CRAIG Moran and Gary Stefan have been announced as the final entries into the Slough Jets Legends Match on Saturday, July 19.

Moran will lace up his skates and wear the number 17 jersey he wore throughout his career with the permission of Stefan, for whom the shirt was retired in his honour.

After qualifying as a coach, Moran became a familiar figure at junior training sessions, imparting his knowledge of and enthusiasm for the sport into upcoming players.

In addition, he was a huge part of the forming management of recreational team Slough Satans in an effort to make learning and playing the game easier for non-playing adults.

Moran joined Jets’ coaching set-up as an assistant in the 2005/06 season. He enjoyed his first taste of senior coaching success at the 2008/09 English Premier Ice Hockey League play-offs where, alongside head coach Steve Moria, Slough lifted the trophy.

Following a spell as assistant coach with Basingstoke Bison, Moran was back on the bench with Jets as he and Peter Russell lifted the English Ice Hockey Premier Cup on home ice.

A year later Moran and Doug Sheppard claimed the play-off trophy at Coventry. In 2013/14, he took the reins of his hometown club as head coach.

Moran said: “I still cannot believe how many people we have playing in this special game.

“It’s going to be a day to remember with some good hockey, and catching up with friends old and new at the rink. It has been worth the hard work to make the game possible and it will be a very good day.” In 1986, Stefan was employed by Slough Borough Council as part of the management team at Slough Ice Arena, and to create the town’s very own ice hockey club.

He founded Slough Jets that summer and the team drew top quality players from the local area, as well as high quality imports.

Jets played their very first game behind closed doors as technical delays prevented the ice arena from opening to the public on time but, with Stefan at the helm, the club became a pinnacle of the local community.

Capacity crowds were soon filling the Hangar and it did not take long for the new team to win their first trophy - the 1989 London Cup.

Stefan arrived from Streatham and his reputation grew. He represented Great Britain between 1990-1992, and went on to coach and manage the national team following his retirement.

Having lost the majority of a season through injury, Stefan was at the peak of his powers in the mid-90s. In the 1997/98 season he was a part of the Benson & Hedges Plate winning team and, the following year, was a member of the undefeated British National League champions.

Stefan was a highly skilled player and a great reader of the game. He knew where and who to feed the puck to, and where to be to create scoring opportunities. He retired following the 1998/00 season. A car accident ahead of the 25th Anniversary Game meant he could not lace up, but the biggest Jets legend of all will take to the ice on July 19.

Stefan said: “I’m really excited about the game and overwhelmed about the huge number of people coming back to support the club, and to maintain the history.

“Slough Jets played a big part in a lot of people’s lives as well as mine, and to be able to get everyone together to play and represent the club is fantastic.

“It’s good for the fans as they’ve been a big part of the club as well over the years and I hope everyone enjoys the celebration.” Mark Denholm added: “It’s humbling to see that players and officials are so readily willing to come and take part in this game.

“Some have played for many years and others just a handful of games, but they’ve all been a part of the Jets journey and they have earned the right to be on the legends ice.

“There is not much for Jets’ fans to cheer about this summer but the legends match should prove to be a great day of fun and entertainment.

“Hopefully we will be generating some funds for Special People On Ice (SPICE) and the Lymphoma Association.” Tickets for the match start at £10 for adults and £5 for children.

To book, or for after party tickets and sponsorship opportunities e-mail Mark Denholm at mdenholm@sloughjets.co.uk **FOR A full list of Slough Jets legends due to take to the ice on July 19 visit www.sloughjets.co.uk** **PICK up a copy of the Observer, out now, for all the latest sports news and action including more on Slough Jets Legends Match**