Cox leaves the Chieftains (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Cox leaves the Chieftains

4:31pm Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in Local Sport

ICE HOCKEY: Chelmsford Chieftains are saddened by the immediate departure of Danny Cox.

“Coxy” has been an integral part of the Chieftains for the past three seasons, helping the club to back-to-back play-off championships.

He announced the news on his Facebook page on Tuesday, after telling his team-mates following the South East Trophy final on Sunday.

Derek Bartlett, Chieftains’ owner and manager, said of the departure “Coxy was a very popular guy. He was willing to do whatever it took for his team-mates and the club and has put his body on the line more times than I can count!

“He was a real pleasure to manage over the years and on behalf of the club I’d like to wish him all the best in his future.”

Cox wrote on Facebook: “After 17 years I have decided to retire from ice hockey. This year, if all goes to plan, will see massive changes in my life and in the coming months my future has to take priority over everything else.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team mates, coaches, the fans and management at Chelmsford for the past three years. We won back-to-back playoff championships, something that will live with me forever. I know the guys are more than capable of doing the same again this year.

“I would also like to thank everyone at my previous senior clubs Romford, Bracknell and Haringey, not forgetting my junior team Lee Valley.

“Finally I’d like to thank my parents for all the support and sacrifices they made over the years so I could play the sport I loved.

“In my mind no other sport can come close to hockey and I have had so many good times and great memories to look back on.

“Saying goodbye to the boys on Sunday was extremely difficult.”

There is no word at this stage whether the club will be bringing in any replacements on the defensive blueline.

GB Olympic hockey star and London 2012 bronze medallist Chloe Rogers will attend the Chelmsford Chieftains V Romford Raiders match on Sunday, February 3, at Riverside ice and leisure centre, Chelsmford, 6.30pm face-off.