Newcastle University Ice Hockey Club

Hi,
 
Newcastle University ice hockey club has a long and proud tradition within British ice hockey and I have been lucky enough to be involved with the club for the last five years.  During my time at the club I have seen it develop into one of the top clubs in the country entering four teams across three divisions - coming runners up in Division 1 and Division 3 in the 08/09 season.  This is testament to the clubs ability to develop players within the University at both the top and at entry level.
 
Unlike most universities competing in the BUIHA, our club prides itself on icing players enrolled at Newastle University.  Many composite clubs have an advantage in pooling players from several institutions, inspite of this our club regularly fields teams of a higher standard than most of our opponents.  This is testament to the hard work of our coaching staff and our club spirit.  Anybody associated with the club will tell you that being part of the club goes beyond just training at the rink.  Club road trips, parties, tournaments and events all add to the university experience and instills a strong club identity throughout our members.
 
Our first and second teams compete in the top two divisions of the BUIHA.  If you are looking to join an ice hockey club having played to a competitive level (ENL, EPL, REC, College) then our club offers you the chance to continue improving your on ice abilities whilst at University.  Under the guidance of our head coach Pete Winn, you will be able to fit ice hockey around your univeristy schedule and compete for the top division titles in the country.  Improvements to the ice facilities in Newcastle and with plans underway for two more ice rinks to open in the region, university ice hockey in the North-East is a very attractive proposition.  We regularly take on international students, most notably from Scanindavia and eastern europe, this is down to our univerisities close ties with the region and being close to the North sea ferry terminal!
 
In addition, every year we take on around 40 players for our beginner programme and have them playing ice hockey to a competitive level by the 2nd semester.  Within our programme we have on and off ice sessions, working on theory, core skills, fitness and team work.  Central to our development programme is having fun and sessions often coincide with trips to the pub afterwards!  It can often feel intimidating finding a club to play for and we guarantee that every person who shows an interest will be warmly welcomed!
 
Regardless of your playing experience, we would like to invite any potential members (whether at university or thinking of applying) to get in touch with the club.  We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
 
Look forward to seeing you on the ice,
 
Regards,
 
Ben Craighead
President NUIHC