Solihull Barons (NIHL1 North) have confirmed they will play Sheffield Steelers (Elite League) in a challenge match in aid of the 19for19 charity.
The game is one of a series of events being organised by Barons’ captain Rob Eley, who is using his final season in hockey to raise money for the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Charity and The Willow Foundation.
Steelers’ boss Paul Thompson coached Rob as a junior and said he is delighted to take his team to Hobs Moat Road for the David v Goliath style clash.
He said: “There aren’t too many hockey players that would give up their testimonial year for charity. Rob was a quality young man when he played for me and you can see that he still is.
“His actions and efforts for this charity push have already been amazing and humbling. I think this is the very least the Steelers and our sport can do back for him in return.
“I am proud to take the Steelers back to Solihull to hopefully help Rob raise even more funds for a charity that everyone of us can associate themselves with.”
Eley thanked Thompson and the Steelers, who will also donate a set of team shirts that will be auctioned to raise even more money.
“Having the Steelers, the EIHL Champions, coming to Solihull is more than I could have hoped for. Silver Blades Ice Rink have agreed to support the game and help us raise even more money for the 19for19 appeal.
“Having played for Thommo, with Perry (Doyle) being a former Steelers player, plus other obvious connections between the two clubs I am sure we can make this an extra special night.
“We haven’t long to organise things, but I’m sure the fans new and old will come out to see these two clubs and the great players on show.
“I must also thank Steelers owner Tony Smith for sanctioning the game and making the very kind gesture of supplying a Steelers set of jerseys for us to auction in aid of the charity. For the Steelers organisation to get behind us in this way is fantastic and I thank them.”
The game takes place on Wednesday, 2nd December (face-off 8pm).
