SUTTON, UK – Following another successful season for Sutton Sting ice hockey club, Ops Director Gary Apsley has confirmed that a team will be competing in the English National Ice Hockey League in the 2010/11 season.
The Sting’s first season in the ENL was tough as they came up against established teams all with experienced players, that said they finished with a very creditable record and the team will be looking for some “big improvements” come September when the new season gets underway.
Signing on for a second term is roller hockey hotshot Ryan Gee who last year received financial support from local eye care specialists Specsavers who made a cash donation of £500 to the team in Ryan’s name which helped keep the team on the ice. Ryan is a current Great Britain international roller hockey player who joined Sutton Sting at the start of last season and proved his worth to the team week-in and week-out. Sting head coach Rob Saunders has known Gee for a few years now and said
Ryan Gee looking to Sting (Photo Sutton Sting)
“We spoke to Ryan a couple of weeks ago about joining us for a second term and he agreed without hesitation. He has joined our coaching team to help bring on our kids teams and he is a great role model for the young guys in the club. We need a few more young fella’s like Ryan”
Gee himself was positive about the team and the club and said
“When Gary asked me about re-signing I had no hesitation. I love Sutton Sting. It’s a great club and the guys running the club have a plan and I want to be part of it.” He added, “On the hockey side we still have some way to go to catch the likes of Nottingham and Sheffield, but I think we’re getting there and it won’t be long before we are challenging for top honours.”
Sutton Sting are now building the new ENL team and a second day of trials is planned for Wednesday 14th July starting at 7:15pm at ice Sheffield. Players interested in trialling for the team should contact Rob Saunders via email at robb.saunders@sky.com
From early September 2010, Sutton Sting games involving U10, U12 & U14 teams will take place at the Lammas ice rink on Saturday evenings admission is free and open to anyone wishing to support the teams.
Good luck to the Sting, as it’s always good to see new teams continuing on in the sport.
Contact the author Pete.Lewis@Prohockeynews.com
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