DURHAM, UK – Nottingham Lions long serving forward Chris Colegate has been awarded a well earned testimonial which will take place towards the end of April. Colegate has made a record of 214 appearances for his side netting 156 goals while also picking up 200 assists which gives him an impressive points production ratio of 1.66 points per game.
Chris has also captained Lions for a number of years during which time Nottingham have enjoyed much success in the ENL North Division 1 competing against the likes of Whitley Warriors, Billingham Bombers/Stars and Blackburn Hawks on a regular basis.
The testimonial game is due to take place on the 28th April in the main arena at the NIC in Nottingham doors open at 4pm with face off at 4.45pm. There will be a signed shirt raffle, 50/50 draw and a skills competition. The game has been entitled Guards v Goons so it seems like it’ll be a little bit different from the run of the mill testimonials.
Chris in action
Many Lions players from past years will be coming back to help Chris celebrate his time with the side including guys who have gone onto play in the Elite and EPL as well as some who have played for GB at senior level. Marc Levers, Rob Lachowicz, Josh Ward, James Neil, Tom Soar, Callum Bowley and Adam Radmall are all set to take part in the match up.
Ben Bliss who has played alongside Chris for a number of years told us how the game came about.
“Basically after getting together with a group or friends and ex team mates on a Saturday night to play poker, Chris was talking about how long he had been playing Ice hockey for at the Nottingham club (Over 20 years) and how he has had to stop for the immediate future after suffering a bad shoulder injury before Christmas.
Colegate out on the ice
“The next day my brother (Stewart Bliss) and I were joking across our Sunday roast dinner saying there should be some kind or recognition for his commitment and time playing the sport in one place for so long. We joked, he should have a testimonial! As it’s not a professional team testimonials are somewhat uncommon, but none the less we set about making some calls and seeing if our idea could actually go ahead and happen. With everything now booked and in place we surprised Chris with the news after weeks of secrecy. ”
The players of the Lions are keen to reward Chris for his service to their side so they are appealing to hockey fans in general not just Nottingham Lions/ Panthers supporters to come along to the match and show support for a player who has given his all to his side over a great number of years. Images courtesy of Colin Lawson @ http://www.icehockeymedia.co.uk/
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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