Other Sport / ice hockey
Ice hockey returns to Bristol after almost a decade
Since the closure of the former ice rink on Frogmore Street, which is now student accommodation, Bristol Pitbulls played their home games in Oxford.
Returning to play in the Bristol area for the first time in 3,492 days, the Pitbulls won 6-1 against Romford Junior Raiders.
It capped a winning weekend of sport which saw both men’s and women’s City and Rovers football teams victorious, and both Bristol Bears men’s and Bristol Flyers men’s winning on the road.
is needed now More than ever
The Pitbulls made a triumphant return to Bristol on Saturday evening in front of a sell-out crowd at the newly opened 1,300-capacity Planet Ice in Cribbs Causeway.
As tradition dictates, the national anthem was played before the NIHL South Division 1 match.
The Pitbulls dominated from face-off, with two goals from Tamas Elias and Jay Warren, and one each from Loris Taylor and Mason Lipsey.
The Pitbulls celebrate after the final buzzer – photo: Flyfifer Photography
“I’m not ashamed to say I shed a tear,” said player-manager Richie Hargreaves after the game.
“The build, the last nine years, keeping it on the road and winning trophies. Then behind the scenes with all the council meetings, the many Zoom meetings and the last six weeks helping at the rink, it just all caught up with me when the announcer welcomed us onto the ice.
“The whole place shook. We had five days to advertise, sold the place out, and we had to turn people away.
“I’m over the moon for all involved players, loyal fans and even the older players like Steve Couzens who played for the old Bristol teams back in the 1960’s. Seeing him with a smile ear to ear was amazing.
“I was overwhelmed that the rink was so missed and now we can build for the future.”
The winning Bristol Pitbulls on the ice at Planet Ice – photo: Flyfifer Photography
Main photo: Flyfifer Photography
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