The 25th May see’s the return of the Planet Ice British Sledge Hockey league for its third consecutive season. Building on the success of the previous two seasons, this year see’s the expansion of the league into two divisions and will feature 6 teams.
Current league champions, the Kingston Kestrels will play in division 1 against the Manchester Phoenix and the Peterborough Phantoms, whilst division 2 will feature the Battle Back Bisons, Cardiff Huskies and newcomers, Coventry Honey Badgers.
All games will be played using a mini tournament format with three games taking place at each tournament. Entry is free and each tournament starts at 4pm.
Each team will feature a number of GB players and eligible players will be using the games to impress GB Head Coach to win a place on the team taking part in the qualifying tournament to secure a place for the GB team in the Sochi Paralympic games.
Team information
Kingston Kestrels: Current league champions and the teams all the others aspire to beat. Featuring veteran player coach, Simon Berry, the Kestrels are a well-established team who have played together for number of years. Having lost one of their star players, Karl Nicholson, to the Manchester Phoenix, they have attracted former GB Captain, Mark Briggs, from rivals, the Peterborough Phantoms. Player to watch – Matt Clarkson.
Manchester Phoenix: A relatively unknown quality, this will be the first year in the league for the Phoenix, having only formed in May last year. The Phoenix feature a number of current and former GB players and are led by up and coming coach, Pete Hagan. Player to watch – Graham Wilson
Peterborough Phantoms: This is the year that the Peterborough Phantoms will be looking to move from being perennial bridesmaids to become league champions. Featuring a strong team with a number of GB players including GB keeper Robin Gaze, who made the all-star team at the IPC New Year Cup in December 2012. Player to watch – Gary Farmer.
Cardiff Devils: Until very recently the Cardiff Sledge Hockey team were known as the Cardiff Huskies and were one of the longest established club teams in Europe and has bred a number of successful Paralympians including Nathan Stephens and Steve Thomas. Cardiff are notable by being coached by Suzi Grieve, an experienced ice hockey player with a wealth of experience. Player to watch – Jason Solman.
Coventry Honey Badgers: Newly formed as a result of the Sport England Sportivate programme the Honey Badgers feature the European Women’s Ice Sledge Hockey teams Captain, Caroline Bonner. An inexperienced team a number of players have significant ice hockey experience as they play ice hockey for the Coventry Honey Badgers ice hockey team. Player to watch – Steuart Durham.
Battle Back Bisons: The Battle Back Bisons (known as B3) are a unique team in British ice sports. The majority of players are injured service men and women who are part of the Battle Back programme. Funded by Help for Heroes and the Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights. Having played in the league for the past two seasons, this year B3 will be using the league to inspire. Player to watch – Tyler Christopher.
