Apr 23 2004

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze's championship season came to an anticlimactic end with two defeats at the hands of the Sheffield Scimitars.

But even their failure to make the play-off final could not dampen player-coach Mark Stokes' joy at clinching the National League title.

'It's been a great season,' he said. 'I'm happy and proud of everyone that participated and I'd like to thank all the fans.'

Stokes said throughout the title runin that the league was the club's number one aim.

'The championship is won over the whole season and that's a difficult thing to accomplish,' he said.

Saturday's game saw the Scimitars sharper than ever, routing a shorthanded Freeze 13-1 - the first time all season they had lost by more than two.

The following day, a stronger Freeze side went down 4-2.

Stokes was pleased with the way the Scimitars players applauded his men when they were presented with their medals at the end of the second game, saying: 'They showed a fair amount of respect.'

But he said the fixture list dealt them an unfair hand in leaving such a gap from the end of the regular season to the play-offs.

He said: 'We had five weeks before our first play-off game and that was the killer. It was almost like pre-season again.

'We didn't get to play until the end of March, which was ludicrous and something I'm going to try to make sure doesn't happen again.

'The season should be over - it's long enough as it is.'

Apr 8 2004

ICE HOCKEY: THE Freeze got their ED1 play-off bandwagon rolling against a decidedly toothless Lions outfit at Deeside Ice Rink on Sunday.

Having opened up the round-robin phase of the competition with a draw and a defeat against Blackburn Hawks the previous weekend, Freeze looked something like their old selves as they preserved their season-long unbeaten home record with a classy display.

Nottingham are the weakest side in the northern half of the play-offs and they were never given a look-in against the league champions.

Said player-coach Mark Stokes after the victory: 'That was more like it!

'We went into the Blackburn games on the back of a long break from competitive action and it showed

in our performances. But now we're back in our stride and we looked a different side against Nottingham.

'We never gave them a chance to settle and kept pressing them throughout the game.'

Stokes is now looking forward to this Saturday's return trip to Nottingham with optimism.

'If we win, it'll set us up nicely for the following weekend when we play Sheffield home and away,' he said. 'They're top of the group right now so we'll probably have to win both games to go above them and qualify for the final.'

Freeze certainly took the game to the Lions on Sunday, racing into a 3-0 first-period lead.

Billy Price set up Simon Mills for the opener after six minutes, before captain Pete Founds doubled the hosts' lead from close range soon after.

Price then latched on to a long pass out of defence to make it 3-0 with a shorthanded goal.

The second period was Nottingham's best of the game, although Freeze netminder Matty Compton restricted them to just two goals.

At the other end, Stokes and Price scored to keep the Freeze in the driving seat.

The hosts flexed their muscles again during the final period, with Mills finishing off a superb solo skate to make it 6-2 on 43 minutes.

Although Nottingham had the beating of Compton one more time before the final buzzer, Freeze hit back with a rare brace from Aaron Richardson to wrap up a convincing home win.

Stokes was full of praise for his team as a whole but paid special tribute to the brilliance of Compton in nets.

'Matty was simply outstanding again,' said the Canadian player-coach. 'He's in superb form at the moment and teams just can't find a way past him.

'We'll need him to carry on like that for our last three games, then hopefully we'll have a play-off final to look forward to.' Face-off in Nottingham on Saturday is 2.30pm. Supporters can travel on the team coach, which leaves Deeside Leisure Centre in Queensferry at 9.30am, for £5.

Dave Costello and Alan Hough are possible absentees.

Mar 26 2004

Chester Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze could be without up to five senior players for this weekend's ED1 play-off double-header with Blackburn Hawks.

The Freeze, who haven't played since capturing the title with victory over the Hawks at the end of last month, go to Blackburn tomorrow (6pm face-off) before entertaining the same opponents at Deeside Ice Rink on Sunday (6.30pm).

But with the domestic season running on longer than player-coach Mark Stokes expected, the Freeze will be without Russ Richardson, Aaron Davies and Brian Worrell due to holidays. And Alan Hough and Dave Costello are likely to miss tomorrow's game due to work.

The play-offs are contested on a mini-league format, with Freeze going head to head with the Hawks, Nottingham Lions and Sheffield Scimitars.

The winners of the league take on the top side in the southern section for the right to be crowned overall English League champions.

Mar 12 2004

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze's play-off fixtures have been finalised by the English League.

This weekend's provisional date at Blackburn Hawks has been put back to Saturday, March 27, and Freeze player-coach Mark Stokes is unhappy there is now a four-week gap between the club's final league match and the first in the play-offs.

The delay comes as their play-off rivals in ED1 (North) have a backlog of games in the English Cup, which the Freeze did not enter this season.

The winners of the northern section of the play-offs go on to face their counterparts from the southern conference over two legs, for the right to be crowned overall English League champions.

English League Division One (North) Play-off dates: MARCH, Sat 27 Blackburn (a), Sun 28 Blackburn (h); APRIL, Sun 4 Nottingham (h), Sat 10 Nottinham (a), Sat 17 Sheffield (a), Sun 18 Sheffield (h).

Mar 5 2004

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze are to step up their search for a major sponsor in the hope of funding a climb up the British ice hockey pyramid.

Having just captured the English League (North) title, the Freeze will be given the opportunity to spend next season in the more competitive English Premier League.

However, a major injection of funds would be required to make the team competitive at that level - and player-coach Mark Stokes says the step up would only be taken if the club brings a sponsor on board.

He said: 'We're backed by Flintshire County Council and the money we receive from them keeps us alive. But to be competitive in the Premier League, we'd need to attract a commercial sponsor and, hopefully, we'll find one.

'Winning the league this season certainly hasn't done us any harm in terms of publicity and raising our profile. It's made people out there realise what we're about.'

If the Freeze fail to attract the funds they require, they will remain in ED1 next season to defend their northern section crown.

Added Stokes: 'This team is young and there's no point in moving up a league if you're going to get thrashed every week.

'It's bad for the players and a turn-off for the fans. I'd only consider playing in the Premier

League if we had the money to spend on one or two imports.

'To go up with the current squad would be a mistake as the players are still developing and many aren't quite ready for Premier League ice hockey.'

Stokes insists he will do what he thinks is right for the club's long-term future, though it is unclear if he will be there next season.

The 37-year-old Canadian is yet to decide whether to commit himself to a seventh season with the Freeze, a decision made harder by the fact he now works full-time in Glasgow.

Stokes will wait until after the Freeze have played in the English League play-offs before coming to a final decision over his future. It looks as if the play-offs will drag on into May, as the league is struggling to fix convenient dates.

The Freeze will start at Blackburn Hawks on Sunday, March 14 and the Lancashire side make the return trip to Deeside on Sunday, March 28 (6.30pm).

However, Stokes is still awaiting confirmation for the remaining matches against Nottingham Lions and Sheffield Scimitars.

The team that tops the round-robin group for the northern section goes on to face their southern counterparts for the right to be crowned play-off champions. Anyone interested in negotiating a sponsorship package for the Freeze next season should speak to Mike Welsh at Deeside Leisure Centre on 01244 814725.

By David Triggs Flintshire Chronicle

MARK Stokes could be about to perform a dramatic U-turn by committing himself to a further 12 months with Flintshire Freeze.

But the club's veteran player-coach will wait until AFTER next month's English League play-offs before making a final decision about his Deeside future.

Having gone into this season with the intention of making it his last, Stokes now admits the Freeze's ED1 championship success has left him hungry for more glory.

'It's going to be hard to cut the umbilical chord,' admitted the 37-year-old Canadian. 'I started the club six years ago and it's going to be hard to walk away, especially as we've just won our first piece of silverware.

'But we've still got the play-offs to look forward to this season, and I won't do any more talking about my future until after then.'

A major factor in Stokes' initial decision to call time on his Freeze career came just before the start of this season, when he accepted a sports development job in Glasgow. Having already agreed a 12-month contract to take charge of the council-run Freeze, Stokes didn't want to leave the club in the lurch so he agreed to combine both roles, travelling south from his home in the Scottish capital for weekend matches.

He said: 'I thought the travelling between Scotland and Deeside would be a nightmare, which is why I initially came out and said I'd make this season my last. But the support I've received from the players, coaching staff and my bosses at Deeside Leisure Centre has been superb and it's made me think again.

'I haven't really found the travelling a problem, so maybe I'll stay.'

Without Flintshire County Council, there would be no Flintshire Freeze, and any decision from Stokes to stay would be dependent on the authority's willingness to fund the club for another year. But given this season's success, it's unlikely the council would deny the club their chance to defend their title in 2003-04.

Attention now turns to next month's play-offs, when the Freeze will go head to head in a round-robin mini-league with the Northern section's top four. Dates for the games against Sheffield Scimitars, Blackburn Hawks and Nottingham Lions should be confirmed by next week.

The winners of the group go on to face their southern counterparts for the right to be crowned English League play-off champions.

Said Stokes: 'If we could win the play-offs, it would give us the Grand Slam. Winning the championship on Sunday was a day I'll never forget, but to win the playoffs too would be the ultimate high.'

After the weekend's title-deciding win against Blackburn, the Freeze players celebrated with a post-match pint at the New Inn in Sandycroft. After the majority of the squad had headed home, Stokes was left with assistant play-er-coach Steve Fellows and captain Pete Founds - both of whom have been with the club since day one.

'It was ironic really,' said Stokes. 'When I was asked to start the team up six years ago, Stevie and Pete were the first two players I thought of bringing here. They were with Altrincham Aces at the time.

'Back then I said it was my ambition to win a league title. It's taken us six years but it was worth the wait.'

Feb 27 2004

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: THE Freeze took just 16 minutes to clear up any doubts as to where the ED1 North championship trophy would be heading on an historic night at Deeside Ice Rink, writes DAVID TRIGGS.

Going into the game knowing they needed to take at least a point to be certain of the title, the home players wasted no time in racing into an unassailable lead.

As the clock ticked past the quarter-hour mark in the first period, a Steve Fellows goal put the Freeze 6-1 up and ended any realistic chance the Hawks had of taking anything from the game.

You could have sounded the final buzzer there and then, and no-one on either side would have complained.

But instead, the Freeze players and their loyal fans were forced to sit through another two periods, bottling up their excitement before finally being allowed to begin their championship party.

At full-time, the home supporters rose to their feet to salute their heroes while the Freeze players raced to Matty Compton - surely a contender for player-of-the-season - and mobbed the young netminder.

Being swamped by about 15 ice hockey players in full kit isn't most people's idea of fun, but Compton emerged beaming with delight, if slightly dishevelled.

Once the dust finally settled on the post-match celebrations and the man-of-the-match honours had been announced, skipper Pete Founds was able to carry out a duty he's dreamt of since pulling on a Freeze shirt six years ago - to lift a piece of silverware.

It was a moment that will live long in the memories of the players and fans.

And it was nothing more than the team deserved after a tremendous season, one in which the Freeze were often forced to play second-fiddle to Sheffield Scimitars before finally overtaking them once their games in hand came round.

The manner in which the Hawks - who will return to Flintshire during the end-of-season play-offs - were systematically taken apart during the first period was hugely impressive.

After two minutes, Alan Hough played through player-coach Mark Stokes to make it 1-0 and the Freeze's veteran

Canadian doubled the lead moments later, turning cleverly away from the Hawks defence before firing past keeper Karl Holmes.

Brian Worrell then sent in another contender for goal of the game, smashing home a first-time shot, before Russ Richardson made it 4-0. Although Michael Brunton lifted the Hawks' spirits, Stokes hit back to compete his hat-trick and Fellows made it 6-1 with a cross-shot that seemed to deflect in off the visitors' Neal Haworth.

Not surprisingly, the Freeze found it hard to maintain such a level of performance for the remaining two periods as the Hawks crept quietly back into the contest without ever seriously threatening to get back on terms.

A Founds tap-in made it 7-1 seven minutes into the second period, but Scott Barnett then struck for Blackburn, who closed to within three goals of the Freeze during the third and final period, through Bobby Haig and David Sheffield.

But this was a night that belonged to the Freeze and you got the impression that, if required, Stokes' men could have gone up another gear or two.

Feb 20 2004

By David Triggs Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: DEESIDE Ice Rink won't be a place for the faint-hearted on Sunday as Flintshire Freeze go in search of their first ever league championship.

With Blackburn Hawks due in town for a high-pressure title-decider, club officials expect about 1,000 fans to cram into the Freeze's Queensferry home for the final game of the regular season.

And while the Flintshire faithful will aim to raise the roof, the Freeze players know exactly what they have to do too.

A win or a draw would see them take the title, while a defeat would leave the door ajar for second-placed Sheffield Scimitars to reclaim top spot.

Said Freeze player-coach Mark Stokes: 'It's a simple equation for us. Win or draw and we're league champions; slip up, and Sheffield come back into the reckoning.'

The Scimitars can turn up the heat on the Freeze tomorrow when they go to Sunderland Chiefs for their penultimate match of the season. The Chiefs then return to Sheffield on Sunday week - but the title race will be done and dusted by then, providing the Freeze take at least a point from the Hawks on Sunday.

League officials will attend Sunday's showdown to present the Freeze players with their trophy at the end of the game - if they produce the goods.

Since the Freeze's inception in 1998, fans and players have experienced five trophy-less seasons, although the club has consistently challenged for honours. It is hoped Stokes's sixth and final season in charge will finally yield some tangible reward for all the hard work players, fans and officials put in.

'I want us to win the title for so many reasons,' said Stokes. 'I want us to do it for all the players, for Flintshire council, which has supported us every year, and, of course, for the fans.

'They have been magnificent.' Stokes will quit the club at the end of the season to concentrate full-time on the sports development job in Glasgow he started last October. The Canadian has been combining the job with his Freeze duties so far this term but will retire from ice hockey at the end of the season.

The Freeze will be at full-strength this weekend and could even secure the release of former Flintshire favourite Aaron Davies from Elite League side Manchester Phoenix.

Once the regular season finishes on Sunday, the league's top four go into the play-offs, facing each other home and away.

The top team from the northern section then play their southern counterparts for the right to be crowned overall English League champions. Face-off on Sunday is at 6.30pm. Admission is £3.75 for adults and £2.75 for concessions. A family ticket (for two adults and two children) costs £10.

Feb 20 2004

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: AS a survivor of the Deeside Devils era, Freeze captain Pete Founds knows exactly what it would mean to bring the ED1 title to Flintshire.

The 26-year-old Freeze ace is enjoying his most prolific season with the club and he now has Blackburn Hawks fixed firmly in his sights.

Founds admits the game will be the biggest he has played in his Freeze career to date.

He said: 'It's certainly a great climax to the season.

'All the lads are up for the game and it would be great to go out on Sunday and get the win we need. It would mean so much to the fans and players.'

And despite sitting proudly at the top of the league's goal-scoring chart, Founds says he won't be chasing any individual targets on Sunday.

'It's doesn't matter who gets the goals,' he said. 'It's been nice to get so many this season but I've had plenty of chances and everyone else has weighed in. It's not just about individuals, it's about a team effort.'

Founds, who lives in Eastham, admits the Freeze's success this season has helped bring the squad closer together, while he was also quick to hail the contribution of the new faces who came during the summer.

'We signed a few players from Altrincham after they folded at the end of the previous season and a couple of players came in from Manchester Phoenix, but it's never been a case of 'them and us' between the new lads and the ones who've been here a while,' said Founds. 'The new boys settled in right away and have made a big contribution.'

As for his celebration plans should the Freeze capture the title on Sunday night, Founds said: 'I haven't even thought about what will happen at the end of the game yet!'

Feb 20 2004

ICE HOCKEY: FREEZE played with the flair and poise of true champions at the Telewest Arena on Sunday to move within touching distance of the ED1 crown.

Knowing a win would see them head into this weekend's title decider against Blackburn Hawks with one hand firmly on the trophy, Flintshire were simply too strong and too quick for the lowly Chiefs.

Any pre-match nerves were blown away, with Billy Price's double inside the first two minutes setting the tone for this one-sided encounter. And the goals kept coming at regular intervals as the Freeze negotiated this potential banana skin.

It was certainly a far more convincing display than the one the Freeze turned in when the Chiefs came to Deeside last December, when the Wearsiders almost earned a share of the spoils in a 13-11 defeat.

Player-coach Mark Stokes said: 'We went into the game with the perfect attitude and perfect momentum - and Sunderland just couldn't handle us.'

The Freeze squad left at 7am in order to make the 12.30pm face-off and Stokes was pleased the earlier-than-usual start did not have a negative effect on his team's rhythm.

'We aren't used to playing at that time of day,' said Stokes, 'but Sunderland have difficulties with ice time so we had no choice.

'Once you're inside the rink and the game is under way, you don't know if it's night or day and you just get on with it.'

Stokes and bench-coach Gary Shaw tinkered with the Freeze's first line, promoting Brian Worrell to join Price and Simon Mills. It meant captain Pete Founds dropped back to the second line, which allowed him to revive his near-telepathic partnership with Stokes.

The changes paid instant dividends with Price's opening salvo. Founds, the league's leading scorer, made it 3-0 before Aaron Richardson and Worrell capped a dominant opening period for the away side by making it 5-0.

Worrell struck again at the start of the second period as the shell-shocked Chiefs came under another barrage. Youngsters Ben Foster and Neil Ireland's goals took the score to 8-0 and Mills hit a ninth before the buzzer.

With the Chiefs well out of sight, the visitors' younger players got a piece of the action in the third and final period. Founds and Peter Norgate brought the score to 11-0 before Sunderland finally found the back of the Flintshire net with two goals in the dying minutes.

Added Stokes: 'We knew we were clear favourites to win, but to do it in such a convincing way was pleasing.

'Our first line hadn't been working as well as it can do in recent weeks, but I thought the changes we made worked well.'

The victory was the Freeze's third on the spin and it means they will clinch the ED1 title if they win or draw in this Sunday's home meeting with Blackburn Hawks.

Feb 6 2004

ICE HOCKEY: THE Freeze hit the summit of the English National Hockey League North on Sunday after recording a resounding victory over bitter rivals Whitley Warriors.

And, already assured of a play-off place, the Freeze are now just three games away from automatic promotion to the English Premier Hockey League.

In front of a bumper 850-strong crowd, Mark Stokes' team out-fought a tough and physical Warriors side.

Goals from Russ Richardson, Alan Hough (3), Simon Mills, Brian Warrell (2), Steve Elliot, Pete Founds and Mark Stokes (3) secured an emphatic win which left player/coach Stokes delighted.

He said: 'This was a tremendous victory and leaves us, with just three games to go, in great shape for the promotion run-in.

'But we have to take each game as it comes. The support we enjoyed from the crowd was fantastic. I don't know where all these fans are coming from but we are very grateful to each and every one of them.'

He added: 'We played some great hockey. We knew it would be tough, games against Whitley always are. But I was thrilled with the way the lads responded.

'Our destiny is now in our own hands and we owe it to our fans to do our best to secure promotion.'

This weekend, the Freeze travel to Whitley, a place where they have never tasted victory, for the return fixture and Stokes believes his side will face a much sterner test.'

He said: 'Whitley is a horrible place to go. It's a real old fashioned and dingy place and we have never won there in eight years.

'However, we have to go there believing in ourselves and set about our task professionally. We will be without Dave Costelloe but, otherwise, we will travel with a full squad.'

He added: 'And we can expect to face a different Whitley side as I know some of their established players didn't make the trip down to Deeside last weekend.

'Our last two league games are away to Sunderland, who are currently third from bottom, on February 15 before our last home game against Blackburn Hawks the weekend after that.'

Stokes said: 'We must take each game as it comes but we can expect a sell-out crowd of more than 1,000 if we go into the Blackburn game still top of the table and looking promotion favourites.'

Jan 30 2004

ICE HOCKEY: THE Freeze looked ready to claim a hard-fought point in Blackburn on Saturday when Lady Luck intervened and dealt a cruel blow to their ED1 championship chances.

Just minutes from the final buzzer and with the score at 4-4, Aaron Davies attempted to fire the puck deep into Hawks territory. However, the Freeze forward's stick broke in the process, allowing the Hawks to re-gain possession and mount a late raid on the visitors' goal.

With the Blackburn attack swarming around netminder Matty Compton, the puck took a series of fortuitous rebounds and deflections before ending up in the back of the net.

Freeze player-coach Mark Stokes had every reason to rue his side's bad luck, but instead chose to point the finger at his own players.

He said: 'We just didn't play well. There was no energy or desire in our performance.

'Blackburn seemed to want it more than us.'

On Davies' unlucky break, the Canadian added: 'You can't legislate for those sort of things.'

Stokes had warned his players against the dangers of complacency but the squad didn't seem to take those orders on board.

The Hawks led 1-0 but Stokes equalised, only for the hosts to make it 2-1. Billy Price's goal restored parity but all the good work was undone again early in the second period, with Blackburn scoring twice to lead 4-2.

The second-placed Freeze looked in danger of throwing the match away, but they dug deep and goals from Stokes and Alan Hough saw them head into the third and final period at 4-4.

A draw seemed the likeliest result as full-time drew nearer, until Davies' dose of wretched luck. The talented Freeze ace recently signed for Manchester Phoenix and was only turning out for his old club as the Phoenix were without a fixture.

The result keeps Blackburn in the title hunt and makes it harder for the Freeze to claim top spot.

Freeze entertain old foes Whitley Bay Warriors at Deeside Ice Rink, Queensferry, on Sunday. Face-off is 6.30pm.

Jan 23 2004

ICE HOCKEY: THE Freeze negotiated another potential banana skin on Saturday to move a step closer to clinching the ED1 championship.

Player-coach Mark Stokes is wary of the threat mid-table teams might pose during the title run-in, so the Canadian veteran was understandably relieved to come through this latest challenge unscathed.

He said: 'It's another two points on the board and another step in the right direction.

'We could have easily gone to Kingston and slipped up, so I'm glad we didn't.

'We've just got to keep on winning - it's as simple as that.'

The Freeze were out of the blocks quickly, charging into a 4-0 lead courtesy of Brian Worrall, Stokes, captain Pete Founds and Billy Price. The Jets hit back with a goal just before the end of the first period but Founds struck again early in the second to make it 5-1.

Maybe the Freeze thought they had the points in the bag at this stage as their play became sloppy and Kingston rallied to make it 5-4.

But Stokes' team-talk during the break had the desired effect and the players made the game safe in the final period.

Founds bagged Flintshire's sixth while Aaron Richardson fired home number seven. A convincing gloss was put on the scoreline when Founds and Simon Mills completed the rout.

Jan 23 2004

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze player-coach Mark Stokes has pinpointed the biggest danger to his side's championship charge - and it isn't Sheffield Scimitars, Blackburn Hawks or Nottingham Lions.

What the Freeze chief fears most is complacency; so he's determined to prevent it from creeping into his team's performances as they close in on a first-ever league title.

There are only five games remaining and if the Freeze win them all, they will be crowned league champions and go into the end-of-season play-offs.

It's a task the Freeze are well capable of, but Stokes knows there is still plenty of hard work ahead.

He said: 'We can't start thinking we've got everything sewn up, even though the end of the season is in sight.

'If we start getting complacent, we'll be in trouble. We've got to all pull in the right direction and play every game as if it's our last.

'The attitude from the players so far has been spot-on and I can't praise them enough.'

A keen follower of Liverpool FC, Stokes chose to borrow an example from the football world to illustrate to his players why they need to remain 100% focused in the final five games of the season.

'Who would have thought Wolves would beat Man Utd at the weekend?' he said. 'You always get shock results in sport, and if we get complacent, it could happen to us too.'

The Freeze go to Blackburn Hawks tomorrow and face two games against old foes Whitley Bay Warriors before a return meeting with the Hawks at Deeside Ice Rink on Sunday, February 22.

There is also a trip to Sunderland Chiefs to be arranged after the fixture was postponed earlier in the season.

Stokes is backing his players to deliver the goods.

He said: 'Look at our front three of Billy Price, Pete Founds and Simon Mills - they could easily be playing in the English Premier League.

'The squad is full of character and this is a potentially amazing team.'

The irony is that, having built such a talented squad since the Freeze's formation in 1998, Stokes will hand over the reins to someone else at the end of this season. The current campaign will be the Canadian's last on Deeside as he has taken up a sports development job in Glasgow and will find it impossible to combine the two roles beyond this season. Two Freeze players found themselves top of the charts in statistics published by the English Ice Hockey Association this week.

Matty Compton is the league's number one netminder, with a save percentage of 91.22%, and team-mate Pete Founds is the leading points scorer, with 26 goals and 31 assists from 13 games.

Stokes features in the list at number five, with 17 goals and 24 assists from 12.

Jan 9 2004

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: THE Bombers struck four seconds from the final buzzer to blow a small hole in the Freeze's championship aspirations on Sunday.

Leading 5-4 going into the closing stages, the visitors' chances of holding out for their seventh win on the spin were hit when the referee dismissed Alan Hough and player-coach Mark Stokes.

Hough walked for asking the referee why a penalty had been given against him and Stokes saw red for comments he allegedly directed at an official.

With the Bombers enjoying a two-man advantage and sacrificing their netminder in search of an equaliser, the Freeze - who entertain Grimsby Buffaloes on Sunday at 6.30pm - couldn't hold on and conceded the inevitable leveller.

Said a furious Stokes: 'The referee went ballistic in the third period and hit us with some tough calls. He was giving stupid penalties against us for practically nothing and I felt it cost us the game.

'Having said that, we at least managed to come away with a point and we're still right in there in terms of winning the title.'

The Freeze had started slowly and finished the first period 3-1 down, with only a Billy Price goal to show for their efforts.

The tide turned in the second period as a double from Pete Founds and another from Hough - moved out of defence and into attack for the first time since joining the Freeze at the end of last year - saw the Welshmen go 4-3 ahead.

But all that good work was undone against the backdrop of some questionable refereeing decisions in the third and final quarter. The Bombers were two players to the good when they made it 4-4 and, although Price restored the Freeze's one-goal advantage, the home side earned a share of the spoils with their last-gasp leveller.

Attention now turns to this weekend's visit of Grimsby and Stokes says last Sunday's draw has given him plenty of food for thought.

He is likely to keep faith with Hough in the forward line, teaming him up with Price and Founds.

Steven Elliott can expect to continue in de-fence, rather than his preferred forward role, and that should give Stokes licence to play himself in attack.

The Freeze chief added: 'I want to experiment with one or two ideas and maybe shake things up a little.

'I feel we aren't quite getting the best out of certain players in the positions they are playing in.

'The Grimsby game gives me the opportunity to try things out as they are the weakest side in the league.'

Jan 9 2004

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: MANCHESTER Phoenix's trio of former Flintshire Freeze recruits have received a glowing mid-term report from head coach Rick Brebant.

Brebant says he is delighted with the contribution Deesiders Dave Clancy, Marc Lovell and Aaron Davies have made to his side's debut season in the Elite League.

'Marc has done magnificently and is very coachable,' said Brebant. 'He's a good listener and has a very good work ethic. And since

Aaron joined us from Flintshire a couple of months ago he too has risen well to the challenge.

'In goal Dave Clancy has supported our number one Jayme Platt very well. I can't praise the guys too highly.'

When the Elite League was formed from the ashes of the

Super League last year, clubs agreed to give local talent a chance, rather than rely on imported players.

Some saw this as nothing more than a marketing gimmick but Brebant poured scorn on that train of thought.

He said: 'We have every intention of giving our local guys as much ice time as possible.'

Mancot's Lovell, who left the Freeze to join Telford last season, and Queensferry's Clancy were picked up by the Phoenix following successful summer trials in Blackburn. Davies joined mid-season and is on a deal which allows him to turn out for Flintshire when the Phoenix are without a fixture.

Brebant confirmed Brian Worrall has been released to play the remainder of the season with the Freeze.

The Phoenix coach said: 'Brian was the smallest of the local players and that restricted his ice time. He will benefit from regular play with the Freeze and if he can add a little more weight and bulk then next season could see him return.' Phoenix's next game is away to the London Racers tonight. Belfast Giants are next up at the MEN Arena in Manchester on Sunday at 5pm.

For more information visit www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk

Dec 12 2003

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze aim to unleash three weeks of pent-up frustration on Sunderland Chiefs at Deeside Ice Rink on Sunday (6.30pm face-off).

Mark Stokes's side haven't had a fixture since November 22, when they won 12-5 at Grimsby Buffaloes. That result sent the Freeze to the top of the table, but their inactivity since then has allowed Sheffield, Blackburn and Nottingham to go back above them in the table.

Player-coach Stokes said: 'Going for so long without a game has been frustrating but it's been out of our hands really.

'The most disappointing thing about the break has been us losing top spot in the league, but that was always going to happen and we've now got games in hand on the teams above us.

'We've trained hard and can't wait to get back in a match situation.'

Stokes added Alan Hough to his squad in the week following the win at Grimsby and the former ex-Manchester Storm and Edinburgh Capitals man should make his long-awaited debut on Sunday.

The Freeze are likely to be at full-strength, with Russ Richardson coming back into the equation after a spell out on a university field trip.

Stokes added: 'We're looking strong in all departments at the moment and Alan Hough's arrival makes us even stronger.' Freeze should start as clear favourites against the Chiefs, who have played only four league games this season due to problems with the availability of their home rink.

Their scheduled home meeting with the Freeze at the end of last month is one of the games the Wearsiders had to postpone.

The Sunderland match marks the start of an important pre-Christmas double header for the Freeze, with table-topping Sheffield Scimitars due in Deeside tomorrow week.

Dec 12 2003

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze aim to unleash three weeks of pent-up frustration on Sunderland Chiefs at Deeside Ice Rink on Sunday (6.30pm face-off).

Mark Stokes's side haven't had a fixture since November 22, when they won 12-5 at Grimsby Buffaloes. That result sent the Freeze to the top of the table, but their inactivity since then has allowed Sheffield, Blackburn and Nottingham to go back above them in the table.

Player-coach Stokes said: 'Going for so long without a game has been frustrating but it's been out of our hands really.

'The most disappointing thing about the break has been us losing top spot in the league, but that was always going to happen and we've now got games in hand on the teams above us.

'We've trained hard and can't wait to get back in a match situation.'

Stokes added Alan Hough to his squad in the week following the win at Grimsby and the former ex-Manchester Storm and Edinburgh Capitals man should make his long-awaited debut on Sunday.

The Freeze are likely to be at full-strength, with Russ Richardson coming back into the equation after a spell out on a university field trip.

Stokes added: 'We're looking strong in all departments at the moment and Alan Hough's arrival makes us even stronger.' Freeze should start as clear favourites against the Chiefs, who have played only four league games this season due to problems with the availability of their home rink.

Their scheduled home meeting with the Freeze at the end of last month is one of the games the Wearsiders had to postpone.

The Sunderland match marks the start of an important pre-Christmas double header for the Freeze, with table-topping Sheffield Scimitars due in Deeside tomorrow week.

Nov 21 2003

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: MARK Stokes has sent out a warning to Flintshire Freeze's championship rivals, claiming his high-flying side are still to find their best form.

Despite the Freeze's lofty standing, the Canadian player-coach believes there is much more to come from his new-look squad.

Speaking as the Freeze prepare for tomorrow's visit to Grimsby Buffaloes (5pm), Stokes said: 'Don't get me wrong, I've been pleased with how we've performed this season.

'But we've got a few new faces in the squad and it's going to take time for everyone to gel properly.

'I'm convinced that there's more to come from the players and, once we get it right, we'll be some team.'

This will be Stokes' final season in charge and he is keen to sign off with somethingthathas eludedhimduringhis five years on Deeside - a league championship.

He said: 'I came here to win things and although we've always been competitive, we haven't won a title. I'd like to put that right this season, especially as it's my last.'

Tomorrow's opponents Grimsby find themselves second from bottom in the ED1 North table, with the worst 'goals against' record in the league - an incredible 95 in eight games!

The Freeze will be without Aaron Davies, who last week joined Manchester Phoenix on a two-way contract, and Brian Worrall, who is on a similar deal and will be required this weekend by Rick Brebant's Elite League side.

Russ Richardson, a university student, is still unavailable as he is on a field trip.

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze continue to pile the pressure on league leaders Sheffield Scimitars at the top of the National Ice Hockey League.

Following Sunday's home clash with Billingham Eagles - which Freeze won 5-2 - player-coach Mark Stokes says his team is looking forward to this weekend off.

He said: 'We have moved into second place in the league but have two games in hand on the Scimitars and are only two points behind. However, Nottingham had a free week last weekend and they are just two points behind us with a game in hand. So it's pretty tight at the top.

'I was pleased with the win over Billingham and the way we dominated. And, to be fair, the scoreline doesn't really reflect our superiority. It's great to win at home in front of our fans and we were pleased with the 400-plus attendance, despite Sunday being a big day for other sports. It shows we are moving in the right direction.' GOALS from Billy Price, Dave Costello, Arron Richardson, Peter Founds and Mark Stokes saw off Billingham Eagles, who could only manage two in reply from Steve Pritchard and Scott Ward.

Nov 7 2003

Flintshire Chronicle

FLINTSHIRE Freeze continue their pursuit of the ED1 North championship on Sunday with a home clash against Billingham Eagles (face-off 6.30pm).

The Freeze are just two points behind leaders Sheffield Scimitars with two games in hand and will start as clear favourites against the midtable Eagles.

Said Freeze player-coach Mark Stokes: 'If we want to stay in contention for the title, then we have to beat the likes of Billingham. All the games in this league are tough but so far we've managed to keep picking up the wins.

'I'm always keen to see us put on a good performance in front of our own fans and hopefully that's what we'll do this Sunday.'

With defenceman Russ Richardson unavailable, Stokes is considering switching himself from attack to defence to bolster his back line. The Canadian sat out the victory over Bradford Bulldogs a fortnight ago due to a knee injury but has set his sights on a return to action this weekend.

Stokes said: 'My knee's still a bit sore but I should be fit enough to play.

'We've got plenty of selection options up front so it looks like I'll play at the back to cover for Russ.' Freeze players and officials were saddened to hear that Alwena Ireland, the mother of player Neil Ireland, died at the weekend. Alwena was a former secretary of the junior section at Deeside. Deeside Ice Rink played host to its first ever Elite League game on Tuesday night when Manchester Phoenix 'borrowed' the Queensferry facility for their clash with London Racers.

A healthy crowd cheered Rick Brebant's side to a 5-4 win, which arrived after captain George Awada scored 19 seconds into sudden death overtime.

Awada, Mike Lankshear, Eric Lind and Mike Morin netted the Phoenix's other goals.

Phoenix use Deeside as their official training base and club officials are considering playing more midweek matches there, rather than at their MEN Arena home in Manchester.

Oct 31 2003

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: MARK Stokes had the best seat in the house in Bradford on Sunday as the Freeze moved to within two points of leaders Nottingham Lions.

Resting the knee injury he picked up in the previous weekend's victory over the Lions, the Canadian player-coach watched from the bench as his side made easy work of the Bulldogs.

Another absentee was netminder Matty Compton. The in-form young keeper was given the night off so Stokes could take a closer look at Phil Verstappen, who has been in Compton's shadow since arriving from Altrincham Aces at the start of the season.

Verstappen did well but Compton is sure to reclaim the gloves for the Freeze's next game on Sunday week, at home to Billingham Eagles (6.30pm). The extra week's rest should also allow Stokes to return.

On Sunday, Simon Mills, a recent acquisition from the now-defunct Aces, put the Freeze ahead in the first period and efforts from Billy Price and Pete Founds early in the second period made it 3-0.

The Bulldogs then netted twice, either side of a Mark Hobson goal, before the excellent Price made it 5-2.

Although the hosts pulled another back before the end of the period, the final 20 minutes belonged to the Freeze as Founds and Aaron Davies wrapped up a convincing win.

Said Stokes: 'It was a game we were expected to win but we still had to go out there and do it.

'That's the best Bradford team I've seen in my time with the Freeze and they put up a good fight.

'I liked the look of our line-up and we're pretty strong in all departments.'

While Stokes and Compton are set for a return against Billingham a week on Sunday, Russ Richardson will be unavailable. The former Manchester Phoenix defenceman, who is studying for his PhD, is going on a field trip to China. Flintshire-based fans of Manchester Phoenix can get a close-up glimpse of their heroes in action this Tuesday. Rick Brebant's side will swap their MEN Arena home for the more humble surroundings of Deeside Ice Rink in Queensferry this Tuesday for their Elite League clash against London Racers.

If the switch of venues proves a success, Phoenix officials say they will consider moving all midweek home games to Deeside.

Tickets for the game are £8 for adults and £5 for children (16 and under). Two adults and two children can buy a family ticket for £20.

Oct 24 2003

By David Triggs Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: ON a night when the Freeze roster had a very unfamiliar look to it, Nottingham were knocked off the top of the table thanks to goals from three players who needed no introduction to the Flintshire faithful.

Most home fans were looking forward to running the rule over player-coach Mark Stokes' batch of recent signings, and the new arrivals certainly didn't disappoint. But the job of putting the puck into the back of the net was left to the Freeze old guard, with Aaron Davies, Dave Costello and the ever-reliable Stokes (2) silencing the Lions' roar.

For the first time in his six seasons with the Freeze, Stokes spent the build-up to the match agonising over who he was going to leave OUT of his squad, rather than how many would be in it.

Having cherry-picked the likes of Phil Verstappen, Simon Mills and Steven Elliott from the now-defunct Altrincham Aces and brought in Billy Price and Russ Richardson from Manchester Phoenix, the Freeze's Canadian chief has effectively acquired a whole new line.

Add to that the tried, trusted and talented players from last season's squad, plus the odd promising youngster, and it's no surprise to see the Deeside club emerging as early title-contenders in the Northern section of ED1.

The Freeze's title credentials were certainly enhanced on Sunday as Stokes' men gained swift revenge for their only defeat of the season so far - a 4-2 reverse in Nottingham three weeks ago.

Flintshire are a different proposition on home ice - as the Lions found out.

The first period was played like a game of chess, with both sides probing for an opening without ever over-committing their resources to attack.

But the game changed for the better in the second period as the Freeze built a 3-2 lead.

Stokes opened the scoring on 25 minutes with a simple finish following good buildup play from Steve Fellows and debutant Price, who was arguably the most impressive of the Freeze new boys.

The former Manchester Phoenix man looked mobile and aggressive and should prove a valuable addition to the forward line.

Netminder Matty Compton had been in magnificent form for the hosts but he was unable keep out efforts from George Perrett and Chris Colgate as the Lions clawed their way back.

But Costello - back after a spell out due to work commitments - drew the Freeze level, finishing off after the puck fizzed around the goal area, and Davies converted a Pete Founds pass for 3-2.

Stokes gave his side a two-goal cushion early in the third period but Nottingham's Colgate ensured there was a nervy finish by making it 4-3 five minutes from time.

However, the hosts held out to notch up a result that could have a massive bearing on where the title ends up come the end of the season.

Oct 3 2003

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: SOMETHING has to give on Sunday