ELITE LEAGUE ICE HOCKEY: Manchester Storm have signed forward Matt Paton and Grant Toulmin to their roster for the upcoming 2015-16 season.

The 24-year-old Paton will play his first full professional year with the Storm after a very successful junior and college career.

The left-handed shot forward scored 35 goals and added 39 assists for 74 points in 103 games and four years with Nipissing University in the CIS.

Paton also spent time last season in the SPHL with Knoxville Ice Bears, where he scored seven (5+2) regular-season points in 10 matches.

He then added three points in the playoffs, including a goal in the deciding game two of the three-match final series as Knoxville beat Mississippi Riverkings to win the playoffs.

Storm player-coach, Omar Pacha, said: "Matt is coming straight from college to the Elite League. He is young and hungry for success.

"He has good size at 6'2 and is a very fast and explosive skater. He plays with a lot of grit and tenacity.

"He has a great shot and he works hard every single night. In his last two years in college, he developed his offensive game as well. "Mike McParland (his coach at Nispissing) only had great words for him and sees a very bright pro career for Matt.

"We are extremely excited to have him on board."

Paton said: "I am delighted to have signed for the Storm and the opportunity to experience life in a great city.

"I am very excited to get things started in Manchester and look forward to helping this team become successful.

"We are building a young and hungry team who will come to play each night.

"It's a very exciting period for me and one I intend to grab with both hands.”

Paton's signing is hot on the heels of forward Grant Toulmin, who has also put pen-to-paper on a deal for the 2015-16 season with Storm.

The 26-year-old Toulmin arrives at the Storm after a year in Germany, where he posted 24 (9+15) points with Heilbronner Falken in the DEL2.

The Canadian-born right-shot winger has an impressive junior and college career behind him - and won the championship with Mount Royal University in the CCAA in 2010-11.

He then went on to score 30 goals and contribute 37 assists for 67 points in three seasons with Nipissing University in the CIS.

Storm player-coach, Omar Pacha, said: "Grant is a big guy who works really hard. He’s good in the corners and a very good role player.

“He’s a good penalty killer and we also use him in front of the net on the powerplay.

“Grant is not overly offensive but will go to the dirty areas and get his rewards.

“He has a great work ethic off the ice as well - very dedicated and very coachable.”

Toulmin added: "I am extremely excited for this opportunity with the Storm.

"Manchester is known for being an incredible sports city and being able to come play for the Storm will be an amazing experience.

"I am looking forward to coming over and starting the season - and help contribute to a successful year for the Storm.”