All Star Weekend - Organizers Views

3rd Jul 2012 | Posted by The Inferno

With just 10 days to go until the forum All-Stars weekend begins, we caught up with the weekends organisers David Grant and Gareth Hubback to find out how they got involved, their aims for the weekend and their plans for future events.

First up we spoke to David Grant

 

How and when did you get involved with the All Stars? How did it all begin for you?

I felt that there was a gap in the market for rec players, and fans of Ice Hockey to meet together, play the sport we love and raise money for charity. I had got to know Gareth over the previous few years, also adding to our love of hockey is our love of Cricket, and I wanted to run the idea past someone who was well respected with the game. A couple of conversations later and the all-stars weekend was born. That year we barely had enough to cover two teams - fast forward 3 years and on it's return to Sheffield, we had to expand to 5 teams. This year we are over 6 teams, which should mean over 100 people will be putting in their efforts to raise money for some fantastic charities.

What is always your main aim for these weekends?

Our main aim for the weekend is simple, for people to enjoy the weekend, and it's been built on a basis of everyone is equal who takes part in the weekend. It does not matter if you are a regular EPL/ENL/NIHL forward or someone who only plays one or two games a year - you are all the same and everyone who has played in these weekends understands this and 99.9 per cent of everyone embraces this. Mine and Gareth's focus has always been kept to upholding this ideal by two men who was very supportive of this weekend, both mine and Gareth's father, and although sadly no longer here to enjoy the weekend it's their spirit and their dedication to ensuring that everyone is treat equal is our main driving force.

We have been very lucky that everyone who has volunteered to help with the weekend (you would believe the man hours that actually goes into this weekend throughout the year) also believe in the above, and that along with everyone who has taken part has ensured that new friendships have blossomed out of this, and old friendships renewed.

How long have you been involved in UK Ice Hockey?

My personal involvement in UK Ice hockey is more of a fan, who's first game was October 1999, however I have got involved with my local supporters club, as well as the previous three years being involved in the online broadcast Steel Night Live. Ice Hockey gave me something that nothing ever did - a sport/pastime that our family could enjoy together, and although the numbers are not what they used to be, we still enjoy travelling up and down the UK (and sometimes flying abroad) following the sport, and I always wanted to give something back - and I just hope that if anything comes from this, is that we've been able to do that.

What are your hopes/aims for the 2012 All-stars weekend? How's the total figure looking so far?

The same as previous years - everyone to enjoy themselves, create memories that they can take away from Cardiff, and to raise as much as possible. So far we are ahead of where we was this time last year - so who knows - we could have another record breaking year!!!

Are there any plans for next years? Venue confirmed or all in planning stages? Hoping for similar numbers or for the weekend to grow?

Surprisingly we've not thought about next year haha - however you can't allow too much time to pass. Where will we go? We're not sure, as it's always nice to try a new venue; then again Sheffield is not too bad either

Next up we spoke to Gareth Hubback

The UK Forum All-Stars was set up so that Ice Hockey fans across the UK could get together and have a great time over an ice hockey weekend, whilst raising money for good causes.
We started in Sheffield in 2008 and each year the event has grown and grown. Two teams played and 40 players took part in 2008.
This year at the BBT there are 6 teams and 100 players!!
We started supporting one charity. This year there will be seven charities benefiting from the players efforts.

Dreams Come True All Stars

Breast Cancer Care All Stars

Help For Heroes

Ty Hafan

Prostate Cancer Care

Devils Community Foundation/Players' Benevolent Fund

So why do we do it.... Simple.. The sport of Ice hockey has given me so many happy memories over the last 25 years and this was my chance to give
something back and to help some great charities at the same time. After speaking to David we felt we had a viable idea and just went for it!!

To see people take part and play with huge smiles as for some it is their only chance to play the sport just
is uplifting and inspiring. No one will ever forget the event winning goal in Cardiff scored by Sean Phillips and the celebration after. This is why it is such an important event to us now.

Also When we first talked about this in 2008 there were two men who supported us and also have been inspirations in their lives with how they have supported others, Our Fathers who sadly have both since passed away. So we kept this going and their spirit drives us through any obstacles. We are lucky that we now have some great people join us in organising the weekend all of who do it in the spirit it was started in.

Also a big thanks to Paul and the Cardiff Devils Off Ice team who have travelled with us every year it has not been in Cardiff and helped make it the success it has been so far.

So please come and support the players and their efforts in fund raising and also help us again show the hockey world what a great place Cardiff is!!

Weekend Schedule

Friday 13th 19.00 Hockey Night Debate and Charity Auction Venue.. Future Inn Cardiff Bay

Saturday 14th 14.00 BBQ at BBT Rear Car Park 16.30-21.00 On Ice Action..

Sunday 15th 14.00 BBQ at BBT Rear Car Park 16.30-21.00 On Ice Action..

Also we have a private area booked for an evening party at The Walkabout Cardiff on the Saturday Night. We have confirmed that Hockey Tops will be allowed.

These weekends are a great chance to meet new people from around the UK who all share a passion for Ice Hockey. So you will be more then welcome to join us.

Costs for spectators -

Hockey Night and Auction - Non-playing Adults £5 kids and players free.

Adult Admission for the whole weekend - £5 Donation, Kids free but donations appreciated

Adults Admission Daily - £3 Donation, Kids free but donations appreciated

We would like to Thank the Inferno for helping us publish this event this year and we will be making a donation to the running costs they have.

Anyone who would like to donate anything to the raffle or auction can do so by contacting myself on Hubbs91@gmail.com

We hope to see you all there and let’s try and raise much money as possibly for some very good causes