A decade of AllStars Hockey is celebrated at Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay this weekend. #Cardiff17. Cardiff Devils stars past and present skate out to launch a three-day celebration of ice hockey at Ice Arena Wales tonight (Friday, 7.30pm). The ProAllstars Legends teams, captained by Ian Cooper and Max Birbraer, go head-to-head this evening and their teams include a number of current Devils. An eight-team tournament is then played over the next two days, throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Ten years. 10 charities. Three days of high quality ice hockey.
Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay has been taken over by the UK Charity AllStars, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary and have raised more than £130,000 over the decade.
The two teams clashing in this evening’s (Friday) legends match this evening represent the Ice Hockey Players’ Benevolent Fund and SCIPS (Cardiff UHW neonatal unit) charities.
Throughout Saturday and Sunday eight teams competing in the tournament are Ty Hafan Hockey All-Stars, Blue Cross AllStars, UK Allstar Heroes, Breast Cancer Care Hockey, Team BHF UK Charity All-Stars, Team Wales Air Ambulance All Stars, Prostate Cancer UK, Dreams Come True Ice Hockey.
Around £10,000 has been added to the AllStars cash total over the last week – and that doesn’t include ticket sales, weekend admission, jersey or 50-50 sales, or other donations.
“Once again we’ve run out of words to describe how incredible the effort of so many people has been,” says Allstars chairman Paul Sullivan.
“Every year we are all stunned by the commitment of our Allstars, and this year, fittingly for our 10th anniversary, has been on a whole new level.
“The best part for us is that we still get to welcome everyone to Cardiff, meet old friends, make new ones, and do our best to make a difference for some great causes.
“The best part of Allstars is always the weekend itself and we can’t wait to see events unfold.”
AllStars Hockey Weekend
Friday (7.30pm). A chance to support current and former Devils players in the legends game.
There are five current Devils playing – Josh Batch, Mark Richardson, Jake Morissette, Thomas Murdy, Craig Moore – and many Devils legends including Steve Moria, Nicky Chinn, Jason Stone, Ian Cooper, Max Birbraer and Hilton Ruggles.
The legends teams:
Ice Hockey Players Benevolent Fund (red jerseys): Ian Cooper (capt), Callum Buglass, James Manson, Brian Biddulph, Robert Dowd, Simon Keating, Robbie Morris, Craig Moore, Steve Moria, Owen Griffiths, Neil Francis, Mark Richardson, Jake Morissette, Chris Jones, Alex Symonds, Paul Sample, Matt Foord, Richie Hargreaves, Stevie Lyle (nm), Thomas Murdy (nm).
Special Care Infant Parent Support (SCIPS): Max Birbraer (capt), Phil Manny, Graham Waghorn, Simon Hunt, Phil Hill, Nicky Chinn, Jason Stone, David Heath, Josh Batch, Luke Piggott, Hilton Ruggles, Alan Armour, Michael Stratford, Merv Priest, Kenton Smith, Mark Smith, Lee Richardson, Les Millie, Joseph Myers (nm), Dan Weller-Evans (nm).
Ticket information
Online at https://cardiffdevils.cloudvenue.co.uk via 0800 0842 666. Spectators can pay on the door.
AllStars tournament over the weekend.
Games are taking place all day on Saturday and Sunday. Find out more about the eight teams via http://ukcharityallstars.com/charity-teams/
Learn more about the event by visiting http://ukcharityallstars.com online.
Ice Hockey Players’ Benevolent Fund and SCIPS
A little more about some of the legends players:
Paul Sample: Great Britain international who split his Elite League playing career across Belfast, Sheffield and Cardiff before captaining his home town team Newcastle Vipers.
Matt Foord: Veteran of more than 800 games, mainly for Slough, Bracknell and Swindon. Also earned numerous Elite League call ups for London Racers, Nottingham Panthers and Cardiff Devils.
Richie Hargreaves: Bristol Pitbulls player-coach for the last eight years iced for two Cardiff Devils appearances, scoring 3 assists.
Hilton Ruggles: His 17-year UK ice hockey career spanned across Whitley Bay, Solihull, Manchester, Newcastle, Coventry and, of course, three successful years in Cardiff where he holds the club record of 100 goals scored in a single season.
Alan Armour: There can be few players who enjoy their hockey as much as the 41-year-old. Has spent the last two seasons with the Championship-winning Cardiff Fire.
Michael Stratford: A 6ft 4ins winger, aged 20. Will play for Cardiff Fire in the coming season.
Merv Priest: British-born, Canadian-trained Priest was a key player for Telford, Basingstoke, Cardiff and Great Britain.
Kenton Smith and Mark Smith: Brothers who both played for Cardiff Devils.
Lee Richardson: Has just announced his playing retirement, but has agreed to play in the legends game. His 17-year professional career was predominantly with hometown club Swindon. He also played for Coventry, Bracknell, Slough and Cardiff.
Les Millie: Kirkcaldy-born and trained Millie. Played for Sheffield Steelers.