in Manchester to turn up."

Superleague chief administrator Brian Storey confirmed that a third party had approached the Superleague with a bid to keep a team in Manchester for the rest of the season, but said that a lot of hurdles had to be overcome first.

In his estimation there was a 20 per cent chance of keeping it going this season but a 99.9 per cent chance of getting it going again next season.

If the new team does get underway it would have a new name but would stick with coach Daryl Lipsey.

A statement from the Arena operators said: "It is greatly disappointing that, despite the efforts of all concerned, and the great response of the fans to last week's appeal, Manchester Storm is to fold.

"The Manchester Storm has been an important part of the Arena for the past seven years, and has provided entertainment for over one million paying customers during that time. It remains to be seen whether professional ice hockey can return to the venue at some stage in the future."

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