Streatham Ice Hockey News
GBSC 15th Anniversary GB All Stars Game
Face-off is at 4pm and the afternoon will also involve many activities from Broomball to ‘chuck the puck’ (with a difference thanks to Dave Simms!) to help raise funds for the national team’s bid to qualify for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic ice hockey tournament.
There will also be the chance to purchase exclusive event merchandise including game worn shirts and the chance to bid for a shirt directly off the player’s back.
Players confirmed to play at the event include Gary Stefan, Jonathan Weaver, Shannon Hope, Stephen Foster, Stevie Lyle, Steve Thornton, Danny Meyers, Nicky Chinn, David Clarke, Steve Moria, Paul Sample, Rick Strachan, Jamie Craiper, Mike Ellis, Kyle Horne and Scott Moody. There will also be representatives from the GB Women’s Team and the Under 20 and 18 programmes.
Tickets for the GB all-star game are now available from the Coventry SKYDOME Arena box office on 02476 630693 and cost £12 per adult, £5 for concessions and children (U16) go for £1 if accompanied by an adult. A special discount is available to all GBSC members; please contact us at GBSC directly.
Tickets for the evening event, which includes a meal, awards and an auction, are also available as well as accommodation. Some great prizes have been donated for the auction including game shirts from countries and a special prize from the IIHF and hockey hall of fame.
For further information on the event or sponsorship opportunities please contact Melanie Johnson on gbsc15@gbsc.co.uk or visit the GBSC website at www.gbsc.co.uk
Lambeth County Show
The summer day out organised by Troy and Kathy Labelle for the junior club is becoming something of a tradition. Here are some photos from this year's event.
Lambeth County Show
It's that time again - July 19-20th for the Lambeth County Fair in Brockwell Park. Come and support the Redskins' stall, and if you have bric-a-brac for us to sell, contact one of the Supporters Club Committee or email Alan Cook.Summer hockey
The Chiefs continue their campaign for the Summer Cup this Sunday (June 8th) when they take on the Cardiff Titans at Streatham Ice Arena, face off at 4.30pm. Come along and see just how entertaining Rec hockey can be - entry is free!NB: the Chief's inflicted a 4-2 defeat on the Titans, their first loss this season. Next home game June 22nd against Gosport, though they are likely to be weaker opponents.
Streatham Coach Dean Birrell signs off on a high
After three immensely successful seasons coaching the Streatham ENIHL team, Dean Birrell has decided to call time out. “I must be mad to leave with the best season just ahead of us” said Birrell “but the demands of work and the travel from my home in Chelmsford have taken their toll in the last few months and I have to be fair to Streatham – if I can’t give 100%, I shouldn’t be there”.Dean Birrell was recruited in 2005 by Streatham Ice Hockey Club’s Director of Coaching Adam Goldstone, who had himself relaunched the team after an absence of more than a decade and made waves in his two season term as coach. Goldstone had given Birrell the brief of consolidating the team and bringing on the junior players who were coming up through the youth structure. With twelve of the regular squad players this season either recent or current Streatham juniors, this ambition is being realised. “I’ve been delighted with the way in which Dean has accepted the challenge and risen to it” commented Goldstone. “His tenure has seen a tremendous step up in quality of play and that has brought success in its wake. I am sorry to lose him, but understand his reasons and wish him well on whatever path hockey takes him. The challenge now will be to recruit a successor who can fill his shoes.”
Reflecting on his three years at Streatham, Birrell says he will find it hard to match the enthusiasm and friendly atmosphere he encountered at the High Road rink. “When I arrived, I wasn’t sure what to expect, having previously coached in a higher league but I have been bowled over by the passion I have encountered here – it has renewed my enjoyment of the game. The fans are second to none and I owe both players and officers of the club a huge debt of gratitude. It’s been a great three years and I hope our paths will cross again”
Although the last game of the season is still a recent memory, Adam Goldstone has already begun the search for the next custodian of the Streatham flame. Whilst there has been interest from some highly regarded names in the ice hockey canon, he is not about to rush into an appointment. “This is far too important for a snap judgement to be made” he says: “The future of hockey at Streatham looks bright and we must be sure that Dean’s successor has the right qualities and the interests of the club as a whole at heart. I will be working with team captain Joe Johnston and taking advice from Dean in order to ensure that the foundations he has laid are built on.”
Further information:
Adam Goldstone, Director of Coaching at Streatham Ice Hockey Club: 07764 158 500
Pauline Buchanan Black, Manager of Streatham ENIHL Team: 07939 593 259
Yet new nostalgia!
Brian Cummings' grandson Michael has sent me photos of the team in the late '50s and of Brian himself. Michael also sent in a composite photo of Joe Johnston and Brian Cummings, but it arrived between my last back-up and my hard diac failure so I don't have it any more. Look through the nostalgia section now.Redskins end-of-season party
A great night was had by all at the Ivy House Sccial Club. All the Redskins were there drinking sensibly (or at least appropriately for the occasion) and having a good time. Dean announced his choice for Most Improved Player Awards, and they reflected the emphasis this season of bringing on new blood from the Streatham junior ranks.Bronze went to Andre Ward, who has had limited ice this season but has always had 100% commitment and a team attitude second to none. Silver went to Liam Rasmussen , whose tally of six goals and 5 assists in the regular season speaks for itself. And Gold went to Casimir Madren-Britton, who has progressed so rapidly during the season that he transformed from bench warmer in the early games to big defender in the playoffs.
Dean then announced his next three, even more difficult choices - Coach's Players of the Year. These he wanted to give to Redskins whose contribution is massive but possibly unappreciated by the fans. Dean pointed out that we had won the league defensively, with fewest goals conceded of any team, and that had influenced his decision for the awards. Ed Koral collected Bronze and his defensive partner and Assistant Captain Fred Carnegy took Silver. Gold went to a player who took on different roles this season as Dean changed his plans in the wake of injuries and new signings, but who always performed beyond expectations in whatever task he was set - Perry Richardson!
There were seven nominations for the Players' Player of the year award this season and the final vote was tied, so two trophies were awarded to two inspirational players - Milan Sotak and Joe Johnston.
Finally the Supporters Club Player of the Year Award, presented by the Club's Coaching Director Adam Goldstone and now named in memory of his father Alec. This year the supporters had voted for our Captain again - Joe Johnston. He accepted with a moving speech and dedication that would have brought tears to the eyes of the most hardened cynic.
And that's it for another season. Make sure you are registered for eAlerts so you get the early news and we'll see you next season.
(Stupid webmaster forgot his camera again, so please send him any images you don't need for blackmail purposes.)
Sam and Dean win gold!
In addition to his duties as Redskins Head Coach, Dean Birrell is also coach of the South East Conference Under-11 team. This year they won the gold medal in the biggest international junior tournament in Europe, held in Turku, Finland. Here he is with Sam Wills, the only Streatham member of the squad and a future Redskin if ever there was one!Redskins season ends on a high note.
The Redskins season has now finished with a superb 4-1 home win against the playoff champions Peterborough. Come along to the Redskins end-of-season party - click here for details.More new nostalgia!
Frank Trottier's son David has sent me several photos from the 30's and Martin Harris has sent in another extraordinary programme cover from the same period. Look through the nostalgia section now.Redskins in Playoffs
The Redskins have come second in their division of the English National Ice Hockey League, earning themselves a place in the playoffs against Invicta, Peterborough and Cardiff. Six more top-quality games to come, three at home. Keep your eyes open for dates, or register for our email bulletins by sending an email to eAlerts@streathamicehockey.com with 'Subscribe' in the subject line.STOP PRESS!! Playoff dates now available here.
New nostalgia
Andy Jackson, who worked at the rink in the sixties, has sent me some images of flyers for some amazing games, and some old team photos. Can anyone name the players? Please email the webmaster if you can help.Streatham skaters in the European Championship.
It may not be hockey, but it involves ice and Streatham! Here are links to Phillipa Towler-Green and Phillip Poole's performances in the European Championship, held in Zagreb, Croatia. This pair were also silver medalists in the British Ice Figure and Synchro Skating Championships in Sheffield last month.Compulsory Dance
Original Dance
Free Dance
Happy New Year!
A happy new year to everyone. I hope you've all enjoyed the holiday period. I have acquired a picture of Christmas in the Savile house! Sisters Betty and Kim pose in Perry Richardson's (red) and Wayne's (white) shirts. What more could anyone one want from Santa?Good luck to all the Streatham teams. All our teams are performing well this season but special mention should go to the Redskins for their 16 game unbeaten run and the U-16 girls team, who are top of their league. More of the same for the second half of the season, please!
Big win for Streatham Chiefs
The game was part of the London Cup, played between the Devils, Eastern Star, Hockey International and the Chiefs. The Chiefs are well placed to take the trophy, having won 2, tied one and lost one.
Rescheduled Redskins game
A date has been set for the Redskins home game against Basingstoke, which was cancelled in October. The game will now take place in the new year: January 6th, face off at 6.45.Redskins announce sponsor
“ We’re delighted to have secured the support of a leading construction company like FM Conway Ltd which has a very strong presence in the borough of Lambeth” said Dean Birrell, Streatham’s Head Coach. “Like ourselves, FM Conway aim to excel in everything that they undertake, which makes them ideal partners. We’re now looking forward to working with FM Conway in the run-up to Streatham’s new top flight ice arena coming on stream. “
“ Sponsoring an ice hockey team is a first for us” said Michael Conway, Managing Director of FM Conway,” but the Redskins are something of a Lambeth institution which aims to nurture local talent and as a company working in the borough, we are keen to become involved and demonstrate our commitment to the local community”
Streatham juniors meet NHL legend
Kris King came out to meet our U-10 and U-12 players after each of their exhibnition games at The O2. Kris played 14 years in the NHL, 2 years as captain of the Winnipeg Jets and won the King Clancy trophy in 1996.(The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution in his community. It is named in honour of Francis M. "King" Clancy, former player, coach, and referee.)
Wow, what a weekend for our kids!
Redskins comings and goings
Here's a summary of the changes in the roster for the new season:Comings:
Michael Gray: Net minder – Previously played for Romford Spitfires
Matt France: Defender – Previously played for Chelmsford Chieftains, Romford Spitfires and Romford Raiders
Richie Gunn: Forward - returning from a break from ice hockey, having previously played for Chelmsford Chieftains in the Premier League for 4 years
Jerry Pavlus: Forward - Slovak import, in process of being signed.
Milan Sotak: Forward - Slovak import. Last season played 39 games for Liga 1 side HKM Humenne
Jake French: Defender – Previously played for Invicta and Chelmsford Chieftains in the Premier League
Goings:
James Tanner : James had a spot with a Finnish team and spent the summer travelling. However having recently returned he’s now signed for Haringey
Lee Brears : Playing for Chelmsford ENIHL team
Andy Clements : Not playing, as a result of work commitments.
Barry Spours: Signed for Slough
Robert Formisano: Signed for Slough
Rich Hardy: Believed to be signing for Basingstoke
Robert Blazowski: Returned to Poland and has signed for KTH Krynica
Sam Mager: Not playing
Warren Trunchion: Problems with knees therefore has had to retire - brother Wayne undergoing hospital treatment
Streatham Under-10 and Under-12's playing at The O2 between periods in the NHL opening game.
Video of Streatham at The O2
The opening night of the NHL season was great. Our U10’s and U12 donned their new shirts, complete with their names on the back, and had a great mini game at The 02 centre between the first two periods. After conceding an early goal to Slough, Axel Lukaszek scored on a break away to tie up the game at 1-1. All the kids had a great night and were looking forward to tonight’s re match.There is a small video on the NHL website of our practice session with Kings coaches Mike Johnson, Coach of Canada’s world junior champs and Goalie coach Bill Randford, two times Stanley Cup champion. Choose the video clip labelled "Shawn Roarke London V-Log 9/28 Part 1". There are also more photos here.
This is not our first contact with the NHL! Here are our juniors with NHLer
Eric Cairns (in the white top) when he visited our rink last season.
Streatham U10 and U12 on BBC TV!
The U-10 and U-12 players who are due to entertain the crowd at the O2 will be on Children's BBC on Saturday morning. Watch Sportsround, BBC2 at 11.45am Saturday morning September 29th.On Saturday and Sunday evenings they'll be on the ice at the O2, not with the NHL teams themselves, but supplying the entertainment between periods. It's the hockey event of the year and a great coup to have gained the opportunity to advertise junior hockey in England in general and Streatham in particular. Good luck to Troy, Iris, Simona, the Warriors and the Mini-Braves!
New Redskins season starts
The Redskins are icing a young team in an increasingly competitive and expanding English National Ice Hockey League, and in the ENIHL Cup. After a difficult first game, the Redskins have now recorded their first win.The league is now so large that the EIHA has decided to split it into two conferences.
Southern Conference Group A: Cardiff, Coventry, Isle of Wight, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Peterborough, Solihill, Swindon, Telford.
Southern Conference Group B: Basingstoke, Bracknell, Chelmsford, Gosport, Haringey, Invicta, Lee Valley, Romford, Slough and Streatham.
League championship: Winner of Group A plays winner of Group B home and away for title of ENIHL Southern League Champion.
Play-offs: The top two teams in Group A play top two teams in Group B in a round robin. The winner will progress to play-off final to be held at EPIHL Finals Weekend in Coventry.
League Cup: Played in two groups, round robin, 1 home and 1 away game with each team.
Southern League Cup Group B: Basingstoke, Bracknell, Haringey, Invicta, Romford, Streatham.
Southern League Cup Group A: Coventry, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Peterborough, Solihull, Telford.
Winner of Group A plays winner of Group B to determine first and second place in overall Southern group. Winner of Southern group plays second-placed Northern team and winner of Northern group plays second-placed Southern team. Winners of two semi-finals play one another home and away to settle title of ENIHL Cup Winner.
Chiefs show off their trophies
Chiefs bring silverware to Streatham
The Chiefs destroyed Swindon 8-0 at home to win both the Summer Cup and the Memorial Trophy (also known as the Dead Man's Cup!).
Lambeth County Fair
After a wet Saturday, Sunday was a great success for the Supporters Club tent at the Lambeth County Fair.As usual, the "Beat the Goalie" game was a real favourite with the crowd, and the stall has helped raise the profile of Streatham ice hockey as well as making some money for the team.
New Streatham team
Barry Spours seems unlikely to play for the Redskins in the forthcoming season, but he has been working hard to support hockey at Streatham. He has formed a rec team, the Night-Wolves, who train late on Friday nights. If you are thinking about starting from scratch, or restarting hockey after some years absence, why not skate with him?[top] [home page] [home fixtures] [find us] [contact us]