Number 7 Shirt Retired As Colegate Bows Out

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Simon

The Nottingham Lions have announced the retirement of the number 7 jersey, as stalwart forward Chris Colegate revealed he is quitting hockey after twelve years with the club.

It is the first time any Lions player has received the honour.

Since 1999, the 27 year-old has iced for both the Nottingham Junior Ice Hockey Club and the Lions.

Chris played in the ED1 (now the ENL) in the 1999/2000 season and then went onto play for two seasons in the English Premier League (EPL) 2000/01 and 2001/02 as the team stepped up a class to play against the pros. During this period Chris weighed in with 9 goals and 8 assists in 28 games (2001-02) and 9 goals and 6 assists in 32 games (2002-03).

The left-winger struck up a lethal partnership with Joe Wightman that has tormented many a defence and netminder over the years and has led the team to many successful campaigns.

Current Lions coach Matt Bradbury brought Chris through to the Lions from the junior set up to make the big step into senior hockey at just 15 years of age and Matt spoke to nottinghamlionsenl.com about Colegate’s time with the organisation;

“He was not the biggest guy on the ice, but what I saw in him when he first came through to the Lions was how hard he worked, how much heart and passion he had for the game and this was clear to see at such an early age.”

“He is still a great player to this day and such a true professional. All players look up to Chris and he was always that go to guy and he never let his team mates down.”

Back in December, Chris picked up and injury against Telford after playing in 15 games. Having already racked up 10 goals and 15 assists, he still finished third top points scorer in the team and Bradbury was in no doubt what a big loss to the team he was;

“As we got to December, we lost our captain and we missed his experience and I’m quite sure we wouldn’t be in the position we are in right now if Chris had managed to play on.”

Colegate did recover in time to play in his testimonial game in April and he also made a return for the Lions’ relegation playoff weekend against Sutton Sting in May, contributing one goal and four assists across the two games.

Everyone at the Lions’ Pride would like to wish Chris all the best for the future.

2 Days To Go – Colegate Returns For Playoff Weekend

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Simon

The Nottingham Lions are pleased to announce the return of Chris Colegate for this weekend’s playoff double-header with local rivals Sutton Sting.

The 27 year-old, who has just celebrated 12 years at the Lions with a testimonial game, has made himself available for selection for the final two games of the season.

The sprightly left-winger played 15 games for the Lions between September and December in 2011, racking up 10 goals and 15 assists leaving him third top points scorer in the team, despite him not icing for Matt Bradbury’s side for the last four months.

Bradbury seem delighted with the news, saying;

“Chris is a great player and such a true professional - All the players look up to him and he has always been a go-to-guy and he never lets his team mates down – It’s a big boost to have him back on board.”

Tickets for the second leg at the National Ice Centre on Sunday are selling well so don’t miss out on what should be an entertaining derby game with plenty at stake for both sides.

Ticket Prices:

Adults £5.00
Children (Under 16) & OAP’s £3.00
Students (with NUS Card) £2.50
Panthers Season Ticket Holders (must show Panthers Season Ticket) £3.00

Tickets are available in advance from the Arena Box Office or via the Arena Ticket Hotline – 0843 373 3000.

Tickets will be available to buy from the Arena Box Office on the day of the game but we strongly recommend you arrive early to avoid any possible queues.

Chris Colegate Celebrates Twelve Years As A Lion

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Simon

Nottingham Lions would like to wish Chris Colegate all the best with his testimonial game tomorrow afternoon.

Since 1999, the still sprightly, 27 year old has iced for both the Nottingham Junior Ice Hockey Club and the Lions.

Chris played in the ED1 (now the ENL) in the 1999/2000 season and then went onto play for two seasons in the English Premier League (EPL) 2000/01 and 2001/02 as the team stepped up in class to play against the pros. During this period Chris weighed in with 9 goals and 8 assists in 28 games (2001-02) and 9 goals and 6 assists in 32 games (2002-03).

The left winger struck up a lethal partnership with Joe Wightman that has tormented many a defence and netminder over the years and has led the team to many successful campaigns.

Current Lions Coach Matt Bradbury brought Chris through to the Lions from the junior set up to make the big step into senior hockey at only 15 years of age and Matt spoke to nottinghamlionsenl.com this week about Colegate’s time with the organisation;

“He is still a great player to this day and such a true professional. All players look up to Chris and he was always that go to guy and he never let his team mates down.”

“Chris deserves this day and we hope he has a great night, cherishes it and the fans turn out in his honour.”

Back in December, Chris picked up and injury against Telford having played in 15 games but having already racked up 10 goals and 15 assists, he still finished third top points scorer in the team and Bradbury was in no doubt what a big loss to the team he was;

“As the season has gone on we lost our Captain on the ice and we have missed his experience and I’m quite sure we wouldn’t be in the position we are in right now if Chris had managed to play. “

“I remember he was asked in a player’s questionnaire given to him in the 2000-01 season, what four important qualities he could bring to the Lions squad, he answered – “Commitment, Positive Attitude, High Work Rate and Never Quit” – there is no doubt that Chris stuck to his word and gave all this and so much more!”

Congratulations to Chris from all at The Lions Pride!

Nottingham Lions 6 – Solihull Barons 2 (30/10/11)

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Danny

With period scores of 2-1, 2-1, 2-0 the Nottingham Lions won the “battle of the basement” convincingly 6-2 at the NIC over local rivals the Solihull Barons.

Lions found themselves an early goal down however Joe Wightman responded to be level on terms with Chris Colegate getting the go ahead goal. There was no looking back for the Lions who dominated the proceedings and finished their chances well.

Head Coach Matt Bradbury said after the match “It’s been a long time coming but it is no more than the team and back room staff deserve, the commitment and professionalism of all involved has been exemplary”

Against Solihull Lions welcomed back key players that have been unavailable and carrying injuries. Lions have a young team and they are learning each week what it takes to compete at this level and this is only another step on our journey this season. Marcus Maynard had a solid night on defence and our 3 units of forwards really clicked and put the puck in the back of the net which was encouraging.

This Sunday Lions play Whitley Warriors at home at the NIC for a 7.15pm face off. With the Panthers playing at 4pm it would be fantastic if the Panthers season ticket holders could stay after and support the boys – it’s only £3.00 with your season ticket with all funds going back in to support the team.

Goal scorers:- Colegate 1+3, Wightman 2+0, Whyatt 1+1, Wood & Bennett 1+0, O’Flaherty 0+3 & D Rose 0+1
Man of the Match: Joe Wightman

Injury Hit Lions Have Difficult Weekend

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Danny

The Nottingham Lions sick and injury list is getting on the verge of an epidemic, last weekends games saw the largest list of players unable to dress for the Lions in recent memory, some of the players missing were:

Alan Levers (Injured Knee)

Elliott Perrin (Broken Arm)

Matt Greaves (Dislocated Shoulder)

Mark Corfield (Food Poisoning)

Gareth O’Flaherty (Fractured Foot)

Ciaran Quinn (Suspected Broken Wrist)

Also Ben Wood has received a severe facial injury in the game in Solihull on Sunday night.

Chris Colegate and Max Bennett were both unavailable due to family commitments, and on Sunday the 18s were unavailable as they were playing Sheffield back at the National Ice Centre.

Last weekend saw the Lions lose 5-2 at Sheffield on Saturday against a full strength Spartans team and on Sunday a very short benched Lions (12 Players) lost 4-3 against a 22 man Solihull team.

This weekend sees the Lions take on the Solihull Barons on Sunday (30^th October) Faceoff 7:15pm. The Lions should have some players back from injury, so will be looking for some payback!!!

COME AND JOIN THE ROAR!!!

Matchday Ticket Prices:

Adults – £5.00

Children (under 16) & OAP’s - £3.00

Students (with NUS card) – £4.00

Panthers Season Ticket Holders (Must show Panthers Season Ticket) - £3.00

All tickets are available on match nights only, from the Box Office.

Box office opens at 6:45pm.