Eastern
Stars IHC was founded in 2000 by Igor Iljin and Vadim Vinnikov.
The first game a new born team based on players from Eastern
Europe played on April,12, 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 the most of the
friendly games, including victories over London Devils (Belgo),
Slough Tornados, Streatham Chiefs, Romford Rangers and Logica
Leopards. The team only lost 2 official games during its first
season (both to Streatham Chiefs).
Eastern
Stars debuted and reached semi-finals of the British Recreational
Ice Hockey Championship in Telford (July 7-8, 2001). In the
most dramatic semi-final the team let Streatham Chiefs claim
their victory on penalty shootouts- 1:2. Danny De Vito (Eastern
Star) won "The Goalkeeper of the Tournament" prize.
The Stars repeated the success the next year taking the Bronze
Medals again.
Another
unforgettable event for Eastern Stars was the exhibition game
East (the Stars) vs. West on 3rd March, 2003 at London Arena
visited by the Legend Russian goalie Vladislav Tretiak (see
picture above). The East 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 Rec Championship
2004 Silver medallists in Sheffield losing in the tough final
game to Slough Tornados 1:2.
Eastern
Stars demonstrated excellent hockey playing friendly games
against the British leagues teams: Haringey Greyhounds and
Streatham Redskins. The Stars dominated in all matches.
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.
The home of the Eastern Stars is Lee Valley Ice Centre, London.
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