A Celebration of Ice Hockey 10th Anniversary Special 12th February 2001

In January 1991 Blackburn Arena staged the first Ice Hockey match to be held in Blackburn. To commemorate the tenth anniversary a special Ice Hockey match will be staged with teams drawn from the current and previous Blackburn teams. The game is being run on a 'cost only' basis by Blackburn Arena with an agreed amount per ticket sold being contributed to the NSPCC.

For ice hockey fans in the area and nationally it will be a mouthwatering event as it sees many of the former stars joining several of the current team in action in the game. Star attraction will be former Hawks player-coach Steve Moria who is currently a key member of the Cardiff Devils in the Ice Hockey Superleague. Steve has enjoyed the role of captain of the Great Britain team over the past few seasons and as such is important to all ice hockey followers in the country.

Former players joining Steve on the evening include John Haig, Bobby Haig, Jim Pennycook, Craig Britton, Neil Abel, Lee Cowmeadow, Jon Cotton, Paul Hannant, Gordon Whyte, Dan Mackriel, Billy Price, George Powell, Glenn Knight, Ged Smith, Paul Fleury, Simon Mills, Tim Dempsey, Dave Shepherd and Simon Ferry amongst others. Players are still being lined up for the event and some surprise arrivals will be kept for the game.

Lex Auto Logistics is providing kit sponsorship to produce special shirts for each of the teams, the shirt production is also supported by contributions from the manufacturer, Topspeed of Sheffield. After the game the shirts will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to the NSPCC. Blackburn Arena has generously agreed that any further shirt sponsorships obtained will be passed on in full to the NSPCC. Lex Auto Logistics has taken an active role in setting up the connection with the NSPCC which is the company's adopted charity. Ice hockey is very much a family sport and as such has a natural affinity to the NSPCC, most clubs have direct links with children's charities, both national and local.

A limited number of 'Heroes' shirts will be produced for those players who can't make it to the game but still have a place in Blackburn history. For example Oleg Sinkov will be so honoured as will Ryan Kummu. Shirt bids can be made in advance of the game through the Hawks supporters club. A maximum of 60 shirts only (including those worn in the game) will be produced for this event. There will be no duplication of shirts.

Tickets will be priced at £5 each with no concessions due to the charitable contributions involved. Special discounts are available for pre-booking through Blackburn Arena but these will be limited to applications from other Supporters Clubs throughout the UK. Please contact Blackburn Arena on 01254 263063, fax 01254 691516. Tickets obtained by this route will not reduce the contributions to the NSPCC.

Blackburn Arena is a 3,200 capacity ice rink in the centre of Blackburn, it boasts an Olympic sized ice pad (60m x 30m), superb sight lines and full plexi-glass barriers surrounding the ice surface. Great Britain international ice hockey games have been held here in the past as well as European Cup fixtures.

Lex Auto Logistics is a major local employer based in Chorley, Lancashire. They are a specialist provider of after-market logistics, marketing and support services to client partners in the automotive and related products industry. Clients include DAF, Leyland Trucks, LDV, Hyundai Car, Isuzu Truck and Vauxhall. Further information can be obtained from Julie Smith at Lex Auto Logistics, 01257 265531 or by visiting Lexmultipart.com.

This site is copyright of Tony Preece, July 2000.