It’s official: Anthony DeLuca is on his way back to the Elite League after signing a one-year contract with the Manchester Storm.
The 27-year-old returns after spending the second half of last season in the ECHL, where he registered 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 31 appearances for the Kansas City Mavericks and Trois-Rivières Lions.
He is a familiar face around the Elite League from his time with the Sheffield Steelers, for whom he contributed 79 points (47 goals, 32 assists) in 94 appearances between 2018 and 2022.
DeLuca, a left-shooting winger, has also played in the Danish Metal Ligaen, German Oberliga, USports, and QMJHL.
The Canadian arrives in Manchester in the middle of an injury pinch, with Stephen Johnson, Jordy Stallard, and Jacob Lutwyche suffering knocks in the first month of the season.
In a team statement, a spokesperson for the Storm wrote: “[DeLuca] will arrive in Manchester this week with the view of introducing DeLuca into the line-up as soon as possible.”
Despite their injury concerns, the Storm are 3-3-1 to start their league campaign and are on course to advance to the knockout phase in the Challenge Cup.
Matt Ginn’s side are due to host the Steelers on Saturday [8 September], meaning DeLuca could debut for Manchester against his former club.
Anthony DeLuca returns to the Elite League after serving UK Anti-Doping Ban
DeLuca left the Elite League last season after he received a three-month ban from UK Anti-Doping.
He tested positive for THC, the active compound in marijuana, following Sheffield’s win over the Cardiff Devils on 26 September 2021.
DeLuca was provisionally suspended six weeks later and served his ban this summer.
“Strict liability means an athlete is solely responsible for what is found in their system at all times, both in and out of competition, whether they had the intention to cheat or not,” said UKAD chief executive Jane Rumble.
“No drug, be it recreational or otherwise, is worth the risk to an athlete’s career, health or the reputation of their sport. They will be caught and face the consequences for not following the rules.”
DeLuca later explained his situation in an interview with The Sheffield Star: “To confirm, my suspension is until 21 September as it was proven that it was not [taken] in competition [proving me innocent] but that it was still in my system from the summer.”
He is therefore immediately available for selection for the Storm.
