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| Chieftains News 2009 - 2010 |
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Chieftain Ayling shines
for Great Britain Chelmsford ice hockey star James Ayling shone for Great Britain under-18s in their successful campaign to stay in division 1 of the World Championships in Poland. Early indications in the tournament showed that the GB side might struggle to stay in the division with a 9-0 hammering to Germany, but they bounced back with a 5-4 win over Hungary. Ayling notched an assist in the Hungary game on a Frankie Harvey, of the Romford Raiders and Fury, goal midway through the second period. Wednesday came and it was a big clash against Kazakhstan which the British boys went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat. Thursday rolled around and it was hosts Poland as their opponents in what was a thrilling game. The British side went 4-2 up after 2 periods with Ayling netting the 4th for Britain while on the powerplay, following up on goals from Joe Lewis (Iserlohn Roosters, Germany), Andrew Hirst (Sheffield Scimitars, GBR) and Daniel Scott (Northwood School, USA). A rejuvenated Poland came out for the third period fired up and quickly notched 3 goals in 4 and a half minutes before Lewis netted again to make it 5-5 with 13 minutes to go. 3 late goals from Poland sealed the tie for the home side though as the British team crashed to an valiant 8-5 defeat. Saturday afternoon saw the Great Britain youngsters come up against Lithuania in a crucial game for Jon Rowbotham's team. A draw or taking the Lithuanians to sudden death overtime would be enough to see the GB side stay in division 1, group b. Lewis scored his 4th of the tournament exactly 15mins into the game but that was quickly cancelled out by Lithuanian forward Bendzius. Just under half way through the game Ayling scored his second of the tournament and put the Brits 2-1 ahead thanks to Dan Scott and Ross Green setting him up. 3 minutes later and Callum Best of the Bracknell Bees of the English Premier League made it 3-1 and the British boys were in the driving seat. Rulevicius then hit back for the Eastern Europeans and it set up a tense finish. However, despite Rulevicius's and his team-mates best attempts, Britain held on to win 3-2 and keep themselves in division 1. A delighted James Ayling found himself joint second in the points scoring charts behind Joe Lewis who had 4 goals and 4 assists in the tournament, while Ayling got 2 goals and 1 assist. This tied him with Luke Ferrera (Peterborough Phantoms) and Hirst. Ayling was also second in the most penalised players list, second only to Billy Phillips of the Slough Jets, formerly of Romford Raiders. He shared the spoils of second place with Tom Jeffrey (Phantoms) and Hirst again. Great Britain finished 5th of 6 teams with Lithuania finishing bottom and being relegated. Germany look to be on course for top spot with 4 wins from 4 with only Poland to play. Chieftains head coach Dean Birrell said of his young star "I'm delighted that he has done himself and his country proud in this tournament. I knew he had it in him to come up with the goods when it was needed and he has proven me right. I am very happy to see Jon Rowbotham coach the team to consolidate the teams position in the second tier behind the World's elite under-18s players. This also helps boost Chelmsford ice hockey as it's likely we'll see Aaron Connolly, amongst others, pulling on the GB jersey in next years World championships. With Blaho Novak also starring for Slovakia u-17s recently, it bodes very well for the future of ice hockey in Chelmsford and proves we can attract and develop some excellent talent throughout this club from the youngest players here to the senior team". Ayling was very happy with his performances over the week "It's a great feeling standing there on the ice wearing your national teams shirt and hearing the national anthem. It's a dream for any sportsman to represent their country and to do it for 5 games in a week is something very special indeed. To play alongside and against some of the best junior players in the World is a massive experience and it's nice to be considered as one of those players by the GB coaching and management team. I was disappointed that my goal against Poland was pretty much for nothing as we lost the game, but personally speaking it was nice to score for my country. Later in the week it was nice to score the goal I did against Lithuania and do my bit to keep the team up. It's been a long season and I'm sorry I wasn't able to be a part of the Chieftains play-off games against Wightlink, but opportunities to play for your country don't come along very often". |
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Chieftains backing Meg's Mob
Chelmsford Chieftains ice hockey team will be giving their backing to 'Meg's Mob' and CLIC Sargent on Sunday 4th April during their game against Cardiff Devils at the Riverside ice rink in Chelmsford. It's a great cause so bring your spare change along give generously to such a great cause. |
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Ice hockey playoffs beckon for Chelmsford
local sporting heroes
The Chelmsford Chieftains have been
granted a week's break before their play-off campaign gets under way
with a trip to Cardiff on the 3rd of April. The following night Cardiff
ENL Devils will make the trip to Chelmsford for the return fixture. The
intervening weekend (27/28th) sees the Devils and Wightlink Raiders do
battle in their opening matches.
A week later on the 10th April, the
Chieftains head down the Isle of Wight to take on the Wightlink Raiders.
To round out the games, the Chieftains will entertain the Raiders on
Sunday 11th April.
All home playoff games will face off at
the usual time of 6:30pm and as head coach Dean Birrell said "The
serious stuff starts now!"
This is the first time the Chieftains have
qualified for a post-season tournament since the 2006-07 season where
they fell at the final hurdle in qualifying for the English Premier
League finals weekend. If the Chieftains win their playoff group, then
they will face the top ranked side from group 1 which contains league
champions Invicta Dynamos, Oxford City Stars and Bracknell Hornets. This
is a massive achievement for the young Chelmsford side who, for many,
will get their first taste of senior playoff ice hockey
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Transport to away games - By the fans
Some fans have got together to make arrangements for travelling to the away game on the second weekend of the play-offs (3/4th April) and are offering the opportunity for any Chieftains fan who wants to join them on a minibus to travel with them. BigPete will be taking deposits of £5 this weekend (20/21st March) at both the Wightlink game and The Bar event as well as at the Invicta Dynamos game on Sunday. Until the opponents and fixtures are known total prices cannot be given, but the expected costs are as follows: Estimated costs based on a 15 seater: IoW - £18 Cardiff - £16 Less likely destinations (but still possibilities): Oxford - £12 Bracknell - £10 -Prices do NOT include entry ticket. The deposits are non-refundable and full balances will need to be paid over the weekend of 27/28th March. If you want to pay the full amount this weekend then that too is welcomed, but once full payment is made that too is non-refundable. Bookings taken after the 21st March will have to be full payment and again no refund should you not turn up on the day for any reason. That might sound harsh, but we're not prepared to lose money running this trip or increase the costs to those that do go! The Isle of Wight game (Should it be that second away game) will be travelling from Southampton to East Cowes as going from Portsmouth to Ryde would have meant about another £8 per head on the cost. Departing ferry leaves at 2pm and returning on the 10pm ferry. If you want to book a seat then please email BigPete on Pete.lewis@prohockeynews.com or see him the Isle of Wight or at The Bar event on Sunday. If you're not attending either, then please go to where the players entrance during Sunday's game and he'll take names and deposits there. It must be stipulated that this is NOT a club-run trip it is being organised by the fans for the fans. |
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Andy Moffat parts company with the Chieftains
The Chelmsford Chieftains have
announced that Andy Moffat has left the club by mutual consent. Injury and
suspension, amongst other circumstances, have plagued Moffs's season and he
has barely featured for the team and Ben Clements has done a sterling job as
effectively the starting netminder in Moffs's absence. The club would like
to thank Andy for his services to the team this season. |
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Chieftains backing Meg's Mob
Chelmsford Chieftains ice hockey team will be giving their backing to
'Meg's Mob' and CLIC Sargent on Sunday 14th March during their game
against Haringey Greyhounds at the Riverside ice rink in Chelmsford. ‘Meg’s Mob’ are a group of mums, dads and children who got together to raise as much money as they could for CLIC Sargent, a Cancer charity. They did this with one person in mind – Meg. In June 2008 she was diagnosed with a Malignant Brain tumour, she was 8 years old at the time. Inspired by Meg and her courage, they are now trying to raise money for the excellent charity organisation called CLIC Sargent - Caring for children and young people with Cancer. This organisation provides invaluable varied support to families of the many thousands of children diagnosed with cancer each year. Every day in the UK 10 families are given the devastating news that their child has cancer and CLIC Sargent are there to offer all sorts of help. From emotional and practical support to clinical assistance, CLIC Sargent are there every step of the way.
They are there to help as many children and young people as possible survive cancer and make the most of their lives. They help the whole family cope with the trauma of cancer, life after treatment and, in some cases, with bereavement. They make sure that young people with cancer and their families can speak out about their needs and get involved in how CLIC Sargent can meet them. Chieftains spokesperson Donna Smith said "We're delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile cause. People don't realise that cancer affects children as well as adults and organisations like CLIC Sargent do outstanding work for the families who need that vital support. We know our fans are generous and very supportive when it comes to getting behind charities that we collect for at the Riverside and I know they will rise to the occasion once again when we take on the Haringey Greyhounds on Sunday night". 'Meg's Mob' will be there in force to raise awareness of CLIC Sargent and the work they are doing as well as asking for donations from the fans. Face off for this game is at 6:30pm in what is the penultimate home league game for Essex's premier ice hockey team. For more information on CLIC Sargent http://www.clicsargent.org.uk/Home and on the Chieftains www.ChelmsfordChieftains.co.uk
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GB comes calling for Chelmsford
youngsters
Chelmsford players called up to GB U-18s for World Championships Click images to see larger versions
There was much celebration at the
Chelmsford Chieftains ice hockey team today when the Great Britain
U-18s squad for the World Championships in Poland in April was
announced.
 Chieftains star James Ayling was called into the main squad along with former Chieftain and Chelmsford junior Liam Chong, now playing at Lake Placid in America. Although not in the full squad, 16yr old Aaron Connolly has been selected as one of the reserve players for the Championships in April. Ayling has produced some outstanding performances this season for the Essex side and his hard work, even when things haven't gone his way on the ice, has paid off with the call from GB head coach Jon Rowbotham informing him of his inclusion.  Ayling said "I am really happy to be in the GB side. When I tried out I knew that there really was the best U-18s players in the UK trying out with me and that I'd have to prove myself against the best. I obviously did that and now I am going to Poland in April with the best players in my age group and it's up to me and the team to go out there and prove to the world that Great Britain can compete against some of the world's elite juniors".  Connolly
said "Naturally I am disappointed not to be in the squad, but I will
keep working hard and prove myself over the rest of the season and
next season and make sure that when the championships come around
again they have no choice but to include me. Obviously I don't wish
any ill-will on any GB player, but if players drop out and I get the
call from Jon, then I'll grab that chance with both hands". Chieftains head coach Dean Birrell was delighted that two of his players were called up "It's great honour for those boys to get into the GB team and in the minds of the selectors. There isn't a much higher honour and privilege than representing your country. It proves that Chelmsford ice hockey is on the up and that there is some real talent coming through the junior system here. I wish the whole team well, but in particular James and Aaron if he gets called up". Great Britain will be up against some tough teams in Kazakhstan, Germany, Lithuania, Hungary and hosts Poland. The event starts on the 11th April and ends a week later on the 17th in Krynica, Poland. Photos are copyright of Helen Fryer or Tim Bowers Next Chelmsford Chieftains game: Sunday 17th January 2010 at 18:30 V MK Thunder LDN Wrestling Capital Champion Travis will be in attendance too. Tickets £7:50 adults, £3:50 kids, family ticket £19 For more information on Chelmsford Chieftains: www.Chelmsfordchieftains.co.uk or contact Press Officer Pete Lewis - 07843149741 or this email address.
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Chelmsford Chieftains and LDN wrestling
team up
Chelmsford Chieftains ice hockey club and wrestling promotion LDN Wrestling are delighted to announce a mutual partnership agreement which will see both sides promoting each other at forthcoming events in Chelmsford, starting with the Chieftains V Milton Keynes Thunder game on the 17th of January and followed up with LDN Wrestling’s debut in Chelmsford on the 30th of January.
Chelmsford Chieftains are the regions premier ice hockey team who are also growing rapidly in support and stature across Essex and East Anglia. The team competes in the English National League division 1 and are currently lying in 3rd place in their debut season at this level, having gained promotion last year in a record-breaking unbeaten campaign which saw them only drop 1 point throughout the season. LDN owner and promoter Sanjay Bagga
commented on the deal “ We’re delighted to have this deal in place with the
Chieftains. The cross-promotion ideas both sides have will be beneficial to
both parties and hopefully increase exposure for both organisations into new
and exciting markets. LDN Wrestling are hugely popular at the moment with
both the BBC, The Telegraph and The Sun carrying the news of when David
Deville won the LDN British Chieftains media officer Pete Lewis echoed Bagga’s comments “This is a fantastic step forward for both organisations. We’ve been looking at new and innovative ways to develop the Chieftains name across Essex and Chelmsford and this is another link-up which should reap benefits for both the Chieftains and LDN Wrestling. I am sure there are many ice hockey fans who will love to see some wrestling locally and as well as that there are bound to be plenty of wrestling fans who‘d like to experience the thrills and intensity that comes from ice hockey”. When the Chieftains take on the Milton Keynes Thunder, in what is always a rough and tough encounter, at the Riverside ice and leisure centre on the 17th of January the match will be attended by stars from LDN Wrestling who will be doing a ceremonial puck drop at the start of the game and the post-match man of the match presentations. On top of that, they will also be available for photos and meeting the fans. When LDN Wrestling make their first appearance in Chelmsford on the 30th of January also at the Riverside, the Chieftains will have a presence on the evening with promotional staff in attendance to promote the club to LDN’s loyal fans. On the same night the Chieftains are away on the Isle of Wight and take them on again the following night in Chelmsford in what is certainly going to be a very physical game, as matches between the two sides are notoriously feisty and intense. LDN Wrestling tickets available in advance by calling 0871 220 0260 and start from £8 or tickets are available on the door. Bell time is 7:30, with doors opening at 7:00pm. Tickets for the Chieftains game which starts at 6:30pm are available from the Riverside ice and leisure centre on the 17th and are priced at £7:50 for adults and £3:50 for children, with family tickets available at £19. For more information on LDN wrestling please contact Sanjay Bagga: Sanjay.Bagga@ldnwrestling.com For more information on Chelmsford Chieftains please contact Pete Lewis: Pete.Lewis@Prohockeynews.com or 07843149741
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Chieftains first Home Game will support Callum At Sunday's game we are raising money for
Callum.
Callum is a 4 year old boy who suffered severe brain damage after being starved of oxygen at birth. This has led to cerebral palsy, epilepsy and a number of related conditions. Callum is unable to sit up, hold his head properly and cannot even use his hands. His Mum Jane is hoping to take him to Germany for pioneering stem cell treatment not available in Britain. Children who have already undergone the treatment have had improvements in several different areas and it is hoped that it will do the same for Callum. We will be coming round for donations to help with Callums' fund - please give generously. More details are available at www.callumscause.com Steve Goode |
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Colchester Zoo to continue to sponsor the Chieftains and the Warriors We are pleased to welcome back Colchester Zoo this year as a Chieftains sponsor. As you will notice we have a new logo on all our shirts this year not just the Chieftains but the Warriors too. Colchester Zoo are providing us with our Chuck the Puck prizes this season. A family ticket now can be won at all of our home games throughout the season thanks to them. So for a puck worth £1 you can win a ticket worth £50!! Colchester Zoo has lots of new and improved enclosures, including Orangutan Forest, the new meerkat enclosure, Wallaby Walkabout and the Amur leopard enclosure opening in the winter. So make sure you all buy your Chuck a Puck and win a chance to visit Colchester Zoo Steve Goode |
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Karl Hopper unable to Play for the Chieftains It is with regret that Karl Hopper has informed us that he unable to play with the Chieftains this season, or at least for the foreseeable future due to new employment and transportation reasons. Coach Birrell stated “It is sad that Karl cannot play with us this year and we need to remember that he led us to the championship last year as captain, so it is a great loss to the team, however personal issues have led to his difficult decision. It is fortunate that we have signed Alex Green and Danny Wright this year both of which are able replacements”. Steve Goode |
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Beacon Education Sponsors the Chieftains once again The Chieftains are pleased to announce that Beacon Education have once again agreed to sponsor the Chieftains. Beacon Education have been regular sponsors of the Chieftains and we are pleased to welcome them back on board once again. Hockey clubs desperately need sponsors, and ones like Beacon Education, who commit to the team season after season, are absolutely invaluable. For those of you not familiar with Beacon Education, here is an insight into what they do: "Beacon Education is a specialist recruitment agency providing Essex schools and colleges with teachers, instructors and teaching assistants. We are a local agency based in Rayleigh with a friendly, helpful and experienced team of recruitment professionals. Beacon is proud to sponsor and support the Chelmsford Chieftains ice hockey team and we look forward to another winning season in Division 1 of the English National League. Importantly, the Chieftains organisation is committed to growing local talent and brings new youngsters through the junior ranks each year to play at senior level." You can visit their website Here Steve Goode |
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Local D-Man Returns to the Chieftains
Alex is another local talent who rose through the junior ranks at the riverside and reinforces our approach to re-base our team with local talent to support our growing crop of youngsters. Dean commented “ I have known Al for a long time and we tried to sign him last season, but work commitments meant that we could not do so, however I am very pleased to have him on board as he is bound to strengthen our defence for the coming campaign” Steve Goode |
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Warriors Announce Coaching Duo We are pleased to announce that Paul Wilcock and Craig Metcalf have agreed to join the organisation as joint coaches for the Warriors for the forthcoming year. Dean Birrell continues his post as head coach for the both senior teams and Paul and Craig will operate under his leadership. We are very happy that both Paul and Craig have agreed to join us, both are great characters and have good relationships with the management and Dean Birrell already. Both Paul and Craig have bought fully into the junior development ambitions that we have and are local themselves having iced for Chieftains in the past. Paul Wilcock has plenty of coaching experience, with Chelmsford Junior development, the Cobras and the Nighthawks and has plenty of big game experience, in that he has been a starting netminder for the chieftains in the recent past. Paul will take up the bench coaching role for the warriors. Craig is to fulfil a player coach role and take up one of the available two import slots on the warrior roster. Craig, originally from British Columbia, has like Paul, been a Chieftain in the recent past and both together will create added hockey knowledge to an already powerful set up. Dean commented “I am ecstatic to have both Paul and Craig working under my direction for the warriors, I have played with and coached both players and know them very well indeed. Both are great characters with honesty and integrity and are welcome additions to the ‘Chieftain/Warrior family. Both were on the shortlist but for separate reasons were initially ruled out, however we have been patient and the wait has paid off. We now see a real close knit community leading the senior teams and this will only be to the benefit of Chelmsford ice hockey” Steve Goode |
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Jerry Pavlus Signs As unveiled at the poker night, fans favourite and the tremendous character that is Jerry Pavlus returns to the Chieftain shirt. More than his goals and assists, supporters will recall Jerry standing up to whomever and whoever in any game last year, whether it be on the Isle of Wight, or at Telford. A source of frustration for opposing defencemen last year, the London based Slovak is looking forward to the challenge this year. “ I love the game, I love playing and I love the supporters for my special chant. I now want to be part of this teams legacy and the Chieftains history” Steve Goode |
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Chieftains Line Up takes some big steps forward Chieftains hit ‘Top Gear’ as Hammond returns – 11th
Danny was top British points scorer last year and will be sure to bag as many points this year. Dean said “Danny was one of our most potent weapons last year, but this year will be a big challenge as we step up. Danny will need to be just as electric in front of net as he was last year if we are to compete in the top four spots this year”
Rudi Awakening The 6 foot plus defenceman Rudi Dzurko is back. Dean commented “Rudi has a menacing off ice presence and his bit hitting style was somewhat frustrated last year. However, we expect that in division one, Rudi will find a true home for his physical style, as opposing players will be stronger this year. Rudi is a good guy, and gives the other players in the team extreme comfort that he is around on the bench or on the ice”. Rudi adds to the full compliment of non British trained players that we have agreed to sign this coming year, the second ?.............. supporters will have to appear at the forthcoming poker night for confirmation. Brears and Covington sign
Reece returned last year and we gave him another chance having spent a couple of seasons in the wilderness. He developed into a solid hardworking defenceman for us and plays a dependable style of hockey. We are convinced that he can bring this to us again this season”
Defensive moves as Hopper, Easton & Staples return
Karl Hopper, originally from Hull, will spend his fifth season in the Chieftains line up. Karl now an honorary Essex boy will bring his leadership and heavy hitting brand of hockey to us again this year.
Dean commented “Karl was our leader last year and raised his game to perform this role with all the attached responsibility and Sean has long been a steady player on the game sheet for us and Alex was probably the most improved player and we expect to become a solid defenceman this year” Steve Goode |
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Chieftains Young Guns We are very pleased to be able to confirm that Blaho Novak and Aaron Connelly have agreed to join the Chieftains this coming season. We are very excited about these two signings as this symbolises our intent moving forward. Both players were part of the successful Chelmsford under 16's team last year and they both justify their inclusion into senior hockey for the first time. Novak impressed on his debut in the North / South playoff final with Telford and Connelly, who makes a 4 hour round trip to train and play three times per week will be sure to impress. In fact, a number of other teams had been sniffing around these two stars of the future and we are very pleased to continue the commitment to the term "If you are good enough, you are old enough!" Steve Goode |
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Chieftains/Warriors have an opening for a Coach The Chelmsford Chieftains / Chelmsford Warriors have an opening in the organisation for an ENL 2 coach. Now that we have decided to operate an ENL 2 team (Warriors) as well as an ENL 1 team (Chieftains) we are looking for a coach to take on the responsibility for the Warriors. However, the successful candidate will also be working closely with first team coach, Dean Birrell. In order to ensure that there is a consistent relationship between the two teams, Dean will have overall responsibility for the coaching organisation and will be able to offer help and advice. This is a great opportunity for somebody to develop their skills at ENL 2 level while experiencing and participating in the ENL 1 environment. If you think you may have the relevant skills/experience/qualifications for this role and would like to discuss it further then please contact Dean Birrell at coach@chelmsfordchieftains.co.uk. Steve Goode |
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The Killer B’s return We are pleased to announce the return of Darren Brown and Kane Bartlett to the team. Both players broke through last year from the junior and have become players with an ever growing formidable reputation. Darren performed incredibly well last year and matured into a hard hitting, hard working forward who scored plenty of points and featured in all the top four voting categories for the end of season awards. Darren has attracted support from other teams in the close season, and we are happy that he the chieftains are the number one choice, to ensure that the fantastic team spirit we had last year continues.
Part of that team spirit is kane Bartlett. Perhaps the most silky defenceman in the roster last year, Kane impressed with his range of passing and heavy slap shot. Kane has also attracted the attentions of teams from other leagues and we are happy that he wishes to stay. Steve Goode |
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The Wright Man We are pleased to announce that Danny Wright, the ever popular Mr Chelmsford has returned to the chieftains.
Dean said “ Wrighty is a good player and a great ambassador for Chelmsford and always has time for the supporters and junior players alike. We expect Dan to be a lynch pin within the heart of the defence this year and add a little bit of experience to the line up”
Steve Goode |
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Return of the hardest working line in hockey ! The Chieftains are pleased to announce the return of the hardest working line in ice hockey, that of James Ayling, Ross Brears and Tom Foskitt. The ‘three amigos’ worked exceptionally hard last year and provided balance and production all the way down the order. All products of Chelmsford Junior ice hockey club, all three made a full breakthrough last year and outfoxed many teams with their pace, ability, skill and hard work. All three are seen by many as having a great future.
James Ayling has great hands and ability, Ross Brears plays a very physical and direct style driving the net and Tom Foskett just never gives up and works the corners very well indeed. Dean confirmed “ It’s great to have these guys back. They will rapidly become the heartbeat of the team and last year ensured that we produced on all lines. These three are the symbol of what we are trying to achieve” Steve Goode |
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Chieftains welcome back Rich Whiting
In addition a post season testimonial is planned for the chieftains stalwart. Rich is one of the chieftains all time appearence leaders and continues to perform at a consistent level being a real leader of the team last year. Rich said "It is great to be a part of the team for yet another season and to be a part of the coaching staff building the team. Deano and I agree that the vast majority of the team will remain from last season and be given the opportunity in what will be a very competitive league. Last year was great fun and I feel that both the management and head coach are took the right steps towards developing a good team for the future. We have a good crop of young players coming through the junior development as could be seen last season and this season will present us with a massive challenge, which I am confident we will rise to." Steve Goode |
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Chelmsford Warrior Trials The trials for the Warriors will take place on 12th July 2009 from 12.15pm until 2.15pm at Riverside Ice and Leisure centre. Steve Goode |
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BT Signs for the Chieftains The chieftains are pleased to announce that we have registered Nathaniel Williams as part of the Chieftains for the forthcoming season. Nathaniel, known as "BT" was very loyal to the team last year, and has again showed this loyalty by ignoring the advances of other teams. BT who is a student at Essex University played a different role last year . Coach Birrell, said “Bt has showed tremendous loyalty to us and is a player of great character and toughness, he has a never say die attitude and really provided a streak to our play last year. BT was one of the first names that we wanted to agree to play for us and i am sure that he will bring the same style and quality of play to the table this coming season”. Steve Goode |
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Warriors accepted into ENL 2 South
We are pleased to be able to confirm that as the structure of the league is now confirmed, the Warriors will be resurrected and will play in the English national league division 2 south. The Warriors are again part of Chelmsford junior ice hockey club but the finances and running of which are being underwritten by Derek Bartlett in the same way that the chieftains are. As such it is the intention that the Warriors will be a feeder and farm team for the chieftains to ensure the progression link into the chieftains fold. All elements will mimic the Chieftains set up , colours, fundraising etc. This includes an extension of dean Birrell role as head coach for both teams. The intention is to interview a short list of coaches from a list that dean will control to ensure that both teams play in the same way to ensure that once a player makes the leap into division one hockey the fit is seamless. Therefore the Warriors are not being put on the ice to win the league but to gain valuable experience for players coming from the under 18's. We are also please to confirm that the first division is being expanded to accommodate Haringey and the Isle of Wight raiders. Although Haringey were relegated last year, they retain their status as a division one team by virtue of the absence of a team in division two who were willing to step up. Vectis were elected into division one, but were also unwilling to play within division one and so by unanimous vote by all teams including ourselves the other isle of Wight team, the raiders were elected into division one. We openly lobbied and requested that this occur as it is the correct decision to take. Therefore we are pleased for Wightlink raiders and we are also very happy that the league will now be very competitive indeed in much the same way as the original EPL league was conceived. It has been agreed that the top 6 teams will enter a playoff at the end of the season to decide the eventual division one champions. So the next big issue is to continue to sign players and get both teams on the ice, in which will be probably the busiest summer in recent memory - all exciting though !! Derek Steve Goode |
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Two Defensive Rocks have signed for the Chieftains. We are pleased the announce the signings of our two defensive rocks. Ben Clements and the return of Andrew Moffatt.
Dean Birrell commented “ Ben performed very well for us last year and split the number one spot with Mikey, and perhaps surprised a few in that his performances were arguably better than Mr Robinson. However it is an issue to only have one high quality netminder for us this year and the loss of Mikey has been smoothed by the welcome return of Andy, who approached us. I have a long history with Andy, who has matured in the past couple of years and I am sure will perform the same heroics that we have seem from him in the past. The netminder position is key for us and we now have two experienced candidates competing for the number one spot.” Steve Goode |
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Chieftains announce the return of Dean Birrell as
coach for the second successive season.
Dean’s return was sealed the night before the Telford championship game and he has been busy building a team for the new campaign since. “ I am happy to return, it has been a great ride so far and I am proud of what we have achieved to date. Our aim is to retain the basis of our team, retain our philosophy of Chelmsford based players from the junior set up. As such , just because we have been promoted does not mean that we will go hell for leather to win division one, we want to retain our approach and not get drawn into a spend. Our aim is to finish in the top four this year” confirmed Dean. Dean has agreed the signing of a number of players already, and we will shortly be confirming these names in the near future. In summary, our philosophy has not changed, and we continue to run with only minor expenses paid, it is the aim to run a balance at the end of the year. Last year was successful in that respect, and we achieved our financial aims as set out. We will not be competing with the substantial budget’s of other teams in division one but will stick to our guns. We realise that this may cause some consternation amongst supporters, but we see little reason to change things, we want to stick by the players that got us into the first division on the whole. We want to stick by our budget and make minor changes. Our resolve will be tested more this year in many ways, as we wish to continue the junior development into the Chieftains. Off the ice, we have agreed a number of summer events, we have agreed the principles of the new kit, a third/warm up strip is also planned. In addition we are looking at new entrance song. Donna will shortly issue a press release on player sponsorship (noting that some have already been in touch with how they wish to sponsor). Season tickets will be established following the 6th June league meeting as it looks as though there will be a greater amount of teams in our league this year. As regards to the Warriors, we have been in a period of uncertainty with this, it remains something that we wish to do, to continue the flow of youth academy players in senior hockey, however there are league structure issues within the junior age groups that may impact on this, so a decision will be made following the AGM. Continue to have a good summer and watch the blog for more info over and above the releases. Derek. |
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Copyright Chelmsford Chieftains 2007 |
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LDN
Wrestling is one of the UK’s fastest growing wrestling promotions and are
intent on bringing back the “Golden age of British wrestling” when people
like Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks and Kendo Nagasaki ruled the squared circles
up and down the country. They are based in London and the south east and the
promotion regularly pulls in 300+ fans at their events. 
Heavyweight title from Jon Ritchie at the end of October. We hope we can
build on this deal and look forward to working together with the Chieftains
in the future”. 
Danny
Wright has long been the heart beat of the chieftains over the past 10 years
along with Richard Whiting and we are very pleased that he has decided to
come back and beef up our defensive presence. 
We
are happy to confirm that rich whiting has confirmed that he will play for
the chieftains again next year and has agreed to be assistant coach.
Ben
performed admirably last year and shared the number one spot with Mike
Robinson. Having made the move from Romford Ben shone as bright as Mikey
last year and kept us in many games. Indeed Ben developed the maturity and
skills to arguably edge his colleague in some of the more crucial games of
the season. We are very pleased to have Ben back, as a Chelmsford boy
through and through, a unique talent and we are sure that he will vie
heavily for the number one position. 
Andy
Moffatt returns as a senior player having spent two stints with Chelmsford
in the past. We are very pleased to have Andy back with us, he was a first
choice in the EPL years and in recent seasons was widely regarded as one of
the best British netminders in the EPL. Andy moved back to Scotland at the
beginning of last year, but now a father has made the journey south once
again. We are very pleased that andy is back with us as he had numerous
offers elsewhere, but to his credit he has always stayed very loyal to the
management and coaching staff of Chelmsford. 
We are pleased to announce the return of
coach Birrell for the 2009/10 season following our double triumph last year.
On returning to the chieftains, Deano has guided us through an unbeaten
league season, setting a team record along the way, the league title and the
play off championship.