OXFORD, UK – Former team mates and coaching staff paid tribute to Oxford City Stars forward Alan Green after he announced his retirement from the game.
Photo by Paul Foster
Green was named in the league All-Star team this week and brings down the curtain on almost 30 years of playing the game.
‘It’s a massive commitment, and my life’s going in a different direction now’ explained the 32 year old. ‘I’ve been thinking about it for the last three years, I love training and playing, but I can’t stand getting up the morning after. I absolutely love the game, and it’s great scoring here at Oxpens Road. I’ve given 27 years and everything has to come to an end at some time’
Green played over 200 games for the Stars in multiple spells stretching back to 2005, and amassed 355 points in the process. His team mates during every season at Oxford were fellow long serving Stars Captain Darren Elliott and Andy Cox.
‘He has been a massive part of my hockey life and I will miss him greatly’ admitted Elliott.
‘We have been line mates for many seasons and work together like bread and butter. Steamy is a truly tremendous player who plays with his heart on his sleeve every game and never gives less than 100%. He has a fantastic scoring record, is a fans favourite and will be a huge hole to fill on the roster.’
The sentiments from the Captain are echoed by defenseman Andy Cox:
‘Steamy is known as Mr Intensity, someone who has a massive character and always gives 100% on the ice. He’s consistently scored goals season after season at this level and it’s going to be very hard to replace him.’
‘Myself, Elsy and Steamy have played in a huge amount of games together over the years and it’s going to be very strange with him gone.’
Green spent the majority of his career at Oxford but also had spells at Wightlink Raiders, Swindon Wildcats, Slough Jets and Chelmsford Chieftains. It was at the Essex based Chieftains that he won the English National League Championship under the tutorage of Player Coach Gary Clarke. A former GB international himself, Clarke was equally impressed with Green during their lone season together.
‘Steamy wore his heart on his sleeve, the lad had everything’ explained the 38 year old who has since emigrated to Canada. ‘If you needed a goal he found a way to score. If you needed someone to set the tempo he was willing to make the hit. I think it was safe to say he was a coach’s dream.’
‘There are very few characters in the game these days but Steamy is certainly one of them, he is a great guy on and off the ice and has been committed throughout. How he ever did that drive from Oxford to Chelmsford week in week out amazes me but I am forever thankful.’
It wasn’t only at Chelmsford where Green won trophies. He also played a major part in the Stars renaissance when they won the NIHL Division Two Championship in 2013 and the League and Cup double, a season later in 2014. His nickname Steamy comes from when he used to wear glasses under his face cage (they would steam up) in the early parts of his career until laser eye surgery allowed him to play without them.
Promotional work for the Stars!
Current Oxford Coach Simon Anderson is the man now tasked with replacing Green as he looks forward to another season in the Oxpens Road hot seat. The pair initially worked together on the Isle of Wight in the Wightlink Raiders final season in the EPL, but were re-united at Oxford in recent years.
‘It has been an absolute pleasure to have coached Alan’ admitted Anderson. ‘He is a guy who always gives his all every time he steps on to the ice for a shift and in my opinion he should have played in the EPL for longer.’
‘I have been fortunate to be able to sign Steamy every season since taking over at Oxford and to be honest without his passion for the club and his ability on it, we would have been a worse team.’
‘I have nothing but good things to say about him, but what I do know is its going to be a massive gap in the roster to fill. I would go as far to say that it is pretty impossible to do that.’
‘I totally respect Alan’s decision, although I feel it’s a little early, but I’m sure he knows the time is right and that’s all that matters.’
Green announced his retirement live on Oxford Sports online and you can listen to the full interview, plus the rest of the Midweek Sports Special, here.
To view his hockey CV click here.
Contact the author: david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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