Guildford Flames coach Paul Dixon has called retiring forward Jez Lundin a “remarkable representative” after his former captain hung up his skates.
The American-born defenceman leaves the Spectrum after 11 years and a haul of winners medals including two former English Premier League titles.
But Dixon paid tribute to Lundin as an era ended at the club.
“Not many people in any sport get the chance to say they played for 11 professional seasons let alone 11 straight seasons with the same club on top of prior experience in other places,” the Guildford coach said.
“Jez has been a remarkable representative of this club in different leagues. No matter what role he was assigned at different times over that stretch, he embraced every ask with the same attitude.
Guildford coach Paul Dixon paid tribute to Lundin (PHOTO: Scott Wiggins)
“That translated always to the same bottom line objective that was to do anything he could to help this team win. He helped us do that a lot over many seasons.”
“We all know that players, even the ones currently with us, will not be here forever, but the odd player sometimes gives you that illusion when they are back time and time again, as Jez was for years.”
“We move forward without Jez with a certain heaviness that comes from saying farewell to a guy who has been a part of the club’s furniture for so long.
“We don’t know what Jez has planned for hockey, but no matter what direction he goes, on the ice or off, we truly thank him for his significant contribution to the Flames story, and we wish him well as he seeks success in the next chapter of his life.”
Lundin joined the Flames in 2009 after three years with Newcastle Vipers in the Elite League and returned to the top flight when Guildford stepped up in 2017.
Lundin leaves the Spectrum as their fourth highest appearance maker (PHOTO: John Uwins)
As well as two EPL titles, Lundin also won two play-off titles at that level and three EPL cups as well as a Patton Conference in the EIHL in 2019.
He was also capped by Great Britain at Under 20 level and went on to become Guildford’s fourth highest appearance maker with 648 games and 13th in points, with 92 goals and 264 assists.
And Lundin bid farewell to the club as he marked his exit from Guildford for the last time.
He said: “After all this time, I would just like to have a chance to thank some people.
“All of staff and players from over the past 11 years, the fans and all the support, my wife Chelsey for moving away from her family and putting up with all of those weekends away and of course, my mother Lori for all she has dedicated for me to live out my dream.”
