We’d like to congratulate Steve Merry, who has been chosen as our England Ice Hockey Volunteer of the Month recipient for October. 

Steve has played a pivotal role in the Berkshire Bees backroom setup for more than three decades, most recently as their team manager.

He has been commended by several nominees for always going above and beyond to interact with supporters on a match night.

In addition, Steve is always willing to help out in a variety of roles, whether that be overseeing the live streaming of their matches or taking over the tannoy when the club’s regular announcers are unavailable.

It is the little things that Steve does which ensure he is a truly integral part of the running of the club. As recognition for his work, Steve was the recent recipient of their 2024/25 Unsung Hero award.

Until recently, Steve was also a part of the core team set up to manage England Ice Hockey’s events for the five NIHL divisions.

Before the EIH Events team, Steve ran the Planet Ice NIHL National League Final Four event in Coventry for many years, managing everything from the IHUK Officials, off-ice officials, the army of volunteers needed and the laminating of many passes!

Steve was part of the team that successfully ran the first Covid-secure NIHL event held in June 2021 following the pandemic, allowing the return of fans rink-side. 

He went on to successfully run events in many rinks up and down the country, including Alexandra Palace, Widnes and Milton Keynes.

He made the decision to step away from the role in the autumn of 2024, leaving big shoes to be filled.

It is clear that Steve is adored, not just by everyone at England Ice Hockey and the EIH Events team, but by so many at Berkshire too.

Therefore, it is fitting that this award should go to someone who has impacted the hockey journey of so many, from players and officials to supporters and colleagues.

Want to nominate your unsung hero?

Know a volunteer at your club who always goes above and beyond?

Now’s the chance to give them the praise they have always deserved, thanks to our Volunteer of the Month initiative.

All clubs are invited to nominate the unsung heroes of our ice hockey community, who will be celebrated for their dedication and invaluable contributions to the sport.

All you need to do is fill out our Volunteer Recognition Form: https://shorturl.at/OB6MQ

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