Slough Jets’ Director of Operations Steve English says he has been “blown away” by the support the club has received during a difficult summer period.
Jets’ home at the Montem Lane Ice Arena in Slough is due to be closed in November in order for a £7.7m refurbishment to be carried out, but English has assured fans that plans are in place for the club to move forward.
Trials for the Jets’ senior team were over-subscribed, leaving English confident that the club is set for an exciting season.
“It was touch and go for a while whether the club would cease to exist, but I’m pleased to say that everything needed for the club to both continue and flourish I’m assured is in place,” said English.
“The trials gave the coaching team the chance to see the players wanting to sign and to then decide who to offer places to this season on our NIHL South team.”
Joe Ciccarello has been appointed as the club’s new Head Coach and English says he’s delighted to have the former Jets forward back on board.
“Chico has played the game at the very top level in this country and was part of a successful era in the Jets history,” English added.
“He has all the skills in his locker, as well as a great hockey brain which he will use to help develop the players this year and boost hopes in the upcoming competition.
“It was a sad day when he left the club as a player and finished his career, elsewhere but the fact he has now returned in a coaching role is something we’re all excited about.
“The entire club coaching team are looking forward to working with Joe and we’re sure the players will benefit greatly from his experience and knowledge of the game.”
With the club’s junior trials also extremely well attended, English is confident the Jets are set for a bright future.
“I’m relieved we’ve cleared the hurdles we’ve faced and I’m thrilled at the turn out we’ve had at the trials.
“I think the addition of Joe to our coaching team proves that the club is fully intent on having a successful year built on solid foundations across all age groups.”
