DURHAM, UK – It has been announced that British-Canadian Rob Wilson is to be inducted into the GB hockey hall of fame. Wilson first came to the UK back in 1989 when he signed for the Swindon Wildcats, the Ontario born defenceman then went onto play for the Sheffield Steelers in the mid nineties.
During his time in Yorkshire Wilson was made club captain as Steelers enjoyed great success on the ice picking up a great number of honours. Rob then moved to the north east to link up with the Newcastle Jesters for a season before a brief spell in Italy and a stint in the north west with the Manchester Storm.
Rob joined the Newcastle Vipers early in the 2002/3 campaign and the former Pittsburgh Penguins draftee was to remain involved with the Vipers for almost a decade. Wilson iced over 200 times for the Tyneside outfit during his playing days before moving into a number of off ice time positions with the organisation.
During his spell in north east England Wilson both coached and part owned the club before leaving his adopted home to move to Italy and experience life coaching in continental Europe. Newcastle struggled as soon as Wilson left the club and Vipers unfortunately went out of existence at the end of the 2010/11 season which demonstrates just how well Wilson did to build competitive rosters on a limited budget throughout his time at the helm at Newcastle.
Another 3 players – Les Lovell, Rod Stevenson and Neal Martin have also been inducted into the GB hockey hall of fame.
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
