It’s not very often that a referee gets applauded onto the ice but that is likely to be the case at the Larry & Snip Testimonial game this Saturday at Deeside Leisure Centre as the match referee will be none other than former Flintshire Freeze player coach Mark Stokes.
Referee Mark Stokes
(Photo by Flyfifer Photography)
Following a fascinating career where he played for Sheffield Sabres, Sunderland Indians, Blackburn Hawks, Telford Tigers, Manchester Storm, and Altrincham Aces, Stokes was one of the founders of the Flintshire Freeze club when the new Deeside rink opened in 1998.
He was the Freeze Player Coach for 7 seasons from 1998 to 2005 – guiding the club to the ENL North title in 2003/04 - and stayed on as non playing head coach for two seasons from 2005 to 2007.
Both Marc Lovell and James Parsons made their senior debuts with the Freeze under Stokes in 1999/00 and 2004/05 respectively.
Stokes is now an NIHL qualified referee and will be wearing the armbands for the long serving duo’s testimonial game. “Team Stripes” for the evening will be completed by Dave Clancy and Mackenzie Wilkes who will be linesmen.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s game, Stokes said:
“ I am really looking forward to coming up to Deeside and seeing all the guys connected to the team past and present. I remember Marc joining us when he was only 17 and James a few years later. Both had exceptional skills and ability - and to play as long as they did with their own lives to navigate personally as well is no mean feat.”
“They both have given a lot to the Deeside area and deserve this farewell and I am certainly proud to see them at the end of their hockey career. Unfortunately I wont be lining up on the ice with them as I will be playing a different role in the game, so am really looking forward to it.”
The Larry & Snip Testimonial will take place on Saturday 26th July at Deeside Leisure Centre. Doors open at 4.30pm and face off is at 5.15.
Tickets cost £10 for adults, £4 for children and £8 for concessions and can be bought in advance HERE
