ICE HOCKEY: MARK Stokes has resigned as boss of
Flintshire Freeze and announced his retirement from the game.
Player-manager Stokes, who formed the North East
Wales outfit in 1998, says he can no longer divide his time between the
club and his full-time job.
The Canadian also feels his body can't sustain
another season on the ice after 15 years of top level ice hockey.
Stokes, 40, who memorably led the Deesiders to the
ENIHL Northern Conference title in 2003-04, admits it will be a wrench
to leave but feels the time is right.
The former GB international said: 'I started
Flintshire Freeze from scratch seven years ago and I've loved every
minute of it. But it's taken a big toll on me and I've come to realise
it's in my best interests to retire.
'It was so hard travelling down on Sunday for
matches from my home in Glasgow. Even though I changed jobs at the end
of the season and moved to take up a new position in sports development
in the Lake District, it is a very demanding role.
'Equally, I've got to be honest with myself and say
my body can't handle the wear-and-tear of a full season again.
'I'm doing this for me and it feels like I've
lifted a huge weight off my shoulder.'
Stokes put his retirement plans on hold until it
became clear what direction the club would take after his departure. But
following the appointment of Gary Shaw, Stokes says it is time to make
his decision public.
He said: 'It was in the back of my mind throughout
last season to retire. Even the thought of making the play-offs was
troubling me because I don't know if I could have put myself through
another six weeks of hockey.
'But I didn't confirm it because I wanted to see
what the council did in regards as to how the club would continue.
'I think they've gone with the best option in
appointing Gary, who's been there since day one.'
He's hopeful Shaw can return the Freeze to the
higher reaches of the Northern Conference, after they missed out on the
play-offs last season.
Stokes said: 'I'll be cheering them on all the way
and everyone hopes we can get back to challenging for the champion-ship.
'I've had seven fantastic years on Dee-side and I'd
like to think I've given value for money.
'I'm very proud with what we've accomplished. We've
had many great seasons, with one championship year none will forget.
'Equally, the fans have been amazing and they gave
me nights I will always
