EVEN the weather put paid to Ice Hockey last weekend as the areas’ only team, the Chelmsford Chieftains, had to cancel their Sunday match against Swindon.

Snow was to blame for the two teams meeting up on the rink but it hasn’t stopped the Chieftains players getting themselves out into the community.

On Monday team members visited the children’s ward at Broomfield hospital to deliver gifts donated by the fans and club to those in hospital this Christmas.

Among those in attendance were Kyle Jones, Darren Brown and captain Danny Wright, along with club mascot Frizzy Bear (All pictured) who all enjoyed their team playing Santa.

Wright said: “We’re all complaining about the snow and the problems it’s causing us, but when you think of what these brave kids and their families are going through at a time like this, bad weather suddenly doesn’t seem that important anymore.

“We’re very proud to be a part of visits like this to help put a smile on the children’s faces and we hope we’ve been able to help brighten their Christmas”.

Brown echoed his captains comments: “We’ve been doing this for a number of years and it’s always a pleasure and privilege to come and see these brave children who are battling a variety of illnesses at a time like this and help make their Christmas a bit more special.

“It’s been a moving experience to see so many kids happy and smiling and we hope we can continue to do this for many years to come”.

The players and mascot donated a vast number of gifts that had been donated at Chieftains home games over the last few weeks and it was evident that the staff and families, but mainly the children themselves, appreciated the time and donations that were distributed around the ward.

Wright then summed up the feelings of those members of the team that attended “Sports people are called heroes for what they do in sport, but the real heroes are the people we’ve visited today.

“The kids and their families face a daily battle against different illnesses and sickness with the excellent support of the staff at the hospital.

“They really make a difference to people’s lives and on behalf of the club we’d like to thank the staff here for allowing us time to visit the kids and spread some smiles at this difficult time of year for many.”.

Next two home games: Saturday January 8 against Invicta Dynamos, 5.40pm, and Sunday January 9 v Wightlink Raiders at 6.30pm. Tickets - �3.50 - �20 visit chelmsfordchieftains.com

Courses for youngsters

IN the New Year the Chelmsford Junior Ice Hockey Academy is running a FREE taster session for kids aged 6-11 and then following on from that an introductory course, again for 6-11yr olds.

Details are as follows:

FREE Ice Hockey Taster Session

Thursday January 6, 2011

5.45pm - 6.15pm (arrive at 5.15pm)

Boys and girls aged 6 - 11 years

Six week course

Thursday January 13 2011 (Not free)

Thursdays 5.45pm - 6.15pm (arrive at 5.15pm)

Boys and girls aged 6 - 11 years

Contact Julia Freeman at the Riverside on 01245 615056 to book a place (max. 20 per course)

How many Ice Hockey fans are out there? E-mail us if you would like to see more coverage of the Chieftains in the Dunmow Broadcast. E-mail nick.thompson@archant.co.uk