BASINGSTOKE, UK
– Usually the presentation of the Stanley Cup marks the end of the hockey season to players and to fans. The climax of the season leaves a void that would for the most part be unfilled until October when the NHL regular season resumes. However, for the teams competing in the John Cleighton-Hills Memorial Cup (formerly known as Summer Cup), the season is only heating up.
Where UK’s ENL, EPL and Elite league players are enjoying a break and barbeques during those odd days of sun, players from eight teams across the southern UK are fighting for a place in the play-offs and fighting for the league championship.
“The John Cleighton-Hills Memorial Cup was one of the first recreational competitions to be sanctioned by the EIHA REC section,” says the Cup organiser Tim Pickett. “The teams enjoy playing for something instead of one off games. Over 20 teams have taken part in the competition and we always have teams eager to join the competition.”
John Cleighton-Hills Memorial Cup was originally set up by Simon Anderson, currently assistant coach to the EPL team, Swindon Wildcats, in 1989. Anderson had previously set up the recreational team Swindon Panthers and grew tired of his team having only challenge games to play for.
In the past the competition was dominated by Streatham Chiefs and Cardiff Titans. Streatham Chiefs were one of the original teams to take part in the competition since its inception, till it withdrew two summers ago. The level of competition is varied, with teams having players with experience from levels such as the Elite League to complete beginners. Pickett reckons that some of the teams could hold their ground in ENL2 competition. “I see the top teams in the competition holding their own against ENL2 sides and could land mid table in the league.”
The proof to Pickett’s statement is in former Swindon Panther, Steve Osman and Bristol Warrior, Mike Smith who joined the Bristol Pitbulls for its triumphant first season in ENL2. Both players more than held their own in the competition after dominating the leader boards in the Memorial Cup for a number of years. Additionally, newcomers Cardiff Lightning boasts on its website how a number of its players have transitioned to play for either Cardiff Devils ENL sides or making it as far as to sign with the Cardiff Devils Elite league squad.
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“The cup does take a lot of coordination and organisation,” concludes Pickett.”But it is worth it seeing so many of the teams return year after year. For the moment we try and keep the competition focussed on southern part of the country, though we have teams from Sheffield and Nottingham asking to join. All hockey fans should try and make it to their local rink to see some great hockey being played over the summer months.”
Teams taking part in this year’s competition include Basingstoke Cougars, Bristol Mad Dogs (formerly known as Bristol Warriors), newcomers Cardiff Bay Lightning, 2008 Champions Chelmsford Nighthawks, Peterborough Eagles, Solent & Gosport Scorpions, newcomers Solihull Wolves and the reigning champions Swindon Panthers.
Pro Hockey News will be following with interest the John Cleighton-Hills Memorial Cup over the summer months and will be bringing you regular updates and news from the competition.
For more information about the John Cleighton-Hills Memorial Cup, please visit: http://summercup.drover.ca/home.asp
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