News
Nottingham Panthers oldest fan has died.
Cyril Laws, who was 94, had been supporting the Panthers for over 64 years and was at the very first Panthers game way back in 1946.
Cyril, from Beeston, Nottingham was the guest of honour at the clubs sixtieth aniversary game a few years ago and was an honorary season ticket holder and despite his age, continued to watch most home games and was eagerly looking forward to the new season.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio Nottingham in 2006 Cyril had said that the game hasn’t changed much since 1946 but admitted he loved the creature comforts of the National Ice Centre compared with the teams former home, the Notttingham Ice Stadium.
However he was very much impressed with the comforts of the new National Ice Centre compared to the old Notttingham Ice Stadium.
He died peacefully in his sleep and our thoughts are with his family.
General Manager Gary Moran said on the Panthers website today : “Cyril was a true supporter and a true gentleman. He was a Panthers’ supporter win, lose or draw and you don’t get better than Cyril. We will miss seeing him at games and thank him for his unwavering loyalty and support.
The CrazyKennys.com Spring Classic
Team slots are filling up for the 10 team Dek Hockey tournament on Bank Holiday Monday 5th April at Virtual Ice in Rotherham.
Teams already confirmed are :
Arnold Wolves A
Arnold Wolves B
Fosse City Outlaws
Sheffield Storm
Sheffield Ice Tigers
North East Dekstars
Teams wishing to compete please contact Rob Clayton at clayton.rob@googlemail.com – but be quick.
Hockey Referee dies in freak accident
A hockey referee died when the puck hit him in the back of the head as he was officiating a junior (Under 18) game in Sollefteå, Northern Sweden.
The man, a 62 year old, died shortly after the incident, local Police said although the referee was wearing a helmet the puck struck a fatal blow when it hit him high on the back of the neck where the helmet offers little protection.
“The puck struck the referee between the nape (of the neck) and the lower part of his head, just below where the helmet stops,” said Börje Öhman, a police officer in Västernorrland County
Efforts were made to revive him but he was pronounced dead before the ambulance had reached hospital.
The players in the under 18 game, some of whom were as young as 15, were distraught after the incident.
“They were very upset and were worried for the boy that shot the puck, wondering what would happen to him” a coach told the local radio station P4
According to a Swedish ice hockey federation official it is the first time an ice hockey related death of this kind has occured in Sweden.
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