A new women’s ice hockey team, Lee Valley Vampires, will make their debut in the WNIHL 2 South this weekend.

The Vampires will rise from the shadows to take on the Women’s National Ice Hockey League in 2024/25, with their first game of the season coming at home against Chelmsford Pythons on Saturday 26 October.

The game has a 5:30pm face-off time and will take place at Lee Valley Ice Centre, with the public welcome to come and watch.

This season, the Vampires will aim to give more women the chance to play competitive ice hockey in London.

The team train every Wednesday evening at the new £30 million, twin rink Lee Valley Ice Centre. They are looking for new players to join, and whether you’re experienced or just starting out in the sport, the team are focused on creating a supportive, inclusive environment while helping women’s ice hockey grow in the UK.

Gavin Pearce, general manager of Lee Valley Ice Centre, said: “We’re really happy to support the start of the Lee Valley Vampires. It’s a big step for women’s ice hockey, and we’re proud to offer a place where the sport can grow and people from the local community can try this exciting sport.

“Our stunning new Lee Valley Ice Centre, which opened to the public in June 2023, is committed to breaking down barriers and introducing new audiences to sports as part of a £1.25m community engagement programme, funded by the London Borough of Waltham Forest and Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

“This has already seen over 10,000 young people enjoy free ice skating and a range of community initiatives such as crime prevention courses, mental health and wellbeing programmes and biodiversity awareness programmes.”

For more information on joining the team or attending games, visit: www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/ice-centre

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