麻豆社

Exciting news in the world of local ice hockey as the Slough Jets take on Bracknell Bees in an all-Berkshire English Premier League Cup final.

But how much do you know about the sport?

麻豆社 Radio Berkshire's Henry Kelly spoke to Steve Moria, head coach of Slough Jets and Dwight Parrish, head coach of Bracknell Bees to find out more.

Dwight, you're from Detroit and Steve is from Vancouver, how did you both end up in Berkshire?

Dwight: "Mine's a long story. I used to play with Steve, then I moved to Manchester and played there.

"Steve brought me to Basingstoke and then one of the guys I was playing with there was running the show in Bracknell and brought me here."

How big is ice hockey in this country?

Steve Moria: "It's still a minority sport. It's gone through some good times, some great times, and some bad times.

"I think we're at a stage now where it's in an improvement stage where people are coming back after the super league days of eight to 10 years ago when we were getting crowds of 8000 in Manchester, 6000 in Nottingham and 8000 in Sheffield.

"It's come down a little bit now so I think we are in a transitional phase with the leagues - how they are set up.

"People are getting back into the game and it's becoming more popular again."

Do all the players come from North America? Are there any native stars?

Dwight: "Yes I think there are more and more.

"They try to develop the kids at a younger age, they are getting good coaching and our league especially is meant to be a developmental league for British players to try to get them to the next level.

"We're only allowed four import players on a team.

Is it a professional game?

Steve: "It is in the top league. Our league I would probably classify more as semi-professional.

"I think the import players are getting paid, it's their profession to play ice hockey.

"There are a number of British players who can work with their full-time job and get a bit of a salary playing hockey as well."

Dwight, a few months ago the Bees were in crisis and it looked as though the club might be closed due to lack of funds. Until a lady, Katie Eleftheriou, came and rescued you. Can you earn a living out of it?

Dwight: "It's like Steve said - some of the import players, this is their main job.

"They come over and I think they have a big responsibility as well with the money they make to help bring on the young British players.

Steve, what is the difference between the two teams? Will the game be evenly matched?

Steve: "I think they are, I think it comes down to the night, it comes down to the two legs.

"Whatever team is on form will probably win and so far we've been fortunate enough to be the team that's won the game.

"We've played very well against Bracknell. It comes down to the night though and we're not going to be favourites, Bracknell will be the favourites.

"It's going to be tricky, it's going to be close and it's going to be interesting.

Now the padding, the helmets, the lot, when you guys go crashing into each other can you feel it or are you so well protected that you don't?

Steve: "From my point of view I can feel it this morning, I took a few hits last night so I've got a bit of a sore back and a sore neck.

It seems to me there are a lot of short fuses on the ice when this game is being played...

Dwight: "I don't think it's as bad over here in Britain but fighting is part of the game and people enjoy it.

"The guys involved will have a beer together after the game and laugh about it."

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The two-leg final will be scheduled for some time in February.

Find out more about the teams here:

Follow 麻豆社 Radio Berkshire's coverage of local ice hockey here: