LONDON,U.K- As the long summer continues lack of sun was not the only thing missing from the Slough area of the United Kingdom. After much promise of a great summer ahead two key points were missing. In the weather front, sun and in the hockey sense news but as the month of June continued both were lacking. Following the announcement of six players the Slough Jets became non-existent while other English Premier League clubs picked off the talent available in the off-season. As rumours began to hit the grape vine it became apparent all was not well at the Jets franchise and changes were inevitable. First came a change of general manager but given the circumstances was a decision that seemed reasonable stating family reasons for the exit of Kellie Greener. However shortly after came the announcement that Jets successful coach Peter Russell had not been offered a new contract and relieved of his position at the club to the shock of the fans. Then came un-official news that the Jets were no longer going to be an EPL team but drop down to the lower English National league, reports that were un-founded and soon put right by new GM Dee mason. Mason takes on the role following her success with the junior development of Slough Jets under 10s team that were recently crowned champions. With speculation that the Jets were now in turmoil with no coach and players signed under false pretenses the Jets put laid to rest idle gossip with the announcement of Canadian player/coach Doug Sheppard. Sheppard takes on the role of player/coach at Slough off the back of his first season as a player at the Jets which saw him register 76 points including 37 goals. Ontario born Sheppard is no stranger to coaching having had the same role at Jets rivals Basingstoke Bison during their 2006-07 Elite league season. With the announcement came the news all the players currently signed are still Jets players for 2011-12 season and will be pushing for silverware come the start of the Jets 25th season. General manager Dee Mason spoke of the signing; “I am delighted that we can announce Doug Sheppard as the newest part of the Jets management.” Mason said The clubs roster now stands at seven and with Sheppard taking the last import quoter the Jets will now turn to the available British talent with sniper Joe Greener heading the list of targets to return to the Jets for another year. But this is where the exit of Russell could come back to haunt Jets owners Zoran and Ghislaine Kozic. A firm favourite with the players Russell has built a rapport with many of the players he has coached which has often resulted in them following him across the league to where Russell’s plies his trade. Last season’s Jets included six players that had played for Russell at previous clubs. But with speculation Russell could be heading north to Scotland and the Edinburgh Capitals of the Elite league maybe ties will be cut. Current Slough Jets roster (as of 25/06/2011) Doug Sheppard (Player/coach) (CAN) Adam Calder(CAN) Mindaugas Kieras (LIT) Darius Pliskauskas (LIT) Tom Carlon (GBR) James Morgan (GBR) Paul Swindlehurst (GBR) Contact the author at Kevin.oconnor@prohockeynews.com
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