Shaw welcomes in new era for Freeze

Aug 19 2005

Flintshire Chronicle

FLINTSHIRE Freeze are gearing up for the new season and rookie manager Gary Shaw can't wait to take to the ice. The Freeze welcome Bradford to the Deeside rink for the first game of the 2005-06 ENIHL Northern Conference on Sunday, September 4, and a host of new players will be on show. The match will be the first of a new era for the club following the decision of founder and player-manager Mark Stokes to hang up his skates. And, to honour the contribution made by Stokes, his number 93 shirt has been retired and will hang on display. Shaw said: 'No-one will ever play for Flintshire Freeze wearing number 93 again. Mark's shirt and number retired with him and we have decided the shirt will hang with the flags above the ice for all to see.' According to Shaw, Stokes will be an interested spectator at some of the club's games this season. He said: 'Mark is away in Canada at the moment but has said he will be coming to some games to support us, depending on his work commitments. 'But I know he's always on the end of a phone if I need advice.' For the coming season, Shaw has poached net-minder Rick Ashton from rivals Billingham, and says he is a top player who can win games with his shot-stopping. He said: 'Rick's got a 91% save average and is a huge signing for us. 'We have also signed Mike Lowe, another net-minder who can do us a job. Mike plays roller hockey for Great Britain but looks good on ice, too. He'll be there to help out Rick and Phil Versappen. 'We have also brought in Jamie Pennant, a former Altrincham player who was with Kingston last season. He's a good forward and basic allrounder. 'And we've re-signed Alan Hough, who is tremendous player. He couldn't take to the ice last term because of work commitments but he's back this season and that's a huge boost to us. He's got real pedigree.' The Freeze have been training hard for the last six weeks and Shaw says there will be more games for fans to enjoy this season as the club has entered the ENIHL Cup, with the first match against Kingston scheduled for October 30. He said: 'We wanted to get more games in and keep our fans interested. 'The new season is only weeks away and none of us can wait to get going. Bring it on!'

Freeze are all fired up for new season

Freeze boss Stokes quits

Jun 30 2005

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

'It would be massive blow to lose keeper'

May 12 2005

Wrexham Mail

MARK Stokes says he doesn't expect netminder Matty Compton to be at Flintshire Freeze next season. Player-boss Stokes admits the highly rated stopper is destined for a higher level, with Premier League outfits Telford Wild Foxes and Solihull Kings interested. The Canadian, still undecided about his own future at the North East Wales club, reckons it would be a massive blow if Compton - who has risen through the Flintshire ranks - departed. Stokes said: 'We wouldn't stop him if he wants to go and test himself at a better standard. 'But there's no doubt it would be a massive blow because he's become very important to us. 'On one hand, it's great to see we are producing players who go on to play at a higher standard - like Marc Lovell before Matty. But what worries me is that we won't have the same talent coming through to replace the quality we lose.' Stokes was speaking after the Freeze's end-of-season awards do last Friday. Tom King, in his first season after being promoted from the Under 19s, won player of the year, Steve Elliot picked up the coach's player of the year while Ben Foster collected the players' player of the year gong. Stokes said: 'Tom has come up from the U19s and really established himself in the side. He was last season's real success story. He scored some big goals for us and he deserves his award. 'Steve was the coach's choice and he's a worthy winner because he's been consistently good. He always plays at a high level, game-in game-out. 'And Ben's the same. He works hard, is willing to listen and is a great person to have around the dressing room.'