Local ice hockey team the Sutton Sting have had a sneak peek at their new “home”, the ice rink at the newly built Lammas Leisure Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The Sting, which was established in 2005, is affiliated to the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) and has teams at Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 with children as young as 3 years old getting involved. The new rink at the Lammas Leisure Centre is bigger than their previous home meaning they will be able play home league matches for the first time.
The team is set to move from their home to the Lammas rink when the centre is officially opened by Dame Kelly Holmes on Saturday 1st November. During the special visit this week the Sting players were able to step on to the ice for the very first time which caused quite a stir among the younger players. 7 year old Ryan Apsley who plays for the U10 team said “The new rink looks really cool and much better than the old ice rink, I can’t wait to play here!”
The Lammas ice rink is a core feature of the “state of the art” new leisure centre which also boasts a 25m swimming pool and accompanying learner pool, a 4 court sports hall, 100 station gym fitness suite, 3 dance/multiuse rooms, a purpose built crèche, a bowls hall and 2 squash courts.
Ashfield residents are being invited to visit the new Centre at a special open day on Saturday 1st November when Dame Kelly will officially open the centre, and visitors will be able to sign up for a free Everyone Active Leisure Card allowing them to receive information on ongoing promotions and offers, as well as use of the facilities on a pay-as-you-go basis.
The Lammas Leisure Centre will offer a full range of activities for young people including sports lessons, fun sessions and clubs. You can even book to host special parties at the ice rink and pool for birthdays and other special occasions.
Sutton Sting Head Coach Rob Saunders said: “We are really looking forward to starting our new training programme at the new rink from Monday 3rd November, I know the kids will be looking forward to getting on the ice at the Lammas Leisure Centre.” Rob who played for the Sheffield Steelers has been skating at the old Sutton rink for almost thirty years, he added “this new place is a world away from where I learned to skate and play hockey, Ashfield District Council should be congratulated for bringing this fantastic new facility to the people of Sutton and the district.”
Mr Saunders’ comments were echoed by Sting Club Chairman Ian Johnson who said “Our club is becoming successful and growing in popularity. I am delighted to have these wonderful new facilities available to us and I look forward to continuing to develop a strong relationship with the Centre Manager, Richard Chatwin and his dedicated team. It is a fantastic venue and I hope the Sting can do the Lammas proud”.
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Issue date: 23/10/2008