Mar 4 2005

Mold And Buckley Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: MARK Stokes believes Sunday's breathtaking play-off decider with bitter rivals Blackburn Hawks was a fitting way to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career.

The Flintshire Freeze player-manager looks odds on to hang up his skates after seven success-laden years in charge of the Deesiders.

And the Canadian, who led his team to the ENIHL Division One (North) title in 2003/04, reckons he couldn't have asked for a better send off even though the 7-6 loss to Blackburn ended Flintshire's hopes of making the play-offs.

Stokes said: 'I was obviously disappointed not to get the win which would have put us in the play-offs. But it was a night I will remember for a long time.

'The crowd appreciated our efforts and they were tremendous. It reminded me of the atmosphere we had there on the night we beat Blackburn to win the championship.

'I'll now go into talks with my bosses to see what my future holds but we'll just have to wait and see.'

Stokes feels the quality on show on Sunday put paid to claims made on the Blackburn web-site that the Freeze resembled the ultra-violent Johnstown Chiefs side portrayed in the 1970s ice hockey film Slap Shot.

He said: 'We had a good talk before the game and we made sure we went out there and did Flintshire Freeze proud. We put on a good show for the fans, and we put all that rubbish aside from what was said by Blackburn to go out there and play good hockey.

'I'm definitely not disappointed. We ended on a winning season - we won eight, tied one and lost seven. If it is to be my last game I couldn't have asked for more.'

Mar 4 2005

Mold And Buckley Chronicle

Flintshire Freeze 6, Blackburn Hawks 7: THE Freeze's dreams of silverware came crashing to an end on Sunday night as bitter rivals Blackburn knocked them out of the play-off picture.

Needing a win to secure one of the two remaining places for the end of season tournament, Flintshire gave it their all in arguably the best match the Freezer faithful have seen all season.

The defeat means the Deesiders' season is now over, and with player-manager Mark Stokes still undecided about his future, a summer of uncertainty awaits the Freeze.

Yet they couldn't have done more in a contest that will live long live in the memory of the bumper home crowd.

With both of the play-off chasers intent on picking up the two points, fuel was added to an already potentially explosive clash when the Blackburn website made unsavoury comments about Stokes' men in the build up.

Yet to their credit the Freeze didn't rise to the bait. However, the officials were taking no chances and they stamped their authority seconds into the game when they sent Pete Founds and the Hawks' Neal Haworth to the sinbin for harsh 10 minute penalties.

Moments later, the hosts took the lead as Aaron Richardson rammed in the puck to give Flintshire a first minute goal.

Blackburn hit back through Adam Fuller as the match got off to a flyer, only to see the Freeze go back into the lead as Russ Richardson slammed home to make it 2-1 after good work by Rick Hughes.

But just before the 10 minute mark, Dave Costello was sent to the sidelines and Wayne Slater made use of the space as he weaved his way through the home defence to equalise with a powerplay goal.

Freeze netminder Matty Compton and opposite number Dave Clancy - himself a former Deesider - had to be at their sharpest as both sides piled forward.

Yet neither could do anything about the final two goals of the first period, as Costello returned to the ice to hammer in an unstoppable drive that made it 3-2, before Hawks' supremo Bobby Haig levelled it just before the hooter.

The break did little to lessen the pace, and Stokes grabbed his first of the evening moments into the second period, to ram the taunts of the vocal away support back down their throats.

Yet his opposite number Haig was in equally determined mood, as he levelled the scores for the fourth time.

And the Scotsman - a one-time target for Stokes' team - grabbed his hat-trick moments later on a powerplay after Steve Fellows received a two-minute penalty to give Blackburn the lead for the first time on the evening.

Assistant player-boss Fellows then had to leave the ice for good after a collision with Haig left him nursing a leg injury.

And the Freeze missed their key defender, as Greg Allen put daylight between the sides to make it 6-4 to the visitors going into the final period.

Blackburn were now in control, and Compton had to withstand mounting pressure.

Yet the keeper could do little to stop the brilliant Haig from grabbing his fourth of the match, which put his side into a commanding 7-4 lead.

But the hosts refused to give up as Tom King and Stokes - for the second time - scored to make it 6-7.

With time running out, the Freeze replaced man-of-the-match Compton with an extra outfield player, but Blackburn hung on to bring a premature, if thrilling, end to Flintshire's season.

Jan 27 2005

Wrexham Mail

DEFENDING title holders Flintshire Freeze were dethroned on Sunday night when champions-elect Sheffield Scimitars took a massive step closer to the ENIHL Division One (North) crown.

In the build-up to the match, Freeze player-manager Mark Stokes admitted the Scimitars were in a position where they could only throw away the championship. But they were in no mood to take their foot off the gas at Deeside Ice Rink.

Although the Freeze matched them in the first two periods, Sheffield, who have now won all 10 of their league games, simply went into over-drive in the final period as their superior finishing told.

The North East Wales outfit gave as good as they got early on, and Stokes' goal in the first period kept his side in it at 2-1.

The visitors then opened up a 3-1 lead shortly before the half-hour mark, but an individual special by Pete Founds reduced the deficit.

Yet the game changed in the final moments of the second period as Sheffield netted two quick goals to make it 5-2 going into the final 20 minutes.

And any hopes the Freeze had of coming back from three goals down evaporated seconds into the third period, as the league leaders netted their sixth before going onto to record a comfortable 11-3 victory. Canadian Ryan Liebrecht hit a fine consolation for the Freeze.

Stokes' side now travel to Billingham Bombers on Sunday as they bid to cement their place in the top four - which will qualify them for the end-of-season play-offs. nThe Flintshire Furies entertain Sheffield Shadows on Sunday in a challenge game at the Deeside Ice Rink.

The leading North East Wales women's team are taking a break from their Premier Division schedule, and boss Nick Venables says the friendly will give him a chance to see some of his squad play-ers in action.

Jan 28 2005

Flintshire Chronicle

MARK Stokes believes Flintshire Freeze are finding it hard to live up to last year's standards.

The long-serving player-boss said Sunday's 11-3 defeat to Sheffield Scimitars proved how far the gulf between the sides has become.

The Freeze pipped their steel city rivals to the last season's ENIHL Division One (North) title, but this year champions elect Sheffield have stormed back to win all ten of their games, leaving the Deesiders trailing in their wake.

So Stokes says he will use the end of season break to reflect on where he must take Flintshire in the future.

He said: 'We are going to struggle against a top side like Sheffield because of the infrastructure they've got in place.

'They've got great organisation at the club, and the city is big on ice hockey so they've always got pools of players to draw from, where it's harder for us.

'Teams like Sheffield have more depth. We've got quality in our squad but they've got more.

We weren't helped by losing five or six players from the title winning side.

'We are going through a transitional stage. The young players like Tom King have come in and done very well but we can't expect too much of them when they are playing against the top players in this league.'

Stokes says the league crown is now well out of their reach, so he has set his sights on a top four position to qualify for the play-offs.

The Freeze travel to fellow challengers Billingham Bombers on Sunday. They were in impressive form when they beat their English opponents 5-2 at the Deeside Ice Rink last month, and the boss thinks his side will have to put in a repeat performance to get anything from the contest.

He said: 'Billingham will be a very tough game - I'm under no illusions about that. We'll need our big players to really stand up. But we can do it.' * The Flintshire Furies entertain Sheffield on Sunday in a challenge game at the Deeside Ice Rink.

Jan 21 2005

Mold And Buckley Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze boss Mark Stokes has challenged his players to put on their best performance of the season when undefeated Sheffield Scimitars roll into the Deeside Ice Rink on Sunday (6.30pm).

The Yorkshiremen have won all eight of their league games this season and are the team Stokes believes are the main threat to his side's Division One (North) crown.

Sheffield, who were pipped to the title by the Freeze last season, are a point ahead of their old sparring partners in second, with three games in hand.

Having already beaten the Deesiders back in September, fired-up player-manager Stokes says his side can put the record straight - but only if they up their game.

He said: 'There's no doubt in my mind that it's going to be a hard match because they're a very difficult team to beat.

'To get the win we'll have to play our best game of the season. They're a powerful team with real strength in depth so you know you've been in a game when you've played them.

'They are the best team in the league at the moment. They are undefeated, but who better to beat them than the league champions?'

Stokes' plans to have a full strength side, however, have been hit by an injury to assistant-player manager Steve Fellows.

Fellows is one of the first names on the Freeze team-sheet, so if he does miss out Stokes has called on his players to fill the gap.

He said: 'Steve Fellows looks like he'll be out with a hand injury so that will be a big blow.

'He's our first line defence-man so we'll have to shuffle the lines about, which will mean players having to be on top form because we all need to play better than we did against Sunderland.'

The Freeze returned to winning ways last Sunday with an 8-5 win at the Sunderland Chiefs, and though Stokes admitted it wasn't a match that will live long in the memory, he was pleased to get back among the goals.

He said: 'Pete Founds and Ryan Liebrecht scored again and it was good for me to get goals as well.

'I'm feeling a little bit sharper after I was ill before Christmas.

'I'll be playing myself up front to hopefully get us the goals.'

Jan 20 2005

Wrexham Mail

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze playermanager Mark Stokes admits it was the points not the performance that he will remember from Sunday's victory at Sunderland Chiefs.

With the Wearsiders languishing near the bottom of Division One (North), the form guide suggested the defending champions would comfortably brush aside their hosts.

But, as Stokes predicted in the build-up, Sunderland made his North East Wales outfit work hard for the two points.

Yet with the Freeze being one of six sides contesting four play-off places, the victory in the early afternoon face-off represented a job very much done for the boss.

He said: 'It wasn't a particularly good match. I thought they tried their best to close off our game but we stuck to the game plan and we came away with the points.

'I wouldn't say we were at our best and we know we'll have to improve when we play the top teams.

'But with games on the road - when you haven't got your own fans behind you - you know you're always going to be in for a difficult challenge, so I'm pleased that we did enough for the win.'

The Freeze were boosted by the return of their younger players, who missed the 6-3 defeat at Nottingham Lions the week before due to their commitments with the U19s squad.

Their absence in that game left Stokes with a lack of options at crucial times.

He said: 'It was good to have them with us as it gave me the chance to rotate the lines and rest players when I needed to.

'It also allowed me to give certain players more ice time, like Phil Verstappen in goal, so that was one of the most positive aspects.'

Though youngsters Tom King and Rick Hughes helped themselves to singles, the experienced Stokes led the way with a hat-trick to add to his double against Nottingham.

Hot-shots Pete Founds and Ryan Liebrecht also notched goals, as did Neil Ireland, as the Freeze cemented their position of third in the championship.

Jan 7 2005

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze player-manager Mark Stokes believes his side must learn from past mistakes if they are to get anything from Sunday's clash with fellow title-chasers Nottingham Lions.

Third-placed Freeze were leading second-placed Lions in last month's encounter at the Deeside Ice Rink, before a lack of discipline in the home ranks handed the visitors a 5-3 win in the race for the ENIHL Division One (North) title.

Stokes was quick to blast his team's behaviour, but the defending champions showed their quality a week later in a 5-2 win over Billingham Bombers.

Although Stokes is confident before their return from the Christmas break, he will remind the Freeze players to keep their cool.

He said: 'It's always very difficult playing Nottingham, especially when they've got home advantage.

'The last game could have gone either way but we let ourselves down by giving away stupid penalties and they scored all of their goals off power plays.

'They're a very professional team who are well-disciplined and have excellent coaches, and their whole club is about structure.

'They try and get players to come through the ranks and into the Nottingham Panthers, who play in the Elite League. They've got a great stadium and good pad so we're looking forward to it.'

Stokes is hoping he will have a fully fit squad to choose from which will be boosted by the return of Russ Richardson from suspension.

He said: 'They have experienced, determined players so it's good news to get Russ back because he could make a big difference.

'I'm looking at taking a big squad to Nottingham, and I see no reason why we can't win the game.'

Meanwhile, next week's visit to Sunderland Chiefs has been moved back from Saturday to Sunday, January 16.

Jan 6 2005

Wrexham Mail

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze player-manager Mark Stokes is eyeing new year play-off glory.

The Flintshire boss admits his defending champions are in a real fight to retain their Division One (North) crown, so he's targeted the end-of-season tournament as the competition he'd most like to add to the club's trophy cabinet.

North East Wales's premier team failed to make it through to last year's final after winning only one of their six games. But with the Freeze poised for another top four finish - which means entry to the play-offs - Stokes is hoping they can improve on that showing.

With his side third in the standings, the Canadian is pleased with how the 2004/05 campaign is progressing, despite the loss of key players such as Simon Mills and Billy Price before the season's start.

Stokes said: 'I am pretty happy with the way things are going. We lost some players in the summer, but we've shown we are strong by being in the top three come the Christmas break, and we're in with a great chance of making the play-offs.

'It's going to be hard to win the title because Sheffield, who are top, haven't lost a game and don't look like dropping too many points.

'Our aim last year was to win the championship - which we did - and while our objective is still to get that back we're looking to do well in the playoffs. But it'll be a fight to get into them because the league is very strong, with five or six teams battling for the top four.'

To counter the loss of players from his championship-winning squad, Stokes promoted youngsters from the Under 19s team, to add to the signing of fellow countryman Ryan Liebrecht.

And the boss believes, nine games in, his new-look team are beginning to gel.

He said: 'In our last game against Billingham we proved we are capable of playing great hockey.

'We're getting a good balance. Ryan's really finding his feet and the young players are doing well.

'Tom King has scored some really big goals for us and, like him, Ric Hughes has come through the U19s and adapted quickly.

'Hopefully we'll be able to keep that consistency to the end of the season and we'll be up there again.'

The Freeze return to action on Sunday, when they travel to Nottingham Lions.

Dec 23 2004

Wrexham Mail

ICE HOCKEY: A SEVERELY depleted Furies side came back from the capital empty-handed to end their year with defeat.

Yet team manager Nick Venables stressed there were many positives to take out of the game.

With a number of key players missing through injury and work commitments, the Furies' cause was hardly helped when they were held up on the way to Cardiff, which meant they arrived just before the face-off.

But Venables, who had to make a number of changes to his first choice starting line-up, said: 'We started well and applied pressure to Cardiff, which is a credit to the team as we only arrived 10 minutes before face-off.

'We played Catherine Spowage in the first and third period. She's a fringe player but played extremely well and nearly managed to score on two occasions. It's done her confidence a lot of good, which will help improve her game.

'Sarah Nuttall, in defence, also had a good game, breaking down some of the Cardiff plays and forcing them into mistakes, while Hannah Beaumont really troubled their defence with her speed, but just couldn't covert it into a goal.'

Though the defeat meant the Furies slipped down the standings, the game took on extra significance as it acted as the first leg of the Welsh Cup final.

Meanwhile, Beth Kavanagh has been selected for the Great Britain squad's trip to South Africa. The 15-year-old Furies forward has been in top-flight form.

Venables said: 'We're immensely proud of Beth, who thor-oughly deserves her place on the team, it's something she's been working toward ever since she started playing hockey.'

The Furies enjoy a break before they welcome Telford Wreckin Rangers to the Deeside Ice Rink on Sunday, January 9.

Dec 23 2004

Wrexham Mail

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze assistant player-manager Steve Fellows insists he and boss Mark Stokes have no regrets about missing out on promotion to the English Premier Ice Hockey League.

Stokes led the North East Wales outfit to the 2003/04 ENIHL Division One (North) title, which gave them the chance to climb the pyramid.

Yet insufficient funding meant the Freeze, backed by Flintshire County Council, were unable to make the transition. Fellows, though, prefers to concentrate on the positives.

He said: 'To run an ice hockey team is a very expensive business, so after the season ended we were looking to get big sponsorship deals.

'You need that when you play in the Premier League because there is a lot more travelling involved, as you are going to places like the Isle of Wight and often playing two games a weekend.

'We also lost a number of important players in the summer, so we were wondering whether we had a big enough squad to stay in the Premier, because if you're losing most weeks attendances will fall and morale will drop.

'Although we are sponsored by the council - which we are grateful for - we also need other revenue.

'That's why we were very pleased to have local businesses like Quay Mortgages and The Hockey Stop sponsoring us.

'But we're doing very well. And it's a big thank you to everyone who has helped us.'

Fellows also paid tribute to the fundraising efforts of the Freeze fans, who have been bidding to buy shirts as worn by the players from the successful title-winning squad, which has ploughed hundreds of pounds back into the club.

Meanwhile, one player who will not be hitting the Deeside ice once the season resumes in January is Aaron Davies.

The ex-Manchester Phoenix ace returned to the Freezer at the start of the campaign, but after a difference of opinion with the Flint-shire officials Davies has signed for league rivals Blackburn Hawks, joining another ex-Deesider - netminder Dave Clancy.

Businesses interested in sponsoring Flintshire Freeze can call Steve Fellows at the Deeside Leisure Centre on 01244 814725.

Dec 17 2004

North Wales Weekly News

ICE HOCKEY: STEVE Fellows hit a brace to set the Freeze on their way to victory over title rivals Billingham on Sunday night, writes Paul Wheelock.

The assistant player-manager's long-range strikes settled any nerves the defending champions may have had following their defeat to the Nottingham Lions the week before, as the Freeze moved up to second.

After player-of-the-match Fellows netted his second to make it 2-1, the hosts, backed by a vocal Freezer faithful, took control and ran out comfortable winners.

The delighted number two said: 'They are doing very well in the league and, to be honest, I thought it may have been more difficult than it was because results have been going their way, but we stayed disciplined.

'It was good to get the first goal. It was from a power play, Ryan Liebrecht played me in and the keeper had about four bodies in front of him as it flew in.

'The second one was also pleasing and Ryan assisted again. It's nice to score a couple of goals because when you play in defence you don't always get the recognition you do as a forward. But the most important thing was that we got the win.'

Without the suspended Dave Costello and Russ Richardson, Fellows and Mark Hobson lined up in defence with player-manager Mark Stokes playing further back than his usual attacking position.

The changes seemed to have no effect on the Freeze as the sharp Liebrecht came close to giving them an early lead. The Canadian had a hand in the first, laying off for Fellows to smash home.

Bombers netminder Ricky Ashton had a busy opening spell but home stopper Matty Compton also had to be alert to deny Andrew Fletcher in a tight first period.

The visitors began the second in a more positive fashion, and after Freeze top scorer Pete Founds nearly turned the puck into his own net, Martin Lewis put Billingham level on 29 minutes, just moments after cracking the post.

The goal served to knock the Deesiders out of their stride and it was only when the visitors were penalised and reduced to four outfield players that they regained their composure, as Fellows took Liebrecht's pass and hammered home another thunderous strike to make it 2-1.

And Liebrecht was rewarded for his selflessness on 36 minutes when he squeezed his shot under Ashton.

The summer signing was on fire and he made it easy for Founds to net his 14th of the season a minute into the final period.

Stokes' team were now in complete command and Steve Elliott made the game safe with 12 minutes to go when he broke clear and rifled past the Billingham keeper at his near post, after feigning a pass to Aaron Richardson.

Fletcher pulled one back for the Bombers as they tried to find a way back into the game. But their desperation boiled over into violence as Robert Dowd did his best to provoke a reaction after missing a presentable chance.

But the Freeze stuck to Stokes' pre-match plea for self-discipline and brushed off his attempts to force a fight to run down the clock and collect two points.

Dec 3 2004

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze player-manager Mark Stokes has paid tribute to number two Steve Fellows for steadying the ship while he has been ill.

Stokes missed the Freeze's last game with Kingston Jets after suffering a sinus infection that ruled him out of the 7-5 victory.

The chief made his way to the Deeside Ice Rink but soon realised there way no way he would be able to even run the bench, and so handed full control over to assistant player-manager Fellows.

Stokes said: 'Steve did a brilliant job and from my understanding of the people I spoke to, he made some very smart decisions that won us the game.

'What I always wanted to do was to give someone a share of the responsibility and that is exactly what Steve is doing while I'm up in Glasgow.

'I had to give him a call before the Kingston game to say I just wasn't going to be able to do it, but he took on that role. I know how difficult it is to play and run the bench so it's all credit to him.

'So for Steve to call me after the game and say we won with 38 seconds to go was absolutely brilliant and made me feel better.'

Yet Stokes admits he's not sure whether he will line up for the Freeze in Sunday's top of the table clash with Nottingham Lions at Deeside (6.30pm), as a troublesome back injury - picked up during his illness - could yet rule him out.

But the supremo will definitely be at the game and he reckons even if he doesn't make the ice, his Division One (North) leaders will be up to the challenge posed by the second-placed Lions.

'I'd say I should be fully fit but I don't want to put any unforeseen pressures on myself,' he said.

'Nottingham are an extremely well-organised team who will fully test us. They are very disciplined and we are in for a difficult match - there's no doubt about that.

'But we have a real cohesiveness about our team. Tom King and Ryan Liebrecht are two of the players who've come in and impressed, while Phil Verstappen is in great form in goal. Matty Compton's getting frustrated on the bench because he's a great goalkeeper, but that's the reality of the situation when you're winning games.'

The Flintshire Furies return to action tomorrow when they travel to Premier Division leaders Slough Phantoms.

Nov 26 2004

Flintshire Chronicle

STEVE Fellows hailed the battling qualities of Flintshire Freeze after their barnstorming last-gasp victory over Kingston Jets.

Player-assistant manager Fellows took charge of the Deesiders after supremo Mark Stokes had to miss the match through illness. And the ace, who keeps the Freeze ticking over while Stokes lives and works in Scotland, said: 'It was a very difficult match and in some respects we were quite lucky to get a result because we won it with just 38 seconds to go when Tom King scored to make it 6-5.

'Tom is a very aggressive player who came through the Under 19s to make the first team this year. He showed his character out there and really stood up.

'Like Tom, Ryan Liebrecht got two goals, which he deserved. I've been saying to Ryan in training that the goals will come, and they did against Kingston.

'Phil Verstappen was excellent in goal and that's why he's keeping his place. He came in for the Bradford game and only conceded two goals, and then he was one of the main reasons why we won at Whitley. Matty Compton is a great keeper, but when a player is hot, he's hot.'

Apart from the thrilling hockey, the match will be remembered for a full-scale brawl that left the Freeze with two men down.

Yet to Fellows - and not least the fervent home support - opponents Kingston were equal participants in the fracas. However, the officials deemed the hosts were the instigators, meaning Kingston, once the melee had died down, lined-up with extra players on the ice.

Fellows said of the men in the middle: 'Firstly, it should have been a penalty to us, but they never gave it and we found ourselves five against three.

'When that happens you should score because you should just play around the three, but we did enough.

'Yet when we got the players back on the ice they scored twice to level it up, and that was down to our tiredness of playing with three men. But we got the winner because we refused to give up.

'The fans could see that and they were brilliant. It was like a play-off atmosphere out there.'

ICE HOCKEY: FLINTSHIRE Freeze player-coach Mark Stokes is in talks with Blackburn Hawks marksman Bobby Haig.

Stokes is keen to add Haig's firepower to his title winning squad, and this week spoke of his intentions to capture the experienced forward.

Although the North East Wales club are the defending ENIHL Division One (North) championship, the Hawks have made a roaring start to the 2004/05 campaign, so the purchase of the free-scoring Haig would be a significant dent to one of the Freeze's biggest rivals.

Stokes is playing his cards close to his chest. He said: 'I'm having talks with him this week so I'd have to say it's very early days in the negotiations.

'I think he's just had enough at Blackburn, and being quite close to us it would be convenient for him to come here.

'But it is too early to say anything for definite because you have to give a month's notice, so if we get him it's looking like early December.'

Haig played 46 games for the Hawks last season, smashing 60 goals and making 68 assists.

But Blackburn's participation in the Premier Cup - a competition in which the Freeze will play no part - has increased the number of games Haig will be needed for and Stokes believes that may influence his decision.

He said: 'Blackburn are playing two games every weekend and you have to take into respect that players have lives and families and sometimes you cannot just commit that much.

'We play less games here and it'll give him the opportunity to get back to enjoying his hockey.

'He and I used to play 50 to 60 games a season but that's just not realistic.'

With the Freeze only competing in league action this season, Stokes reckons a fully fired-up Haig could help his side to further honours.

He said: 'He's been a veteran of the league for quite some time now. He's always stood out at this level and he's had so many great games against us.

'He'd be a great addition to the squad.' The Freeze return to league action with a trip to Bradford Bulldogs on Sunday (5.30pm face off).

Oct 8 2004

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: MARK Stokes says Flintshire Freeze will have to shake off their injury and suspension headaches to take anything from tomorrow's game at Kingston Jets (5pm).

Although it's nearly two weeks since Freeze's cruel 7-3 defeat at Sheffield Scimitars, player-coach Stokes' selection problems have not eased.

Absentees Ryan Liebrecht (broken jaw) and Luke Stretton (punctured lung) have been joined on the sidelines by Dave Costello, who picked up a three-match ban after an altercation at Ice Sheffield.

Stokes said: 'Ryan Liebrecht will definitely be out and Dave will also be missing, so we are going to be without a fair few players but, hopefully, the players we do have available will do a job for us.

'But Kingston are a tough team to beat on their own ice, and they showed us that last year when we just sneaked a win there. It's going to be a challenge.'

Stokes was quick to reassure fans that confidence is still high among the camp, despite the loss to last season's runners-up Sheffield.

Indeed, the Canadian feels the defending ENHL Division One (North) champions will be soon be up to full speed.

He said: 'We feel we can beat anybody on our day.

'If we concentrate we'll cut down on the mistakes in the last few minutes like we did at Sheffield. We're confident.'

Flintshire Furies begin a bumper weekend of action tomorrow by welcoming last season's Premier Division winners Sunderland Scorpions to the Deeside Ice Rink (4.15pm).

Nick Venables' girls then travel to Sheffield on Sunday for a clash with the Shadows (2.15pm).

Team manager Venables said: 'Sunderland are a strong team who won the league last year and, from early reports, they're looking good again.

'But we do have a reputation of raising our game to another level when playing this type of team, and our style of play does tend to break up a lot of their systems. So we will still be going out for a win even if the odds are against us.'

The game is the Furies' first since their narrow home defeat to Swindon Top Cats, as last week-end's cup game at Billingham was cancelled. Venables was disappointed at the late call-off as returning ace Kirstie Jones was primed for her first start of the season.

'Kirstie was our second highest goal scorer last season and will add depth to the team,' he said.

Jones will be pushing for a place in the line-ups for both the Sunderland encounter and the trip to Sheffield a day later.

Sep 30 2004

Wrexham Mail

ICE HOCKEY: INJURY-HIT Freeze were just 10 minutes away from a valuable draw at fellow title favourites Sheffield.

The Freeze went into the big ENHL Division One (North) match without key-men Luke Stretton, Aaron Davies, Peter Norgate and Neil Ireland, and their hopes were further hindered when new signing Ryan Liebrecht suffered a broken jaw.

But that didn't stop the Freeze - Peter Founds and Steve Elliot - holding the hosts to 2-2 until the dying moments.

Player coach Mark Stokes said: 'We ran of gas. We were level with 10 minutes to go and we'd put everything into it.

'We seem to be dropping like flies at the moment so it's going to a be a difficult couple of weeks.

'The all-round performance against Sheffield was good and with a bit more luck we could have won it.'

The Freeze have no game on Sunday.

Flintshire Furies went down 3-2 in a tight game at home to Swindon Top Cats. Next up for the Furies is an away cup match at Billingham on Sunday.

Sep 24 2004

Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: SPARKS will fly as two of the title favourites, Flintshire Freeze and Sheffield Scimitars, go head-to-head on Sunday (5.45pm).

The Freeze pipped their steel-city rivals to last year's ENHL Division One (North) league title by just one point, and player-coach Mark Stokes is expecting a titanic battle at the Sheffield rink.

Stokes said: 'Sheffield is a big, big game. It's definitely going to be a difficult game for us because they have a strong side with a lot of good players.

'We'll have to keep it close in the first two periods and I'd be delighted if we could get the win.'

The Deesiders go into the game buoyed by their performance in the season's curtain raiser against Bradford.

Stokes' team ripped into the hapless Bulldogs to secure a 14-3 victory.

Stokes was particularly impressed with how the team implemented tactics used in pre-season training.

'We were trying a lot of new combinations, and for it to be the first game, it worked really well,' he said.

All eyes will be on the coach's selection as he may have newcomer Ryan Liebrecht, a powerful forward, at his disposal.

Like Stokes, Liebrecht is a Canadian which means they will have to alternate their times on the ice, as the rules state only one foreign player can be playing at one time.

The Freeze's other new signing, Luke Stretton, has dislocated his shoulder.

Flintshire Furies also go looking for their second straight win when they welcome Swindon Top Cats to the Deeside Ice Rink on Sunday (6.30pm, free admission).

The Furies made a good start to the Premier Division campaign with a 6-2 success at Telford Wrekin Rangers, and coach Nick Venables was pleased with how the girls played.

Sep 23 2004

Wrexham Mail

ICE HOCKEY: DEFENDING champions Flintshire Freeze made a commanding start to the new campaign with a heavy defeat of the Bulldogs on Sunday.

North East Wales' premier ice hockey side - and the ENHL Division One (North) title-holders - simply had too much pace and power for their shell-shocked opponents, as they raced to a 11-point victory.

Man of the match Aaron Richardson celebrated an opening game hat-trick, while Peter Founds smashed four goals.

Aaron Davies, on his return to Deeside after his experience with Elite club Manchester Phoenix, added a brace, while Tom King celebrated his promotion from the Under-19 side with a strike.

Peter Norgate (2), Steve Fellows (1) and Richard Hughes (1) were the other Freeze scorers at the Ice Rink.

Next up for Mark Stokes' men is an away trip to Sheffield Scimitars - the side the Freeze pipped to the league title last season.

And player coach Stokes has revealed his squad will be joined by fellow Canadian, Ryan Liebrecht for Sunday's clash.

The forward has been playing in his native country and Stokes is excited by his arrival.

'He's a very good ice hockey player,' he said. 'He'll really help us push for honours and I expect him to make us stronger in attack. He'll give us a new dimension and we're very happy to have him.'

The Flintshire Furies also made a fine start to the season with a comprehensive victory at Telford Wrekin Raiders.

New-girls Telford were given a harsh introduction to life in the Premier Division, as the Furies ran out 6-2 winners.

Star of the show was Beth Kavanagh as she grabbed a hat-trick, while Charlene Chapman, Becky Bradley and Emma Brown all hit singles.

Next up for Nick Venables' side is a home encounter with Swindon on Sunday.

Face-off is 6.15pm at the Deeside Ice Rink, and admission is free.

Sep 17 2004

By Paul Wheelock, Flintshire Chronicle

ICE HOCKEY: MARK STOKES leads Flintshire Freeze back on to the ice this weekend as they bid to land back-to-back league titles.

Player coach Stokes is in no doubts to how hard it will be to defend the English Division One (North) League crown, but he believes he has the squad to do just that as he prepares for Sunday's curtain raiser against Bradford Bulldogs at the Deeside Ice Rink.

'It's definitely great to be back and I hope our crowd are looking forward to seeing us come back as champions,' said Stokes, 38.

'The training camps we've been holding have been really good. I've seen some very good performances from the players and they will all be pushing for a place for Sunday. The new signings have also really fitted in well.'

Danny Binns and Tom King have been promoted from the Under-19s, while forward Luke Stretton, who has had experience with Altrincham, has signed up.

But the player Stokes is most excited about is fellow Canadian Ryan Liebrecht.

Liebrecht, 26, has been playing in his native country and Stokes believes the forward can add firepower to the attack.

'He's a very good ice hockey player,' said the coach. 'He'll really help us push for honours and I expect him to make us stronger in attack. He'll give us a new dimension and we're very happy to have him.'

Liebrecht has been granted international clearance and his work permit and visa is now in place. But he will have to wait until the second game at Sheffield to make his Freeze debut, as he missed the deadline to play against Bradford.

The Freeze could have moved up to the Premier League after winning the league last year but the coach said it wasn't possible as his players couldn't cope with the more demanding schedule and greater financial input needed to survive in the competitive Premier.

But that's not dampened the coach's enthusiasm for the new campaign.

Stokes commented: 'Our aim is to win the title, but realistically we want to finish top four and I think we should be able to do that.

'But most importantly we want to entertain the fans.'

The Flintshire Furies girls skate back into action this weekend with a trip to promoted Telford Wrekin Raiders.

The Furies, led by coach Nick Venables, are only too aware of how hard it is in the first season in the Premier Division, having gone through it themselves last year.

The Furies finished second from bottom and Venables is hoping his team will give Telford a harsh introduction into life in the top flight.

He said: 'It is a big step up and it's definitely a lot different from Division One.

'We've regrouped a much stronger team because of what happened last season and we expect to win against Telford.'

Gemma Latham, Leigh Hetherington and Cat Fell - all signed from Blackburn Thunder - will be in the squad for Sunday's game, but Faye Andrews has joined Kingston Diamonds, while Kirstie Jones has moved to the Under-16 team.

Furies' home games, played on Sunday's at the Deeside Ice Rink, have free entry.

Admission for Freeze matches is £3.75 for adults and £2.75 for children. Family tickets (two adults, two children) are £10.

Full Freeze fixture list will appear in next week's Chronicle. YOUNG CHAMP: Sealand's Adam Sterry. VC150904biker-4 This is Adam's first season in the competition, in which he has faced boys up to two years older than him. But John knew two races into the cham-