Team Took Title With Two Games To Go

The British Para Ice Hockey champions and Irwin Mitchell sponsored, The Kingston Kestrels, have defended their league title by continuing to go undefeated to secure the title with two games to go.

Para Ice Hockey, a Paralympic sport formerly known as Ice Sledge Hockey, is a fast-paced, highly physical sport played by athletes with a physical impairment either or both in the upper or lower part of their body. 

The team secured the win with an emphatic 7-0 win over the Peterborough Phantoms, another team that’s received support from law firm Irwin Mitchell. The Kestrels flew to the league title with two games to spare and only conceded once in six games.

This season was the first season the law firm has been the main shirt sponsor to the Para Ice Hockey team.

Simon Berry, founder and head coach and player at Kingston Kestrels and a Paralympian having represented Team GB at the 2006 Games in Turin in the Para Ice Hockey, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to secure the league title again, for the second undefeated year running, bringing it home to Hull. 

“It was nice to win this one with Irwin Mitchell on the shirts, and we thank them for their support throughout the season. 

“The firm shares a similar drive to promote the benefits of disability sport it’s been great seeing some of Irwin Mitchell team down at our games supporting us and cheering us on.”

Sarah Coles, a partner and medical negligence specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office, said: 

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“Since our sponsorship was announced, I’ve become the Kestrels number one fan.

“I am always in awe at the talent and skill levels of the team when I watch them train and it will be fantastic to see them get their title defence underway.

“Through our work we have seen on numerous occasions how sport has been able to help our clients with rehabilitation following serious injury. Unfortunately, while there are over 12 million people with disabilities in the UK, only one in six actually takes part in sport regularly.

“I would urge anyone who has an interest in ice hockey to go along and watch the Kestrels and offer them your support as they now go into the playoffs!” Sarah Coles - Partner

As well as sponsoring the team, the law firm has aided the success achieved by the Kestrels by donating funds towards a new sledge for one of the team’s stars, Matt Woollias. 

Matt was left in need after the recent issues at Disability Sports Humber meant that he was left without expected funds for a new sledge.

Sarah added: 

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“Irwin Mitchell was more than happy to step in when it learned Matt was in difficulties.

“The firm has a proud history in disability sports and the Don’t Quit, Do It campaign seeks to support the benefits both physically and psychologically of being involved in disability sports.” Sarah Coles - Partner

Matt Woollias added: “I would like to thank Irwin Mitchell for their support this season and the club is looking forward to building on the positive relationship we have built with the firm. 

“Their support for me personally is something I am exceptionally grateful for and I look forward to winning more titles wearing their logo.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's Don't Quit, Do It initiative.