OXFORD, UK – After 27 years of service to his home town hockey team, Oxford’s Darren Elliott skated through an arch of sticks from team mates past and present last week, signalling his final game at Oxpens Road.
Photo by Paul Foster
Affectionately known as ‘Mr Oxford’ in hockey circles, Elliott had stolen the show with a hat trick in an 8-0 win over Cardiff Fire to draw a line under a career of highs, lows and above all, loyalty to the City Stars organisation.
“It was like looking at my whole hockey life in front of me” admitted Elliott on his emotional departure through the arch.
“So many old team mates mixed with the current team were there and it was unbelievable. I have to admit I was a mess after the game. I’d geared myself up for it all, but when it came to it, talking about my dad on the microphone after the game and with all the love from the locker room and the stands, it hit me like a ton of bricks.”
The team had arranged a pre-game meal at the Jury’s Inn before the Cardiff clash, their final league game of the season. It was a thoughtful gesture organised by team mate Josh Florey and gave the squad space to spend some time together before retaining focus at the rink later.
“We treated the game itself like any other game” explained Elliott.
“I’ve had a lot of highlights in my time at Oxford. The league and cup double, the league titles and of course that championship win in Coventry last year, but the way the players, fans and management saw me off, I couldn’t have written a better script.
“Ironically it felt like my first ever game not my last one. I was nervous as hell beforehand but it just went perfectly.”
Signing off in style with a hat trick (Paul Foster)
A hat trick and man of the match in the Cardiff game suggested Elliott may still have a little more in the tank to offer the City Stars. At 38 his age hints that retirement is not a surprise, however physically he still has what it takes to contribute on the ice and is still in good shape. The decision to hang up the skates isn’t always a physical one though, and Elliott is clear with his conscience.
“Someone once said to me; ‘you’ll know when to call it a day, you just know’ and I agree” said Elliott.
“I worked exceptionally hard to come back from a haematoma in my thigh, plus damage to my ACL and MCL in recent years. I actually feel great to be honest. I owe a lot of hours to my family and my kids though. Hockey has taken up a lot of my life and I need to give something back now.
“Of course I will miss the boys in the room. It’s been a big part of my life at Oxford and I don’t think I’ve ever heard any players say a bad word about the locker room here. We’ve had players come from lots of clubs over the years and it’s just a place people enjoy being.
“I think it’s a great club and for that reason we’ve managed to attract some great people here. It’s something I’m proud to have been part of.”
Elliott also works with the junior club as a coach and intends to carry on his commitment there. On June 16th a testimonial game will take place in Oxford featuring players past and present who have iced with Elliott. It’s a game he hopes will be the perfect way to celebrate his time with the team.
“I’m really looking forward to it. There will be guys playing who haven’t laced them up for years and I just want it to be a good fun night that the fans will enjoy and a celebration of Oxford hockey.”
Pro Hockey News asked Darren to choose an all-time line of players he had played with over his time as a City Star. He wanted to choose more however for editorial purposes he was allowed one line. Here they are:
Top row: Skaife, Cox, Hopkins. Bottom row: Hedges, Green, Flint.
Netminder: James Skaife
Skaifey was always so consistent and always chilled keeping his head. I loved playing with him and he is a good friend. We spent a lot of years together and he was like family. We worked together off the ice for a while and he is as far away from a stereotypical goalie as you could get.
Defence: Dom Hopkins
To be honest I got fed up of being battered by him over the years so it was great we ended up on the same team. I tried for many years to get him to come up to Oxford and thankfully it eventually happened. A quality player and I was pleased to end my career with him.
Defence: Andy Cox
I’ve played with Coxy all my life. He’s a godfather to my kids and plays with heart on his sleeve. Few are as passionate on the ice even if this often turns to emotion. The only person who has been beaten up more than me
Winger: Derek Flint
A player I looked up to as a junior. I took over his 77 shirt which he handed to me after his last game for the City Stars before he returned to Canada. A real quality player who I miss dearly and was pleased to be his line mate for a few years.
Center: Dax Hedges
An out and out warrior who also plays with his heart on his sleeve. The most energetic, chippy and hard-working player I played with. He’s a player any coach would want on the roster putting his body on the line, blocking shots, dropping the gloves and whatever is needed.
Winger: Alan Green
We were like cheese and crackers, it always worked when we were on a line together. Steamy was an out and out goalscorer and really talented. I grew up playing with him, he is still a good friend and was a legit player.
For more details on the Darren Elliott testimonial click HERE
Contact the author: carrsy2@gmail.com
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