Thriving Pirates hail fans, sponsors and staff
Coach Turley thanks many backers
Paisley Pirates have paid tribute to their hundreds of backers at the close of their most successful season to date.
The team’s coach Ian Turley thanked the many individuals and groups who contributed to his side’s success in a memorable 2016/ 17 season.
The Paisley side won the Scottish Hockey league and reached the playoff finals in a season littered with high points.
Coach Ian Turley said: “There are an awful lot of people we need to say a very big ‘thank you’ to, as without them we simply couldn’t ice a team.
“We have a squad of 20 players, and I can only say how much it has been a privilege and pleasure to work with them.
“The bit that people see is the players performing on the ice.
“The bit they don’t see is the latenight training sessions and full commitment away from their families for eight months of the year.
“They don’t get paid for playing, nor do they get any help with their kit or travelling costs to and from games either at home or away.
“They show a great deal of commitment.”
He went on: “We have a mass of volunteers, who do all the match night jobs willingly to contribute to the club, and once again, without them, we couldn’t put a show on – from the people on the gate, to the folk who do all the presentation stuff round the other side of the arena.”
The coach thanked the team’s fans, who have been the sixth man on the ice at various times this season.
“Our supporters also deserve a huge thanks for getting behind the team in the way that they do,” he said.
“There’s no better feeling than coming out of the dressing room at Braehead Arena and hearing the fans cheering when we hit the ice, and away from home the noise they create makes us feel so much better.”
He added: “I also have to thank the sponsors who gave us much-needed support over the course of the season in various ways. Renfrewshire Sports Charity at ProLife Fitness Centre provided the team with a top class training facility, none more so when we lost ice at Braehead.
“Cold Blooded Sports, in spite of their own trauma when their premises went on fire, were still able to supply us with goods and services.
“I also want to thank our other sponsors, like Al Goold Photos, MWS and SK Cutting Edge, all of whom provided us with much valued support in various ways, and, of course, Renfrewshire Council, who have provided ongoing support through its local area committees.”
“Finally, I want to say a word about our management team.
“We’ re a ver y w e l l - run organisation. Jackie and her team put in a power of work behind the scenes and put in more hours in the week on behalf of the Pirates than they do in a full time job.
“We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, May 13, at our end of season awards night.”