CrazyKennys.Com Dek Hockey Trophy – A Great Leap Forwards



Sunday the 13th of September sees the first CrazyKennys.Com Dek Hockey Trophy take place at Virtual Ice, in Rotherham.

This is an open competition, for up to 10 teams.



So what is Dek Hockey?

Dek Hockey (also known as Street Hockey, Gym Hockey or Ball Hockey) is the dry land version of ice hockey (no roller skates), played with a plastic puck or ball. It’s played in many nations, but has a particularly big foothold in Canada, USA, Czech Republic (who are world champions) and Slovakia.

It’s played in the UK in small pockets (more on that later) and several players on show in this tournament combined with some Anglo Canadians to represent the UK in the recent World Championships in Pilsen, Czech Republic.



Why is CrazyKenny’s Involved?
CrazyKenny’s is already one of the best known hockey equipment outlets in the UK, and has a great bond with grass roots ice and roller hockey via its wide range of products at great prices. In addition, their innovative approach to custom shirt supply where the teams pay cost only, as long as the jerseys carry the CrazyKenny’s URL, means the link between supplier and those who play the game is further strengthened.



CrazyKenny’s have been supplying the Arnold Wolves (and their junior team, the Cubs) with their team shirts for a number of years, and the newly formed Fosse City Outlaws are another club who have taken advantage of this great offer.

So when it came to looking for a sponsor for this tournament it really was an obvious choice.



Why is it a Great Leap Forwards?

Following on from the UK’s recent trip to the World Championship and the success of the four team Apollo Flooring Cup in April, Dek Hockey is showing signs of moving forwards. This tournament, with at least 8 teams signed up, is another sign that the game is becoming stronger.



An association, with a committee, website and proactive approach are all on their way. In addition, it’s intended that the winner of the CrazyKennys.Com Trophy, along with the winners of the Apollo Flooring Cup, and another tournament planned for early in the new year will all go forward to compete for the British Championship in the spring.


The Competitors




Arnold Wolves, Coyotes and Cubs
The Arnold Wolves club (from Nottingham), who have been around since the early nineties, are fielding 3 teams for the competition. The Wolves (first team), Coyotes (second team) and Cubs (senior members of the old junior set-up) should all have a strong line-up on show.

The Wolves were runners-up in the Apollo Cup and had to watch seven of their squad take the trophy under the Bestwood Bruins banner. Coach/Captain Tom Wysocki will be hoping that one of his sides take home the trophy this time around.



North East Dekstars
The lads from the North East of England will be hoping to improve upon their last placed finish at the Apollo Cup. Fielding two teams this time around, under the guidance of UK international Ali Cree, they look to be moving in the right direction, and have recruited several players from the local university ice hockey scene.
The smart money is on an improved showing from the Dekstars this time around.



Fosse City Outlaws
The outlaws are a new team from the Leicester and Nottingham area. Although they only formed in the early part of the summer, they have already recruited a large squad under the guidance of Iain Dilley and Graham Collington.
How the Outlaws fare in this one will be interesting, and it could be a tough opening start for the new boys. This said, the seeds have certainly been sown for a strong club that could well play a major part in the future of the sport.



Sheffield Ice Tigers
The Ice Tigers, as the name may suggest, are a recreational ice hockey team from the South Yorkshire hockey hot-bed.
Martyn Jackson, former Nottingham Panthers junior player, is orchestrating the Ice Tigers two teams in this tournament. Martyn is from a virtual Dek Hockey Jackson dynasty. Older brothers Nick, Kev and Steve were all major players for the Eastwood Royals, one of the most powerful teams in the old Nottingham Northside and Portland Leagues.



Interested in Taking Part?
If you are interested in getting involved in this tournament, or future events, get in touch with Rob Clayton (clayton.rob@googlemail.com).
Alternatively just come along and watch. It begins at 10am (pretty early for a Sunday) and will finish at 4pm.



Article by Rob Clayton