Slough Jets stars set to return to The Hangar for 25th anniversary celebrations
Sportsdesk • Published 19 Jun 2012 14:27
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SLOUGH Jets have announced the very first names confirmed to take part in their 25th anniversary celebration game at The Hangar on July 21.
Jets founder Gary Stefan has called upon the services of Brian Bidulph, Tony Redmond and Ian Pound for his 'old boys' team while current assistant coach Craig Moran has selected Nicky Chinn, Les Millie and Joe Ciccarello for the 'current players' side.
Stefan said: "Bidulph was a big no nonsense defenceman that took no prisoners, always a character around the dressing room and a big fan favourite.
"Redmond has great skills and is an excellent team player which shows as he still plays today.
"Pound was a big solid defenceman who could rush the puck and make things happen. He also represented Great Britain and was an integral part of the club's success and with these three as my first three players I'm happy."
Moran said of his selections: "Nicky Chinn will be playing as always in his 27 shirt and it's nice to see him back in a Slough jersey, I just hope it's not for the final time!
"Nicky is a power forward, a very tough player and very good in dressing room to especially after a beer.
"Les Millie is one of the nicest guys I've ever had the honour of coaching and meeting within the ice hockey world and Joe Ciccarello is a fiery Italian/Canadian who is one of the fastest, safest hands ever seen playing in the UK."
The contest has also been arranged to raise money for Help For Heroes and Special People On Ice (SPICE). Ricci Hodgson, SPICE founder and chairman added: "SPICE are both delighted and honoured to be involved in this 25 year spectacular.
"Our relationship with the Slough Jets has been going since 2006 when we first piloted an ice hockey programme and our members really appreciate being coached by them in a programme funded by BBC Children in Need.
"Special hockey is an inclusive part of ice hockey. We have members with a variety of additional needs including downs syndrome, aspergers syndrome, global development syndrome, microcephalus and profound deafness to name a few.
"Every member benefits from the on ice training, the improvement in self esteem and the social aspect of the group."
He continued: "We are currently fund-raising to take part in the Special Hockey tournament in Canada in 2013 - this will be a fantastic event for our members who will have the opportunity to compete against teams from across the USA and Canada.
"As SPICE has grown, we now have two teams that would like to attend and estimate the total cost in excess of £40,000. Therefore this fantastic show of support from the Slough Jets is immensely important to us."
Jets director of operations Steve English said: "We're glad to be able to involve SPICE and Help For Heroes in our 25th Anniversary Game.
"We're looking forward to a great night, celebrating a fantastic history so far for the Slough Jets and having the added involvement of these two great organisations and the ability to give something back to our community just adds to the evening."
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