Weekender: BAUER Hockey UK renews deal with iceSheffield

BAUER Hockey, originally founded in Ontario in 1927, has signed a new five-year deal with iceSheffield, continuing its support at the BAUER Arena.

As part of the deal, BAUER Hockey will also sponsor iceSheffield’s ‘Learn to Play Hockey’ programme, an extension to the venue’s popular ‘Learn to Skate’ initiative which currently has more than 1,000 youngsters on its books.

iceSheffield, on Coleridge Road, is operated by SIV – which also runs several other venues across Sheffield including Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, the English Institute of Sport Sheffield (EIS Sheffield) and Hillsborough Leisure Centre.

Andrew Snelling, chief executive of Sheffield City Trust Group, the charity which manages SIV, said: “This is a significant partnership for us and testament to the quality and reputation of the facilities on offer at iceSheffield.

“This is also demonstrative of the great working relationship we have with BAUER Hockey. It will result in greater opportunities for young people to get involved in ice hockey and help provide that vital platform for our ice hockey development programmes.

“We’re excited for what the future holds for ice hockey here in Sheffield.”

Lucy Thomasson, director of BAUER Hockey UK, said: “Over the past few years we have built a fantastic working relationship with iceSheffield and are delighted to be extending our partnership for a further five years.

“We are proud of the positive impact that the BAUER Arena has had on iceSheffield which has recently branched out to our new partnership with premier ice hockey camp Best of British.

“The new deal will now incorporate iceSheffield’s ‘learn to Play Hockey’ programme ensuring a positive experience for new-to-hockey families, supporting the growth and development of the sport in the UK.”