Post by JP on Sept 15, 2004 17:49:56 GMT 1
Press release
15 September 2004
Testimonial teed up for Thommo
Paul Thompson, head coach of the ‘High and Mighty’ Coventry Blaze, has been awarded a testimonial for this season.
Thompson is being rewarded for ten years continuous service with a series of events, being organised by his testimonial committee this year.
He started as coach in the final year of the Solihull Barons in 1995. The following year the team became the Solihull Blaze and after a flying start, the team crashed with debts.
Thompson stayed with the organisation as the Blaze dropped into ED1 and has been with the club ever since, shunning big money offers to move to some of the largest teams in the country.
He and the Blaze have grown together, working up through four leagues before finishing third in the Elite Ice Hockey League last year. Thompson has also served as an assistant coach with Great Britain.
He will be marking his testimonial with two events before Christmas and a testimonial game, which is being planned for later in the season.
On 20 October, Thompson will be teeing off at a golf day at the Marriott Forest of Arden Golf Club. The event, which costs £65 per person or £250 for a four-ball, includes a buffet breakfast, round of golf at the famous Forest of Arden course and a three-course evening meal.
On 12 November, the “Time-out with Thommo” event will be held at the Hilton Hotel. This glittering occasion will feature a three-course dinner, disco, and the chance to hear from Thompson himself as he recounts some of tales and characters he has encountered during his career. Tickets are available for £30 a head or £250 for a table of ten.
Thompson said: “I’m very flattered and honoured to be awarded a testimonial. The committee have organised some great events and I’m looking forward to them very much. Some of my former players will be joining me for these events and I would like to thank all the people who have already bought tickets.”<br>
Coventry Blaze chairman Andy Buxton said: “When we were approached about a testimonial for Paul we were absolutely delighted to endorse it. Ten years these days is quite a period of service to give to one employer, but in Paul’s case he’s contributed to so much more than just doing his coaching job for that period. He’s really helped to build the whole organisation at the Blaze and his testimonial will be a great opportunity for everyone to recognise and thank him for his efforts.”<br>
In addition to his testimonial year, Thompson is publishing his autobiography ‘Benched: blazing a trail through British ice hockey’ next month, priced £9.99. Signed copies can be pre-ordered at a discounted price at www.benched.co.uk or the Blaze Hockey Locker and matchnight club room at the Skydome, where tickets for the dinner and golf day can also be purchased.
15 September 2004
Testimonial teed up for Thommo
Paul Thompson, head coach of the ‘High and Mighty’ Coventry Blaze, has been awarded a testimonial for this season.
Thompson is being rewarded for ten years continuous service with a series of events, being organised by his testimonial committee this year.
He started as coach in the final year of the Solihull Barons in 1995. The following year the team became the Solihull Blaze and after a flying start, the team crashed with debts.
Thompson stayed with the organisation as the Blaze dropped into ED1 and has been with the club ever since, shunning big money offers to move to some of the largest teams in the country.
He and the Blaze have grown together, working up through four leagues before finishing third in the Elite Ice Hockey League last year. Thompson has also served as an assistant coach with Great Britain.
He will be marking his testimonial with two events before Christmas and a testimonial game, which is being planned for later in the season.
On 20 October, Thompson will be teeing off at a golf day at the Marriott Forest of Arden Golf Club. The event, which costs £65 per person or £250 for a four-ball, includes a buffet breakfast, round of golf at the famous Forest of Arden course and a three-course evening meal.
On 12 November, the “Time-out with Thommo” event will be held at the Hilton Hotel. This glittering occasion will feature a three-course dinner, disco, and the chance to hear from Thompson himself as he recounts some of tales and characters he has encountered during his career. Tickets are available for £30 a head or £250 for a table of ten.
Thompson said: “I’m very flattered and honoured to be awarded a testimonial. The committee have organised some great events and I’m looking forward to them very much. Some of my former players will be joining me for these events and I would like to thank all the people who have already bought tickets.”<br>
Coventry Blaze chairman Andy Buxton said: “When we were approached about a testimonial for Paul we were absolutely delighted to endorse it. Ten years these days is quite a period of service to give to one employer, but in Paul’s case he’s contributed to so much more than just doing his coaching job for that period. He’s really helped to build the whole organisation at the Blaze and his testimonial will be a great opportunity for everyone to recognise and thank him for his efforts.”<br>
In addition to his testimonial year, Thompson is publishing his autobiography ‘Benched: blazing a trail through British ice hockey’ next month, priced £9.99. Signed copies can be pre-ordered at a discounted price at www.benched.co.uk or the Blaze Hockey Locker and matchnight club room at the Skydome, where tickets for the dinner and golf day can also be purchased.
