CHELMSFORD,U.K- A few seasons back the Chelmsford Chieftains Ice Hockey set up had a very strong side at all junior levels. However over time for one reason or another a lot of those shining stars have moved on to pastures new or left the sport entirely. Many saw the drop to the English National League division Two as being the beginning of the end of ice hockey in Chelmsford. As it is, it has become a rebirth with many of those departed players returning to their first club to help out in its hour of need, as well as wishing to play for popular and respected coach, Dean Birrell.
One of the first players to make their return to the club was netminder Ben Clements. Clements had spent the last few season down the A12 road at rivals the Romford Spitfires, however the lure of ‘home’ was too much and he was quick to sign when Birrell contacted him about signing. “I’m a Chelmsford lad, I played all my junior hockey at the club so when I had the chance to come back I couldn’t turn it down, I’m glad to be playing under Dean again and I believe we got a team this year that can go all the way,” Clements said. When asked about going up against Mike Robinson for the starting goalie slot Clements added. “I feel it will only make me better as a player having to compete with a goalie like Mike, Healthy competition for the number one spot can only be good for team,” Clements said. Clements went on to say about his time in Romford. “I really enjoyed my time at Romford as I got to play a lot of games which I think is the best way to improve as a player, I also got to train with the Raiders which helped me a lot with my game,” Clements said.
Another of Chieftains former young stars was right behind Clements in putting pen to paper. Defenseman Sean Easton, who had spent the last two years playing for Birrell in London based Streatham for the Redskins. Many of the Redskins fans are sad to see Easton leave, particularly as towards the end of last season he had really picked his game up and really improved. Easton noticed this about himself too. “I want to carry on playing as I finished last season, I felt a lot more confident last season and i think it showed in my performances,” Easton said. “When i left the juniors to play for the Chieftains before, I lacked the confidence needed to play my best but after two years in Streatham that confidence from my junior days is back.” Easton still lives locally and has been successful in coaching many junior sides to glory in their divisions. Easton is very proud of his junior career and recognises the influence of those players on his decision to return. “Its great to be in a young enthusiastic team, I have played with most of our players right through the junior system at Chelmsford and it’s great to finally have a Chelmsford team full of Chelmsford players,” Easton said. Easton did appreciate his time in Streatham and certainly will miss the fans there. “Streatham had some amazing characters in their team, and the BEST team atmosphere I’ve played in yet,” Easton said. “A big part of their success was because they are a bunch of players that want to play for Streatham and gave everything they got every game, I will miss the crowd a lot.” “Every game, home or away, the same faces turned up and the amount of noise they made anyone would have thought Arsenal were playing Manchester United! as a player, playing in front of a loud vocal crowd will definitely bring the best out of any player.”
Reece Covington, who had a controversial past during his latter years in the juniors, was made aware of the open trials that the club held and felt the time was right to return. He showed up and made a good impression on Birrell, made even more impressive as Covington has not played for three years, ending with Birrell signing him. “I heard about the trials and thought why not give it a go you never know, so there I was and found myself really enjoying it again,” Covington said. “Dean rang and said he was impressed and wanted me to work hard to get back to a very good standard of hockey.” “I played for Dean years ago and he taught me a lot of things, so I have great respect for him, plus Chelmsford is the club were I played all my hockey.” Covington also recognised his mistakes from growing up. “From a personal point of view the past is the past, I may have done silly things in my time growing up but its a fresh start for me so don?t judge me on my past,” Covington said. “I cant wait for it all to kick off now, It should be a good season and a good team to build for next year and hopefully promotion.”
Another one of Chieftains ‘old boys’ returning is Sean Martin. Martin played right through the junior system, but did not get a chance to prove himself at senior level for a variety of reasons. Martin aims to put that right this year. “I have plenty to prove this year because I was not given that chance last time, my aim for the season is to become a better player and I believe Dean will be instrumental in that aspect,” Martin said. “I have never wanted the season to start as much as I do this year, I badly want it to start so we can prove ourselves at this level.” “A lot of the squad are who I played with at one time or another during my junior days so its good we’re back together.”
Chelmsford has been notorious in signing brothers over the course of their history. They have included the likes of Jon and Darren Cotton, Greg and Jamie Randall and Andrew and Steve Clements. This season will be no different as Lee and Ross Brears will line up for the Chieftains. Last year the duo teamed up for the now moth-balled Chelmsford Warriors. Elder sibling Lee gave his thoughts on lining up on the same side as his brother. “Its funny really, when I started hockey I never imagined that I would play on the same team as my brother, but last season with the Warriors we actually played on the same line which has its ups and downs,” Lee said. “Overall it was good fun as Ross is a talented player and has got years ahead of him.” Younger brother Ross Brears made a good impression on the Chieftains faithful last season when he impressed during his appearances in the English Premier League. The fiery and hard-working youngster agreed with Lee. “I never thought someone would say that me and my brother would be playing for the same team, let alone the Chieftains but its a great feeling playing with family,” Ross said. “Last year for the Warriors we did make teams struggle when we worked together and I’m looking forward to playing alongside him this year.”
A lot of the Chieftains fans have been wondering about the standard of the ENL, but in the players minds it will be a tough season. Ben Clements commented on the standard of the league and how things have changed for Chelmsford in recent times. “I know times haven’t been great for the club, but with the team we have this year and the support from the fans we can achieve great things and I cant wait for the new season to get going,” Clements said. Sean Easton went as far as naming the likely teams that will be challenging the Chieftains for top spot and promotion. “I think a lot of fans that are doubting the ability in Division two will be hugely surprised, Basingstokes team with the likes of Mark Mcoy and Simon Biere and Swindons team with Alan Armour and Drew Chapman will be tough,” Easton said. “Every team with keen youngsters like our Ross Brears will be wanting to prove themselves. It will be very interesting and not a walk in the park by any means.” Reece Covington agreed that there would be no easy games, just exciting ones. “Just because we are in a low league does not mean you are not going to see entertaining hockey, sit tight and I’m sure within the next few years the club will be back in the EPL,” Covington said. Sean Martin summed up the players message to the fans. “Get yourselves down here and enjoy it as much as we will.” Contact the author at Pete.lewis@prohockeynews.com
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