The Oxford City Stars, the Premier Ice Hockey team of Oxfordshire, is delighted to announce the return of Chris Cooke, a formidable defenseman and strong leader, for his third consecutive season with the team. Cooke, who served as assistant captain last season, brings invaluable experience, skill, and leadership to the Stars' defensive lineup.
Chris Cooke has established himself as a cornerstone of the Oxford City Stars' defensive core, showcasing his exceptional talents and dedication to the team over the last few seasons. Known for calm head and strong presence on the ice, Cooke has proven to be a leader both on and off the rink, earning the respect of his teammates and coaching staff.
Cookie had to take a step back last season and couldn't commit to a full schedule due to work commitments, but is hoping to be around more this coming year. His defensive prowess, ability to read the game, and exceptional decision-making have made him a force to be reckoned with, instilling confidence in his teammates and providing stability in crucial moments.
Expressing his excitement about returning for another season with the Oxford City Stars, Chris Cooke stated, "I’m really happy to be back and excited about the squad Simon & Shane are putting together. I have no doubt this year's squad will be the most competitive we have seen in Oxpens in recent years. I’m looking forward to seeing the younger guys develop and I’m hoping to be around as much as I can this season. I look forward to getting back out there at Oxpens Road and continuing to build on the foundations from last season.
Head Coach Simon Anderson expressed his enthusiasm about Chris Cooke's return, stating, "I'm delighted to have Cookie return for next season.Having Chris back for another season is a significant boost for our team. His leadership, experience, and exceptional defensive abilities make him a valuable asset on and off the ice. We are fortunate to have him as part of the Stars family, and I have no doubt that his presence will elevate our game to new levels.
Cookie brings a wealth of leadership qualities and knows what it takes to be successful in this league. It was no surprise to me that some of our better performances were when he was in our line up last season. He brings a calmness to our on ice play, reads the game well and plays a real effective simple game.
He is a pleasure to have around the group and someone our young players can learn off for sure, which is very important for us here in Oxford. Welcome back Cookie."
The return of Chris Cooke underscores the Stars' commitment to continuity and building a cohesive team. His experience and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in nurturing younger talents and fostering a winning culture within the organisation.