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The
Flintshire Freeze would like to thank the Cheshirenews & The
Evening Leader for the following
information.
FLINTSHIRE FREEZE picked up a vital 8-3 win at Telford Royals to put them in a great position of making the semi finals.
The victory, in a physical encounter, moved Freeze up to second in the four
team group and they now only need a draw at home to Oxford City Stars on Sunday
to progress further in the play offs.
But Freeze player coach Mark Stokes was “disgusted” with the actions of
Telford players.
Stokes said: “They are always physical games against Telford but there was a
severe lack of discipline.
“Telford knew they were out of the race for the next stages and did their best
to stem the flow of the game.
“There was over 150 minutes in penalties and once we went 3-0 up by the end of
the first period, it went downhill.
“A couple of the Telford suspended players caused problems and some of the
fans also caused disruptions.”
Stokes says Freeze will now be sending a report to the league.
He added: “Some of their players were embarassed at how the others were
acting. It was a terrible display but in fairness to ourselves we kept our heads
down and got the result we needed.
“There was an incident near the end which got out of control and the police
were called to make sure we had an escort out of the building.
“We weren’t scared, we just did not want anything to hinder our chances of
progressing.”
Freeze led 3-0 at the end of the first period with goals from Gary Shaw, Mark
Hobson and Danny Compton.
They raced into a 6-0 lead through Richie Amos, Alan Steele and Steve Fellows
before Telford pulled two goals back going into the last period.
But two goals from Marc Lovell clinched the win, with Telford clinching a late
consolation goal, while Robert Hill and Dave Costello were ejected from the ice
for Freeze.
“It comes down to this weekend. If we draw or win on Sunday, we have reached
the semi finals, the furthest we have ever got,” he said.
“I am proud of everyone, we stuck at it. At the beginning of the play offs, it
looked like a long path to get through but we are now on the edge of
progressing.
“We are in the driving seat. We have already beaten Oxford away so they must
come here and it will be tough for them. I am confident after winning two huge
games in a row on the road.”
Stokes was even more delighted that Freeze beat Telford without established
players Pete Founds, Brian Jackson and Simon Wedd.
“The lads done a tremndous job, especially the personnel who have stepped
in,” added Stokes.
FREEZE
BACK IN THE HUNT ne and lost two of their previous play off matches, made the trip to Oxford
and won 5-3.
FLINTSHIRE FREEZE picked up their first win in the play offs against Oxford
City Stars to stay on track for the semi finals.
The victory gives Freeze three points and they move off the bottom of the table
up to third in the battle for a top-two finish and further progress.
And player coach Mark Stokes was delighted to have finally broken another duck.
Stokes said: “Oxford beat us both times in the Southern Conference so it’s
great to finally beat them.
“It was a huge win, and talk about showing our mettle. It was an outstanding
effort. And when we have our backs to the wall, the players respond.”
Freeze made the trip without Pete Founds who is still recovering from a sidecar
accident and Brian Jackson who was suspended.
The first period ended goalless but Freeze quickly found themselves trailing 2-0
at the start of the second.
But back they came through Aaron Davies and Mark Lovell, and Davies struck again
to give Freeze a 3-2 lead going into the final period.
Stokes himself made it 4-2 before Oxford pulled one back, but Davies scored his
third to complete the scoring with just five minute to go.
“We just hung on and made sure we did not let another goal in,” admitted
Stokes. “Oxford threw everything at us but we were able to keep them at bay.
“Everyone played their socks off, they were all outstanding. Richie Amos and
Gary Shaw stepped in and put on an excellent display.”
Stokes is confident that Freeze can clinch a top-two finish but he still
believes that they must win all their remaining games.
He added: “That puts us right back in it but I think we need to win our last
two games to get into the semi finals.
“There is no reason why we can’t. Basingstoke look as if they’ll finish
top so there is a race for second spot between us, Oxford and Telford.
“We are well placed. It would nice to be higher but with the resources at our
disposal we’ve done well and must keep it going – it’s all to play for and
I think it will come down to the wire.”
Freeze travel to Telford Royals on Sunday, having lost 3-1 against them at
Deeside last week. Stokes knows it will be another big game.
He said: “It will still be tough at Telford but I think we can win to set us
up for our last game at home to Oxford.
DEESIDE
HOPING TO SHOOT DOWN CITY STARS Freeze lost both play off matches last weekend to go with a draw in their
opener, so points are needed if they are to finish in the top two of the four
team group and progress further.
NOTHING less than victory will do for Flintshire Freeze at Oxford City Stars
on Sunday, according to player coach Mark Stokes, writes RICHARD WILLIAMS.
“It’s a must win game,” admitted Stokes. “We may basically need to win
all of our last three matches or we won’t advance, it’s as simple as
that.”
But Freeze will make the trip to Oxford without two key players. Pete Founds is
still recovering from injury sustained in a sidecar accident and Brian Jackson
is unavailable.
Stokes said: “They are both important players but that’s the way it goes and
we will have to get on with it.”
Stokes knows exactly what his side must do if they are to beat an Oxford side
who proved to be a bogey side for Freeze in the Southern Conference.
Oxford won both encounters and Stokes said: “Hopefully the guys will be
committed enough to get a result.
“Oxford are a good team and we will have to take it to them and get off to a
good start. If we do we have every chance of beating them. ”Oxford took a
spanking against Basingstoke so the group is wide open. They were our bogey side
and we did not play well either time, but things change in the play offs.
“I have every confidence that we will get something out of it.”
Matty Compton will again start for Freeze in goal with Dave Clancy, who had a
knee injury, still not fully fit.
And with three important play off matches to go, Stokes is not phased about
giving Compton so much ice time.
With two of the four teams going into the finals, the group will look a lot
clearer after this weekend’s matches.
“It’s a tight group so we still have to go out and give it our best shot,”
said Stokes.
DOUBLE
BLOW FOR FREEZE Freeze travelled to Basingstoke Buffalos, the team they had drawn with in
their play off opener last week, and went down 7-5.
FLINTSHIRE FREEZES’ play off hopes took a huge blow when they lost both
games in their double header.
They followed that up with a 3-1 defeat against Telford Royals at Deeside Ice
Rink to leave themselves bottom of the four team group with one point.
But player-coach Mark Stokes could not fault the commitment of his players in
both games.
Stokes said: “It was a pretty disappointing weekend. We really tried hard and
everyone put in a tremendous effort, unfortunately to no avail.
“It was a battle against Basingstoke and we used a lot of energy up. It is
difficult to play twice in a weekend and in hindsight I could have scheduled it
better.”
Freeze were tied at 5-5 against Basingstoke with four minutes to go, but two
late goals sealed their downfall. The goalscorers were Stokes (3), Mark Lovell
and Aaron Davies.
Against Telford, Freeze took the lead through Mark Lovell and stayed in front
with 10 minutes of the second period to go but their opponents won with three
goals.
“We were not in form at all against Telford and it showed throughout the
game,” said Stokes. “I could not fault the effort and we lost the game
ourselves.
“We just ran out of steam by the later part of the second half and you could
see that in our play. Unfortunately we did not have the overall strength, depth
and ability to do the job.”
Stokes remained upbeat and with three more matches to go, and two sides
advancing to the finals, believes there is still a lot to play for.
He said: “We had hoped for at least two points from the weekend but it was not
to be. They are good sides in the play offs though and that’s the way it goes.
“It’s a learning experience – but it’s still not over because the group
is wide open. A result at Oxford next week could turn the group around because
all four teams are evenly matched.”
Freeze were without Pete Founds who is out for the season after a sidecar
accident last weekend and Stokes said: “We missed Pete big time.”
Basingstoke also found their double header tough going, following up their win
against Freeze with defeat against Oxford.
FOUNDS
CRASH HITS FREEZE Founds, who missed last week’s opening play off match, broke a wrist and
suffered other injuries when he and his brother took part in the opening
side-car race of the season in Valencia.
FLINTSHIRE FREEZE go into another busy play off weekend with the news that
the influential Pete Founds is out for the season.
It’s the second time this season that Founds has been injured this season
side-car racing and Freeze player coach Mark Stokes said: “Pete is out for the
rest of the play-off games and it is a huge blow.
“The sidecar hit a wall at 150mph, and it also means that his sidecar season
has finished.
“I was looking forward to him coming back after missing the game last week
because that would have been a boost.
“But his brother needed two operations after it happened and they are
fortunate not to be killed. I just hope they get better soon.
“It’s put a real dampner on things.”
Freeze travel to Basingstoke Buffalos tomorrow and then host Telford Royals on
Sunday at Deeside Ice Rink. (6.30pm)
Freeze drew 5-5 with Basingstoke, the team who topped the Southern Conference,
last week to earn a point and Stokes is expecting another tough match.
He said: “It’s going to be difficult at their place and I imagine it will be
close again. They are a good side and I don’t see them playing any different
to the last two games against us.”
Telford, who lost and drew against Freeze in the Conference but still made the
play-offs, lost their opener 9-6 against Oxford City Stars and Stokes knows they
will also be tough opposition.
He said: “Telford are a very physical side and I expect them to be aggresive.
They had over 100 minutes in penalties last week. We have to take that and play
hockey without getting sucked in.
“They’ll come to Deeside fighting having lost their first game and they will
want to get some points. We just have to make sure we don’t do anything
silly.”
Two of the four teams progress to the next round of the play-offs and Stokes has
set a points target for this weekend.
“It’s going to be another hard two games,” said Stokes. “It would be
nice to get four points but I would be happy with two to keep us going
forward.”
FREEZE
COOL ON CUP AS FIXTURES PILE UP Freeze player coach Mark Stokes revealed that the decision had been made
because of a fixture pile-up.
FLINTSHIRE FREEZE have decided to pull out of the English Cup.
Freeze had reached the semi finals of the competition after coming top of their
group. They were due to play Kingston, Whitley Bay and Birmingham, home and
away.
But they have also qualified for the more prestigious play-offs and they have a
minimum six games to play in that competition. But it is the play-offs that
Freeze have given priority to.
Stokes said: “The main reason is we can’t fit all of the games in before the
end of the season. If we were in both competitions we would have to play 14
games, so we will concentrate on the play offs.
“I am disappointed we have had to pull out because we wanted to win the
English Cup. I know the fans will be disappointed too.
“But sometimes these decisions have to be made, that’s the way it is. It was
not an easy decision to make and I thought about it for a while.
“It’s disappointing we can’t go further but something had to give.”
The Southern Conference League began in September and is due to run until April.
Freeze have sorted out the play-off fixtures which means they have a busy month
ahead of them, and Stokes believes an even longer season would be unreasonable
for his players.
“If we progress further in the play offs we could still be playing at the end
of April. Then we would have six more games to fit in, and could be playing
until June.
“It is difficult to get the guys to commit themselves past April when we are
due to finish. The season is long enough anyway and it’s not fair on the guys.
“We are already starting to miss players. Peter Founds is just beginning the
sidecar season and misses our first play-off game.”
And asked whether the league were understanding, Stokes said: ‘They understood
our decision, even though they were not very happy. But they have to take some
responsibility.
“They can’t expect us to play all these games. I think the English Cup has
to be rethought next season. The fixture schedule was poorly done.”
Altrincham and Blackburn have both been offered Freeze’s last four place but
have decided against it as they are in a similar position.
Grimsby, who have not qualified for the play-offs, have been invited to take
their place.
The first play-off match for Freeze is on Sunday against Basingstoke Buffalos at
Deeside Ice Rink.
ICING
ON THE CAKE FOR THE FREEZE Southern Conference match against leaders Basingstoke Buffalos and they moved
up to second place in the table.
FLINTSHIRE FREEZE have clinched a play off place.
Although two Conference games still have to be played, Freeze are assured of
finishing no lower than third and going into the play offs along with
Basingstoke, Telford Royals and Oxford City Stars.
A delighted Mark Stokes, player coach, said: “We moved up from a tie for
fourth to second which is a tremendous feat and have just beaten the champions.
“Every season we have improved and this is the highest placing. And if we had
not had allthese injuries I think we could have been first, but I am still
happy.”
Freeze were never behind in the match and they led 5-2 after the first period
through Stokes (2), Brian Jackson, Simon Wedd and Dave Costello.
Stokes and Allan Steele made it 7-2 before Basingstoke pulled three goals back
at the end of the second period, but another Stokes goal in the final period
sealed a deserved win.
With Dave Clancy still suffering with a knee injury Matty Compton again started
in goal and he continued his impressive form.
“Matty was outstanding and stopped 71 shots, even blocking a penalty shot,”
said Stokes. “But everyone played their part and we were up for it which was
great to see.
“We seem to be focused at the moment and the players are over the moon.
“We want to put in a good show in the play offs and see where we can go. We
have been playing well for the last three games and could have finished higher.
“More than 500 fans were there and I am also glad for them because they have
backed us all the way.”
The four teams will play each other home and away, and Freeze also have more
more games to play in the English Cup having reached the semi finals of that
competition.
They have yet to finalise their fixtures so with a free weekend ahead of them,
Freeze will concentrate on training.
Stokes added: “The play offs are our priority at the moment and we fancy our
chances. The only team we have not beaten is Oxford and we played two bad games
against them. We’ll see what we can do but I am confident we’ll do well.”
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MAKE
OR BREAK FOR THE FREEZE IT’S make or break time for Flintshire Freeze in their last Southern
Conference match as they face Basingstoke Buffaloes, writes RICHARD WILLIAMS.
T’S make or break time for Flintshire Freeze in their last Southern
Conference match as they face Basingstoke Buffaloes, writes RICHARD WILLIAMS.
Freeze go into the match joint fourth in the table with Bracknell Hornets. They
need at least a tie to move into fourth place on their own – but defeat would
end their play off dreams.
Player coach Mark Stokes said: “Everyone has got to show up, play and give 100
per cent commitment. If we do we will definiteley get a result.
“We need to win or tie to be assured of a spot. But it is so tight that if we
win we can go second. But lose and we’re definitely out.
“All the players need to be fully fit and ready.
“It’s the biggest game of the season and I am hoping the players deal with
that in the best possible way.
“I won’t hesitate to make changes because there’s no way in the world I
want to lose on Sunday.”
But Stokes knows it will be difficult against a Basingstoke side who top the
Southern Conference having only lost one match.
And Basingstoke beat Freeze 7-4 earlier in the season despite the visitors
leading 4-2 in the third period.
“Basingstoke are the best team in the league but we have got it all to play
for. But I think if we play to our potential then we can be the best.
“I am confident we can do the job with the right attitude. They are already in
the play offs so they do not have as much to play for.”
Freeze welcome back Dave Costello from suspension but goaltender Dave Clancy is
still absent with a knee injury.
That means that Matty Compton, who has done well as a replacement to Clancy,
will start the game.
“We will stick to the same set-up as last week with possibly a few surprises
during the game,” added Stokes.
Freeze have qualified for the semi finals of the English Cup but Stokes knows
where his priorities lie.
“Basically we have the English Cup to fall back on but this is the one we want
– it’s our main goal.
“We had an excellent crowd last week and hope for a repeat. I am confident
that we can put on a good display and reach the play offs.”
FLINTSHIRE Freeze coach Mark Stokes has fanned the flames of rivalry for Sunday's English Cup Group A match with Altrincham Aces at Deeside Leisure Centre by declaring: "We hate them!"
The Canadian can't wait to renew hostilities with his side's old Northern Conference rivals, who haven't played at Deeside since last season's play-offs.
And the Aces come to Flintshire knowing that a win would put them into the semi-finals of the English Cup but the Freeze, who are already assured of one of the two qualification places, are determined to go into the last four as winners of the group.
"We need to aviod defeat by two goals or more to be sure of finishing top and the only side standing between us are our old 'friends' Altrincham," said Stokes.
"The relationship between the two sides is simple. We hate them and they hate us! Games between us are aggressive, physical encounters and they're always great to watch.'
The Freeze's record in this year's English Cup has been excellent. They have already beaten the Aces 5-3 in Altrincham, have won one and lost one to semi-final contenders Blackburn Hawks, while whipping boys Bradford Bulldogs have been seen off 10-2 and 14-2.
Group B qualifiers Telford and Birmingham await the Freeze and either the Aces or the Hawks in the knockout stages.
"We're on a four-match unbeaten run against Altrincham, and I want to make that five," said Stokes, whose side needs to win or draw next Sunday's Southern Conference clash with leaders Basingstoke Buffalo to secure a play-off place for the third season running.
"There's no time to think about the game next week because this one is so important.
"I don't want any of my players to pick up bans this weekend and be missing for the Basingstoke game, but things happen in the heat of the moment and it's not always easy to keep control."
Dave Costello will sit out Sunday's game through suspension, net-minder Dave Clancy is still out with a knee injury and Danny Compton is at university.
However, Stokes will welcome back key youngster Simon Wedd and he is also hoping defence man Robert Hill will not receive a ban for picking up a five-plus 10 penalty during last Sunday's 14-4 win over Peterborough Islanders.
** Face-off is at 6.30pm and admission is £3.30 (adults) and £2.50 (children).
FREEZE
NOW IN PLAY-OFF DOGFIGHT With two matches to go, Freeze, who have now lost twice to Oxford this
season, find themselves level in fourth spot.
FLINTSHIRE Freeze play off ambitions were dealt a huge blow when they went
down 8-4 at Oxford City Stars in the Southern Conference.
To finish in the coveted top four, player coach Mark Stokes is targetting a
minimum three points from a possible four.
Stokes said: “We have got to win our last two games to make sure of a play off
place, though a win and a tie could get us through.”
Freeze went into the game without Aaron Davies, Simon Wedd and Dave Clancy, who
still has an injured knee, so Matty Compton deputised in goal.
Stokes (2), Mark Lovell and Daniel Compton were on target for Freeze.
“Oxford seem to be a bit of a bogey team to us. We just don’t seem to be
able to play against them,” said Stokes.
“We played better than the scoreline suggests but we just did not put our
chances away. At least we were making the chances but I am disappointed we did
not come away with at least a point.
“We had our work cut out half way through the second period when we just
trailed 4-3 but then they scored three quick goals and that took it out of our
grasp.”
Freeze now host bottom side Peterborough Islanders at Deeside Ice Rink on
Sunday, 6.30pm start.
“Hopefully Aaron, Simon and Dave will be back, but Matty played well for Dave
so that was encouraging,” added Stokes.
On a personal note, Stokes has been going goal happy this season and his brace
against Oxford keeps him near the top of the leading scorers chart.
Stokes said: “I can’t be disappointed with where I stand but the main
priority is a play off place. Anything won personally is a bonus.”
STOKES
SETS FREEZE A PLAY-OFF TARGET
IT’S crunch time now for Flintshire Freeze according to player coach Mark
Stokes, writes RICHARD WILLIAMS.
Freeze, who are currently tied for fourth spot in the Southern Conference,
travel to Peterborough Islanders tomorrow.
But only one point separates second spot and fifth and with only four games
left, Stokes knows every one is important if they are to clinch a play off
berth.
Stokes said: “These games are all extremely vital, we just can’t slip up.
This is where it all counts because the league is so tight and we need to stay
in a play off spot.
“I am expecting everyone to be up for it tomorrow. It’s a crucial time if we
are to move forward as a club.
“It will certainly separate the men from the boys.”
Stokes believes they could scrape into the play offs with two wins depending on
other results but believes three or even all four wins are needed to be certain.
“We need to be positive and I know we can win all four,” he added.
Freeze, who go into the game on the back of a free week, have not played
Peterborough yet this season.
Stokes is hoping he will be taking a full strength squad with him but there is a
doubt over goaltender Dave Clancy.
“Peterborough are not doing too well and are bottom having only won a couple
of games. I believe they are a young team but are an unknown entity to us.
“Dave injured his knee in our last game against Birmingham but I have every
confidence in young Matty Compton if he takes the net.
“With a full squad I am confident we will get the two points.”
FREEZE
SURVIVE STREAK DELAY As well as Freeze going goal crazy, the match was littered with penalties,
there was a nine man brawl and a streaker invaded the rink! THE Freeze's play-off chances were given a huge boost at
Deeside Leisure Centre on Sunday night when they sent Southern Conference
new-boys Birmingam Rockets into orbit in a match that had everything! The final period was interrupted when a spectator decided
to do an impromptu streak! And as if that wasn't enough, no fewer than nine
players were kicked out during the course of the game, with the match officials
forced to hand out nearly 200 minutes of penalties. To cap it all, the third period took nearly 45 minutes to
complete after the outbreak of a 10-man brawl, which stemmed from a dispute
between the Freeze's Brian Jackson and Birmingham's Peter 'Big Mac' McNoughton. The antics of the unruly visitors, who resorted to
increasingly violent tactics as the Freeze's grip on the game grew stronger,
took some of the gloss off the hosts' terrific performance. With this in mind, five-goal player-coach Mark Stokes
attempted to play down the controversy, instead concentrating on the positive
aspects of the night. 'That was one of our strongest performances of the season,'
he said. 'I was pleased to get a full team out on the ice and thought we really
steam-rollered them. Robert Hill was superb in our first line and I was also
pleased with how Aaron Davies kept his cool. 'A lot of the stuff that went on at the end was just
handbags at 10 paces, but it did get ridiculous in the end. Both teams ended up
having only two players on the bench and I thought we could have shown a bit
more discipline.' Simon Wedd was thrown out at the end of the second period
after a dangerous challenge on the boards, but that was just a taster of what
was to come. With just six minutes left to play, Davies, who had been
provoked by Rockets players from the face-off, was wrestled to the ground,
sparking a 10-man brawl. It took the officials what seemed like an age to
separate both sets of players and they also took their time before deciding who
to throw out. Eventually, the Freeze's Brian Jackson, Marc Lovell and
Mark Hobson were sent off, along with Peter McNoughton, Paul Finch, Marc
Williams, Laurie Spears and John Green of Birmingham. More disciplinary action could follow for both teams, and
it was just a shame the trouble came on a night when the Freeze were in such
irresistible form. They dominated from the face-off, and Davies set the tone for
the rest of the night when he fired in a spectacular long range effort on eight
minutes. Pete Founds, making a welcome return to the side after a
shoulder injury, tapped home the second, Stokes added number three and Mark
Hobson capitalised on a mistake from young netminder Louey Edwards before the
end of the period. Normal service was resumed six minutes after the break when
the excellent Hill put Stokes through and Davies kept the scoreboard operators
busy with the sixth just moments later. Edwards was at fault again when a speculative shot from
Founds whistled past him and Stokes added two more before Wedd's dismissal on 34
minutes. Freeze netminder Dave Clancy, who had obviously drifted off
to sleep after nearly 40 minutes of inactivity, made an uncharacteristic mistake
at the end of the period when he let a Williams shot slip past him. But Stokes scored his fifth of the night from a Founds pass
soon after as his side reached double figures. Birmingham's disruptive tactics paid off in an interupted
final period as the Freeze's scoring rate slowed, but Alan Steele got his name
on the scoresheet twice, while Founds completed his hat-trick with one of the
easiest goals he will ever score.
FLINTSHIRE FREEZE beat Birmingham Rockets 13-1 in their action packed
Southern Conference match at Deeside Ice Rink that had everything, writes
RICHARD WILLIAMS.
The last six minutes also took nearly three quarters of an hour to complete as a
result of the last incident.
Player coach Mark Stokes was still delighted with the scoreline.
“It was a great game and I was really happy with that good all round
performance. It showed we had a full squad available for the first time since
the start of the season.
“We looked sharp and fit and steamrolled them with two strong lines.
“It was pleasing that a lot of guys got on the scoresheet and with a free week
ahead of us, we are looking in good shape.”
Stokes top scored with five goals, Allan Steele and Pete Founds got two each
while Mark Hobson, Aaron Davies, Steve Fellows and Mark Lovell made up the rout.
More than 200 minutes in penalties were handed out and a massive brawl in the
second period between nine players - four Freeze and five Birmingham, resulted
with them all being thrown out.
That escalated in the third period and then a streaker made an appearance for
the first time at a Freeze match.
“We had a bit of everything. It was not over physical though. We showed a lack
of indiscipline by retaliating.
“We got involved but that happens when you are steam rolling a team because
they do not like it.
“It took 40 minutes to play the last six minutes because of all the
problems.”
The police were called to deal with the streaker which held up the match. Stokes
says they will ban the individual and are seeking further action from the
league.
He added: “You can’t have that happpening during games. It’s a family game
and it disrupts the players. It also takes a bit of the shine away from the
win.”
About 400 fans attended the match and Stokes said the support was excellent.
“They were behind us 100 per cent. We wanted to put in a good performance
after losing our last game at home.”
YOUNG
GUN MARC SHOWS HIS CLASS And with Superleague side Manchester Storm who were using the facilities at
Deeside Ice Rink ahead of an important match.
FLINTSHIRE FREEZE star Mark Lovell enjoyed a training seassion with one of
Europe’s biggest ice hockey teams.
Lovell, an England under 18 squad member, trained with Storm in front of about
100 spectators and Freeze player-coach Mark Stokes said he made a good
impression.
He said: “Mark is improving all the time. It was good to see him given the
chance to go on the ice and he did not look out of place.
“He is the only player on the team at the moment who would have been
comfortable out there.”
Stokes added that Storm head coach Peter Christianson was impressed with the way
Lovell carried out individual drills.
Storm went on to win their Superleague match and Stokes is hoping to arrange a
pre-season fixture against them next year.
Meanwhile, Stokes is delighted with the way things have gone so far for Freeze
this season as they take a break from action for a fortnight.
They are currently fourth in the Southern Conference with games in hand on the
teams above them and also look certain to advance into the next round of the
English Cup.
Freeze have also set a new club record of seven straight wins this season and
they have been attracting healthy crowds.
“Things are going good and I am very happy. Our development with the
youngsters is also pleasing and some of the under 19s have been making our squad
for matches.
“Obviously we want to make the play-offs and go further in the English Cup -
these are our aims when we return.
“We are enjoying it and the support reflects how well we are doing.”
The seven-game unbeaten run was only ended last week against Oxford City Stars
but Stokes is confident going into the New Year.
“I was disappointed with the way we played on Sunday but you have good and bad
games.
“We are now entering the second half of the season and we are more prepared
and organised. If we can put together another good run we will be up there.”
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Jan 5 2001 |
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IT'S been another memorable year for Flintshire Freeze, both on and off the ice. Here player-coach MARK STOKES speaks about the ups and downs of the year 2000: |
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Chester Chronicle Series |
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JANUARY -FEBRUARY: IT'S always nice to start the year with a trophy, and I was certainly pleased to see us beat Blackburn 3-1 on penalties in the M6 Challenge Cup in early January. It might not be the biggest competition in the world, but it was a good result and we were pleased to win it. We started February badly with heavy back-to-back defeats against Billingham Eagles (13-4) and Sunderland Chiefs (9-3), but that was more down to the fixture secretary than anything else. He made us play Sunderland 24 hours after a trip to a top side like Billingham which really took the wind out of our sails and put our play-off place in doubt. It all came down to the last league game of the season a match against Nottingham Lions at Deeside Stadium in a repeat of the year before when we had to beat Kingston. That was a big night for us. We knew we had to win the game from a financial point of view and we were desperate to make the play-offs. We seem to be at our best when we're under pressure to come out and win, and we did it in style, beating them 15-3. That was the most memorable night of the year and it was great to see all our fans enjoy the match so much. THE PLAY-OFFS We were due to face Whitley Bay and Altrincham Aces in our play-off group, but just before the matches got under way I dropped Phil Brook and James Hussaney from the squad. Basically, they were messing me around and I didn't like that. You've got to have discipline and this team has had a history of indiscipline, with players coming and going as they please. It was a time where everybody needed to be working 100% for the team, and I had to make sure all of my players were committed. The play-off match with Whitley Bay Warriors at Deeside Leisure Centre proved to be pretty controversial to say the least! The massive brawl got a lot of press coverage and I have to take some of the blame for the part I played in it. The incident was so bad that I took the decision not to go to Whitley Bay for the return match. It's a decision I still stick by today, and I don't regret it one bit. I have my players' safety to think about and I didn't want any of my youngsters to get frightened away from the sport. I didn't think their safety could be guaranteed, although my decision meant we ran the risk of getting kicked out of the league for a time. We turned the corner in the other two matches against Altrincham Aces, winning home and away, but it wasn't quite enough. THE SUMMER: With the season over, we moved into May and I was keen to re-sign my contract for another year. There was a bit of a delay in the deal and I wasn't very happy about that at the time although I now believe it was just down to a slight lack of communication. Over the summer it became clear that we had the option of moving to the Southern Conference. We'd had two good years in the Northern Conference, but I didn't like the pre-war rinks and dangerous facilities that we were having to play in. I was interested to see what the standard "down south" would be like. I knew the rinks would be better, so we decided to make the move. It was a big step for us, but the thought of facing a new challenge was an exciting one. Just before the season got under way, we played two back-to-back friendlies against Blackburn Hawks. In the second match at Deeside a bit of trouble was carried over from the night before and I ended up getting sent off. We went on to lose the game heavily, and I have to take some of the blame for that. There's always going to be that kind of rivalry between two clubs so close together and I realised that I'd have to be a bit more sensible. A NEW ERA: The 2000-2001 ED1 Southern Conference season started well with an 8-7 win over Slough Harriers and it soon became obvious that we'd made the right decision to move. The competition was still tough, but I've noticed that there's more of an emphasis on youth and teams aren't quite as cynical. It was always hard for me when teams would put a player on me to make sure I didn't get a touch of the puck, but that doesn't happen as much now. I've also been pleased with the amount of young players I've been able to use so far this season. My bench coach, Gary Shaw, has done some great work with them and he knows when they're ready for the first team. Developing young players is a long process, but we're prepared to give them the ice time and I think they've all got a bright future. One of those players is Marc Lovell, and it was great to see him get the chance to train with Manchester Storm when they visited our rink in December. He had a great time and hopefully more will come out of our relationship with the Storm. It was also great to see the commitment of some of our more experienced players. Alan Steele came through this year and proved he could win games on his own, while the likes of Mark Hobson and Pete Founds have been great for us. The year ended on a low note when we lost our seven-game unbeaten run against Oxford City Stars at Deeside. I think we'd just got too over-confident and had reached the stage when we weren't putting in the right amount of concentration. But it's the start of another year and I know we're ready for another go at the play-offs, as well as a run in the English Cup. Looking back, I'm happy with how things went and I think we've got a lot to look forward to in 2001. On a personal note, I would like to thank the staff at Deeside Leisure Centre, all of the volunteers who come along on match days and, of course, the fans. Your help and support is much appreciated. |
STARS
FALL ON FREEZE Freeze signed off for their Christmas break with a 10-4 defeat to blot an
exciting weekend that saw Superleague side Manchester Storm train at Deeside Ice
Rink the day before.
FLINTSHIRE FREEZE failed to make it eight wins in a row as they were beaten
by Oxford City Stars in the Southern Conference, writes RICHARD WILLIAMS.
Player-coach Mark Stokes said: “We stunk the joint out and were terrible. We
were just not there. We took them too lightly and it showed. They came to play
and we didn’t.”
Dave Clancy started the game as goaltender but a shoulder injury meant Stokes
had thoughts about beginning with young Matty Compton, but he decided to stick
with his regular number one.
“Dave started in goal but shouldn’t have as it was pretty obvious he was not
100%.
“I thought he might work it off but he didn’t. We struggled from there, and
goaltending is a big part of the game.”
Oxford’s tender made a number of saves in the first 20 minutes as Freeze
trailed early on but they hit back twice to draw 2-2 going into the second
period.
Oxford stretched their lead to 5-2 and then 6-4 before converting four late
goals for victory.
Mark Stokes (3) and Simon Wedd were the Freeze scorers. Freeze drop to fourth
spot but they do have games in hand.
“It was a poor performance by every individual. Nobody played to their full
potential, including me.
“We had a decent crowd and it was disappointing we did not deliver our eighth
win in a row but we are still in good shape.”
On a brighter note, almost 100 people turned out to see Manchester Storm train
along with Freeze star Mark Lovell who was invited to join them.
Freeze will have involvement in the Manchester Storm Hockey School next April
and hope to arrange a pre-season friendly with them.
“The standard was impressive. I had a long talk with their head coach Peter
Christianson and he was very positive about the facilities in general,” said
Stokes.
“It certainly helped as they went on to win in London the next day and we are
hoping they come down again soon. The Storm were fantastic and they showed a
high standard of ice hockey.
“We are building a relationship and it is increasing the awareness of the
sport in the area.”
Stokes was delighted that Lovell was given an opportunity to train with Storm
and show what he can do.
“I did not think Mark was out of place. He fitted in nicely with the
individual drills and their head coach was happy about that.”
Published: 20.12.00 © North Wales Newspapers Ltd
RECORD-BREAKING
FREEZE ARE RED HOT
FLINTSHIRE FREEZE beat Slough Harriers in the Southern Conference to set a
new club record, writes RICHARD WILLIAMS.
Freeze ran out 6-2 winners to secure their seventh win in a row. They also
move into a tie for second place.
Freeze had already beaten Slough 8-7 earlier this season at Deeside Ice Rink and
they have now completed the double over them.
A delighted player-coach Mark Stokes said: “I was pleased we kept our run
going. We are seven games unbeaten, the best in our short history.
“We now have one more game against Oxford before our Christmas break and it
would be nice to make it eight in a row.”
Freeze were missing Stokes who was suspended and Pete Founds who is recovering
from a shoulder injury.
They found themselves two-up but Slough pulled it back to 2-2. However Freeze
picked themselves up to lead 4-2 after the second period and two more goals in
the final period completed the scoring.
Simon Wedd scored three goals while Danny Compton, Mark Hobson and Aaron Davies
grabbed one each.
Dave Clancy also had an impressive game in goal, pulling off a number of fine
saves.
“Dave was strong in the net which filtered through to everyone else. Simon
played very well and it was his first hat-trick for the club.”
Oxford are the visitors on Sunday in the Southern Conference (6.30pm face off).
Stokes added: “They are a strong team with two Canadians but we don’t know
too much about them.
“We are sitting pretty in the English Cup and the Conference which is great to
see going into Christmas.”
Published: 13.12.00 © North Wales Newspapers Ltd
SLOUGH
Harriers
were left grounded on Saturday night when Flintshire
Freeze stretched their unbeaten run to seven matches with another
tremendous ENHL Southern Conference victory.
And the success was all the more remarkable considering the fact the
Freeze were without suspended player-coach Mark Stokes and the injured
Pete Founds.
There were great performances all over the ice from visiting players,
but the star of the show was net minder Dave Clancy. The 22-year-old has
been in terrific form of late and much of what the Freeze have achieved
this term has been down to his solid displays in nets.
'Davey was really solid again at the back and that gives the whole team
confidence,' said Stokes, who had to watch from the bench after his
sending off against Telford Royals last month. 'The rest of the team
just stuck to the game-plan and didn't give anything away. This is
certainly the best run we've been on in our short history and I just
hope we can keep it going into the New Year.'
Clancy was given a run for his money in the man-of-the-match stakes by
Simon Wedd, who netted a brilliant hat-trick. Each of his goals were
taken with typical coolness, while the ever-reliable Mark Hobson, Aaron
Davies and Danny Compton also chipped in with priceless efforts.
As the scoreline suggests, the Freeze were always in command. They did
throw away a 2-0 lead early on, but the two-goal cushion was restored in
the second period before two efforts in the third made it 6-2.
'There were a lot of positive things to take out of the match and I was
delighted to be able to give Richard Ryland his debut,' said Stokes.
'He's only 15 and has got a long way to go, but he did a couple of
shifts near the end of the match and impressed us all.
'It really was a tremendous win and it showed the team can live without
me. The time's going to come when I can't play and they'll have to play
like that when it does.'
FREEZE
TUNE UP
FLINTSHIRE FREEZE won their friendly 14-2 against local side North Walers at
Deeside Ice Rink, writes RICHARD WILLIAMS.
Freeze were due to play Sheffield Scimitars in the Southern Conference but
they have dropped out of the league.
Player-coach Mark Stokes was anxious for his side, who are unbeaten in five
games, to keep match-fit and was pleased with the outcome.
“It was a game we wanted to play to keep the momentum going and stay in shape.
“It was a good exercise all-round and very competitive for them too. I was
delighted we won but they benefitted from playing a stronger side.”
Stokes selected a full side and was only missing the services of Pete Founds and
Mike Clancy who are both injured.
However he wanted to give a number of the under 19 players a game but was unable
to as they had a match at Whitley Bay.
Freeze led 10-0 before North Walers scored and they were in control from the
start, netting in the first 30 seconds.
Stokes scored four, Mark Lovell and Dave Costello three each and Allan Steele
and Richie Amos two each to complete the win.
About 300 spectators turned out for the friendly and Stokes was delighted with
the attendance.
“It was a good turnout and it gave the fans their ice hockey fix. The
supporters enjoyed it and there was lots of goals for them.”
Freeze travel to Slough Harriers in the Southern Conference on Saturday where
they will look to build on their current third place.
“We beat them earlier in the season and expect them to be tough even though
they are near the bottom because that does not mean a great deal sometimes.”
FLINTSHIRE
Freeze's Deeside Ice Rink has gone down a Storm - in
Manchester!
The Chronicle can exclusively reveal that Super League giants Manchester
Storm have agreed to use the rink as a training base while their MEN
Arena home is unavailable over the festive period.
Their first session will be on Saturday, December 16, and leisure centre
officials are hoping the Storm will agree to give local youngsters the
chance to see their heroes in the flesh.
The presence of the country's top professional ice hockey side at
Deeside is sure to raise the profile of the rink considerably and, for
Freeze coach Mark Stokes, the Storm's arrival marks the end of two
years' hard work.
'We've been trying to convince them to come here for the last two years
and I'm delighted they've now decided to take up our offer,' he said.
'We're hoping they like it here and agree to come back on a permanent
basis.
'The money we'll be making from renting them ice-time next month won't
be great, but if we could agree a season-long contract for next year it
could be worth six figures ? and that's something we don't want to miss
out on.
'This really is like having Liverpool FC training at Deeside Stadium!'
The only thing stopping the Manchester outfit, who usually train at
Blackburn Arena when their 17,000 capacity home is unavailable, from
taking up Stokes' offer in the past has been the rink's lack of a
plexiglass screen that covers the entire arena.
The majority of the Deeside arena is protected by netting, but, for
players of the calibre of Manchester's, this is not always sufficient
protection.
'They've been undecided in the past but they're desperate for ice-time
at the moment,' said Stokes. 'I know we've got a great facility here and
I'm sure they'll realise that when they arrive. The ice is good, our
lights are bright and we've also got the gym here they can use.
'You just don't get any bigger than Manchester Storm in this country and
we'll be doing everything we can to make them welcome when they get
here.'
n The Freeze will be aiming to record their fifth win in a row on Sunday
when they travel to Telford Royals in the ENHL Southern Conference.
Stokes' men beat the Royals 6-4 in the league earlier in the season, but
suffered a blow during Sunday's 8-4 English Cup win over Blackburn when
Pete Founds picked up a serious shoulder injury.
He is expected to be out of action for the rest of the year and he joins
Simon Wedd, who is still suffering from a serious bout of flu, on the
injured list.
Meanwhile, Stokes is hoping Richie Amos and Robert Hill have avoided
match bans following their dismissals in last Sunday's Blackburn match.
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DEESIDE
Leisure Centre is locked in a two-way battle with the
Blackburn Arena to seal a lucrative partnership with ice hockey
giants Manchester Storm.