#19 is Retired as Rob Eley concludes his testimonial year with Legends game.

Lookers of Yardley Solihull Barons v 19 for 19 Legends
24th April 2016
Rob would play the first period as a Baron and the second as a legend. Rob celebrates scoring with brother Jon.
Ryan Selwood chases down Chris Allen
Legends coach Paul Thompson ensures Michael Tasker and the rest of his squad are suitably hydrated..
Legends Man of the Match, James Pease
Barons Man of the Match, Rob Eley

The past weekend has seen the Solihull Barons round off a highly successful first season in the top tier of the National League with their awards ceremony on Saturday and a very special game on Sunday.

Sunday would see the side lace up the skates for the final time this season when they took on the "19 for 19 Legends" in front of a very large Hobs Moat crowd. This game would be the culmination of captain Rob Eley's testimonial season and would see the Barons take on a Legends team composed of some of the most illustrious names to pull on a Solihull shirt over the last two decades. As with a host of other events held through the season, the tie would raise money for Rob's 19 for 19 campaign in aid of Ward 19 at Heartland's hospital.

While the game was played for fun, there was a good deal of competitive spirit on display particularly in the mid-game skills competition, highlights of which included the Baron's Dave Rogers only just losing out to Rob Eley's Olympic speedskater brother Jon in a two lap race round the rink. In recognition of his contribution to the Barons over the years and his fund-raising efforts this season, the game would also mark the retirement of Rob Eley's number 19 for the Barons.

While the Barons would lose on the night, the winner would be the 19 for 19 campaign which has raised well over £30,000 for the cause, over the course of the season.

The team will now take a well deserved Summer off. The 2016/17 season will start early September with some warm-up ties to be scheduled before then. Stay tuned for updates !


SUPPORTERS MEETING
Wednesday 27th April
7:30pm Ice Rink

It is time to start planning for the new season and we need your help with ideas and practical help.

It is YOUR club so come and have a say and get involved in what you think we need to do to make next season even better.

So if you want more bums on seat, a new logo, have ideas for chuck a puck or want to put in £50 or more for sponsorship...you will be most welcome.

Andy Gordon
Joint-chair


 
Original photography courtesy of Keith & Jenny Davies