We are pleased to announce that #18 Griff Eden-Parish is returning for the 2024/25 season!
Griff said:
Really happy to be signing back, the squad Jeff’s built looks as strong as ever and will be good to see how far we can go this season.
We are proud to share that we have raised £5,237.99 for Oxfordshire Mind on our charity weekend!
Mackenzie Aspell from Oxfordshire Mind said:
“We have been blown away with the support the Rising Stars have shown Oxfordshire Mind. They’ve raised a truly incredible amount which will make a real difference to our services. As a local charity we rely on support from our community to allow us to continue the work we do. We simply would not be able to support as many as we do without groups like the Rising Stars”.
Paul Lynch Director from the Oxford Rising Stars said:
“The Oxford Rising Stars are extremely proud to have raised a great amount of money for Oxfordshire Mind, they are a fantastic charity. We feel its a worthy charity to support, they do great work within the local community which has made the decision to continue to support them next season an easy one.”
“We as a club would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that supported our charity race night and charity game, we are very grateful! ”
“I would like to give a mention to Zoe Lynch, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the weekend was a success and went as smoothly as possible.”
We are pleased to announce the return of #67 Jacob Smith!
Jacob said:
I’d like to thank the guys at the rising stars for inviting me back for a second season after my lengthy spell of being away from the sport. I’m excited to get going again, we’ve signed a lot of oxford based players, a few I’ve known a long time which is great news for the team and the supporters. We are shaping up to put a very competitive team together and I’m positive we can build on last seasons progress.
We are please to announce the signing of Netminder #23 Charlie Hanley for the 2024/25 Season!
Charlie said:
After some time off the ice and going back to play rec in Basingstoke and completely falling in love with the sport again it’s time to come back to my home rink. With the visions of Jeff’s plans with the team we are all ready to get the season underway.
It’ll be great to be back on the ice with some of the guys I grew up playing juniors with here at Oxford, along with some new faces.
We are pleased to announce that #46 Will Harrison will be returning for the 2024/25 season.
Will said:
After what feels like the longest offseason ever, Its going to be good to finally start playing again. The team is heading in a positive direction and it’s gunna be an awesome year. Want to thank Marcus at 360 Fit for the help over the off season in the gym, give there page a look!
Will is sponsored this season by 360Fit Blockley
Who’s ready to blow the roof off Oxpens???
We are pleased to announce the signing of #13 Mike Whillock!
The Whillock Express is back!!
We would like to welcome back #98 CJ Wilson for the 2024/25 season!
CJ Said:
“Just like football this summer I’m coming home, coming back for my third year can’t wait to get started”
We are pleased to share that Reuben Diffey (Director of Property Formula) will join the board of Directors for the Oxford Rising Stars!
Reuben has always been fanatical about sport and supporting others developing their sporting passions.
Reuben’s own career began at just 12 when he won the UK Superkids championship competition.
Reuben continued his all round sporting career as he competed in modern pentathlon for England in the U16 and U18 in the 1990 and 1992 European athletic championships.
Following an injury in 1996 aged just 22 Reuben broke his hip falling from his horse whilst training for the seniors finals in Berlin, ending his sporting career.
Since then Reuben has followed and supported a wide range of sports and supported sporting charities.
Reubens first ice hockey encounter was in 2006 watching the Varsity match in Oxford, but it took a further introduction from Russ Shrives in 2017 to see the local team play at Oxpen’s to cement that interest.
Reuben’s passion to see local talent develop and players bond and support their growth as a team has been captured right here at the Oxford Rising Stars, so it is with great pleasure we introduce Reuben Diffey as one of your new Rising Stars Directors.
Oh, and finally, Reuben didn’t ever do Pentathlon!!
Ask Reuben about anything property, land and his black Labrador, Florence.
Director Russ Shrives said:
“Reuben has been involved in Oxford ice hockey for a number of years. Having previously been a member of the Rising Stars board, he will be a great addition to our club as a director. Bringing a wealth of business experience which will help us plan and develop at board level. This will filter down through the club in the quality and standards that we are building. I am very much looking forward in working with Reuben and the other Directors in growing the club on and off the ice”
“Season 3, Here we come!!
We are pleased to share that Enis Evlat (Director of Silent View Windows and Thame Builders) will join the board of Directors for the Oxford Rising Stars!
Enis said:
“I am excited to announce my interest in joining the Oxford Rising Stars Ice Hockey Team as a director. With my personal involvement in the sport, including playing recreational hockey and supporting my children in their training and development, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact this team has on young athletes. As my children progress, they may even have the opportunity to play alongside the Rising Stars. Therefore, it is in my best interest to ensure the team moves in the right direction.”
“The current directors have done a fantastic job, providing young adults and youths with the chance to experience league sports and learn valuable skills from experienced players. However, there is much more to the team than just playing on the ice. Behind the scenes, there are numerous tasks and responsibilities that contribute to the team’s growth and success. To ensure the Rising Stars continue to thrive in this manner, I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise as a director. Together, we can ensure the team’s continued growth and success both on and off the ice.”
Director Paul Lynch said:
“After several discussions with Russ we came to the conclusion that to take the club to the next level we needed to strengthen our board of Directors.
“I sat down with Enis after he called me showing interest in getting involved with our club and it was an easy decision to get him on board as a Director. He is very passionate and has some fantastic ideas and we feel he will be an asset and great addition to the club ”
“Enis has two children playing in the Oxford Junior Stars so its great for him to be involved with the Rising Stars as hopefully both his children will be using this pathway to senior ice hockey.”
We are pleased to announce that our Club Physio Jaz Simpkin is returning for the season!
Jaz said:
“After two incredible season with the rising stars, I couldn’t imagine my weekends without supporting them at the rink! It’s an absolute pleasure to be asked to return for a third season!”