CLUB CHARTER

Eastern Stars Ice Hockey Club, founded in 2000 in London, UK, is dedicated to the promotion and recreational enjoyment of ice hockey. We welcome adult players aged 18 and over, of all genders, nationalities and levels, and foster a community where everyone can have fun, improve their game, play competitively, and share their experience with others.

Club Purpose and Objectives:

Inclusive Recreation: Provide an inclusive environment where people of diverse backgrounds can enjoy playing ice hockey.

Skill Development: Offer opportunities for individuals at all levels to learn and enhance their ice hockey skills.

Experience Sharing: Provide an opportunity for former professionals to mentor and teach others, passing on the experience and fostering the sportsmanship spirit.

Competitive Play: Support club teams of various skill levels, from absolute beginners to professionals, to compete with other recreational ice hockey teams.

Club Commitment: Eastern Stars commits to upholding the principles of sportsmanship, respect, and equality, ensuring that our club remains a welcoming community for all ice hockey enthusiasts.

Eastern Stars IHC was founded in 2000 by Igor ILJIN and Vadim VINNIKOV. The first game the team based on players from Eastern Europe played on 12th April, 2000 at Alexandra Palace Ice Rink against so called “The Team of The World”. Eastern Stars triumphed – 12:6.

The first season (2000-2001) Eastern Stars won most of the friendly games, including victories over London Devils (Belgo), Slough Tornados, Streatham Chiefs, Romford Rangers and Logica Leopards. We only lost 2 official games during its first season (both to Streatham Chiefs).

Eastern Stars debuted and reached semi-finals of the UK Recreational Ice Hockey Championships in Telford (July 7-8, 2001). In the most dramatic semi-final the team let Streatham Chiefs claim their victory on penalty shoot outs – 1:2. Danny De Vito (Eastern Stars) won “The Goalkeeper of the Tournament” prize. The Stars repeated the success the next year 2002 taking the Bronze Medals again.

Eastern Stars team photo on the ice in front of a packed crowd, from the club's early years

Another unforgettable event for Eastern Stars was the exhibition game East (Eastern Stars) vs. West on 3rd March, 2003 at London Arena visited by the legendary Russian goalie Vladislav Tretiak (see picture above). Eastern Stars triumphed – 7:3. Summer 2003 Eastern Stars finished with the Slough Summer Cup winners title.

First time in the club history Eastern Stars become the UK Recreational Championship 2004 Silver medallists in Sheffield losing in the tough final to Slough Tornados 1:2.

Eastern Stars players wearing medals, with a trophy, after a tournament

Next year 2005 Eastern Stars become the UK Recreational Ice Hockey champions after winning Gold medals in a dramatical final with Solihull Vikings 2:1.

The Stars missed the following 3 championships and won another Silver medals in Sheffield 2009 tournament.

Eastern Stars demonstrated excellent hockey playing games against the British leagues teams: Haringey Greyhounds and Streatham Redskins. The Stars dominated in all matches.

Eastern Stars and their opponents line up together on the ice for a joint team photo

The team plays distinctive European influence style ice hockey and have a true International character. Eastern Stars players come from Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Finland, UK, Canada and USA.

President

Gena Ibraev

Leads strategic planning, represents the club externally, and oversees overall operations. Has authority to make executive decisions on all club matters and disputes.

Head Coach

Lukas Frlicka

Leads the club's coaching sessions, personally and by guiding the other coaches who work with the club.

Vice President

Dmitry Strusevich

Acts as the president's deputy in their absence. Manages relations with the rink and runs club operations on a day-to-day basis.

Non-Executive Officer

Jamshid Rustambekov

Brings an independent view to club decisions and governance.

Rink Operations Officer (Game Coordinator)

Igor Vereshchetin

Manage liaison with ice rink staff, manage weekly sessions registration and payments, weekly sessions coordination – changing rooms, pucks, goalies, etc.

Team Relations Officer

Kaori Belford

Focuses on player engagement and membership growth/maintenance, including club online presence.

EASTERN STARS IHC

CLUB CHARTER