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Guildford Flames
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The Guildford Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Guildford, Surrey. They play their home games in the Guildford Spectrum and compete in the top-tier of hockey in the United Kingdom, the Elite Ice Hockey League.
Key Information
Founded in October 1992, the Flames originally played in the second-tier leagues of British hockey, first the British National League until 2004, and subsequently the English Premier Ice Hockey League until 2017. On 24 February 2017 it was announced that the Flames would become the 12th Elite Ice Hockey League team, joining from the 2017–18 season.
The team's head coach is Paul Dixon, who took over after Stan Marple retired in 2007.
Formation
[edit]Barry Dow, an American who sponsored and owned the basketball team Guildford Kings and Bill Hurley established and owned the team as management – the two were new to the sport of ice hockey, and brought in Mike Urquhart as coach and Darrin Zinger as captain.[citation needed]
Key players signed for the first season included Canadians Sean Murphy and Dave McGahan due to their high scoring at Solent Vikings. In addition a number of British players including goaltender, Mike Kellond; forward, Danny O'Hanlon and defender, Gary Shearer.[citation needed]
The Flames' inaugural season began in October 1992; they began, unseeded, in the English League Division One. With the Guildford Spectrum not yet completed, the team had to train at Slough's facility. The Flames played their home games at Alexandra Palace until their new home ice was ready and played there for the first time on 23 January 1993.[citation needed]
When 23 January 1993 finally arrived and the Guildford Spectrum opened, the event was a big one. The area's paid-for newspaper The Surrey Advertiser described the local council's £28 million arena as "awesome".[citation needed] Guildford's first game at their new home showed a convincing win with Andy Sparks scoring the first goal at the Spectrum. The team went to the top of the Conference due to that game, a position they held onto for the whole season.[citation needed]
Elite League
[edit]The Guildford Flames were confirmed as an Elite League expansion team in February 2017, stepping up from the English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL), and began play in the UK's top division at the start of the 2017–18 EIHL season.[2]
The Flames finished in sixth in their first season (2017–18), followed by a fifth-placed finish in 2018–19 – a campaign in which they finished runners-up to the Belfast Giants in the Challenge Cup final.[3]
Guildford were again in sixth when the 2019–20 EIHL season's remaining matches were cancelled in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The play-offs were cancelled with only the Challenge Cup seeing a winner (the Sheffield Steelers) crowned.[4]
Then, the 2020–21 Elite League season – originally scheduled for a revised start date of 5 December – was suspended on 15 September 2020 because of ongoing coronavirus pandemic restrictions. The EIHL board determined that the season was non-viable without supporters being permitted to attend matches and unanimously agreed to a suspension.[5] The season was cancelled completely in February 2021.[6]
In the 2021–22 EIHL season, Guildford finished the regular season in fifth place with a 25-25-4 record, reaching the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup (losing 6–5 on aggregate to Nottingham Panthers) and the play-off semi-finals (beating Nottingham 7–6 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, before losing in the last four to Cardiff Devils 3–2).[7][8] Guildford claimed third place by beating Dundee Stars 7–5 in the third/fourth place play-off.[9]
The 2022–23 EIHL season proved to be even better for the Guildford Flames, propelled by a strong start to the campaign that saw the Flames top the league for much of the first half of the season, including at Christmas. Forwards Daniel Tedesco (80 points), captain Brett Ferguson (67 points) and Ryan Tait (62 points) led the way.
The team were neck and neck with eventual league champions the Belfast Giants, with Guildford finishing in 2nd place in the Elite League with a 40-12-2 record from 54 games, good for 82 points, just two behind the Giants.[10] Belfast secured the title after a 6-1 win over the Flames at the SSE Arena on 1 April 2023.[11]
In the Challenge Cup, Guildford reached the semi-finals, before an eventual 6-3 aggregate defeat – once again at the hands of the Belfast Giants. And in the play-offs, the Flames were on the end of an upset at the quarter-final stage, losing 7-6 at the hands of seventh seed the Nottingham Panthers in April 2023.[12]
Guildford's second place league finish in the 2022–23 season saw them earn qualification for the 2023–24 IIHF Continental Cup. However, in May 2023, the club released a statement confirming they would decline their place in the competition.[13]
The 2023–24 EIHL season saw the Flames maintain a record that kept them in the top half of the league table. On 13 March 2024, Guildford finished runners-up in the Challenge Cup final to the Sheffield Steelers, losing 3-1.[14] Guildford ended the regular season in 5th with a 24-20-10 record, eventually losing in the play-off semi-finals to the Sheffield Steelers, 6-3.[15][16] The Flames also lost the 3rd/4th play-off 7-5 to the Cardiff Devils.[17]
In 2024–25, Guildford finished 6th in the league standings, thus once again qualifying for the end of season play-offs. The Flames regular season record was 25-22-7. The Flames were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by eventual champions the Nottingham Panthers, 8-6 on aggregate.
Club honours
[edit]Domestic
[edit]- 1996–97, 1998–99,
- Champions: 1997–98, 2000–01
- Playoffs: 1997–98, 2000–01, 2003–04
- Southern Conference: 1997–98
- Runners-up: 2018–19, 2023–24
Christmas Cup
- 2000–01
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English Premier Ice Hockey League
- League: 2005–06, 2007–08, 2011–12, 2012–13
- Playoffs: 2010–11
- Cup: 2006–07, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2015–16
- 2018–19
Individual
[edit]
EIHL All-Stars First Team
- 2017–18: Jesse Craige
- 2021–22: Jamal Watson
- 2022–23: Daniel Tedesco
EIHL All-Stars Second Team
- 2017–18: Calle Ackered
- 2017–18: John Dunbar
- 2018–19: Calle Ackered
- 2018–19: Jesse Craige
- 2022–23: Brett Ferguson
- 2022–23: Ben O'Connor
Team logo and jersey
[edit]
The team logo is very similar to that of the Calgary Flames of the NHL. The team jerseys mirror those used by a former NHL team, Atlanta Thrashers from 1999 to 2006 (with logos replaced and advertisements added).
Current squad
[edit]Squad for 2025–26 Elite League season[18][19]
- * Denotes two-way deal with Milton Keynes Lightning of the NIHL[20]
- ** Denotes two-way deal with Basingstoke Bison of the NIHL[21]
| No. | Player | Catches | Acquired | Place of Birth | Joined from | Press Release | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  
|
Taz Burman | L | 2025 | Vancouver, Canada | Cardiff Devils, EIHL | [22] |
| 30 | 
|
Adam Long | L | 2021 | Crewe, England | Haringey Huskies, NIHL 2 | [23] |
| 40 | 
|
Justin Fazio | L | 2025 | Sarnia, Canada | Asiago Hockey 1935, AlpsHL | [24] |
| 73 | 
|
Jake Kupsky | L | 2024 | Waukesha, United States | HKM Zvolen, Slovak Extraliga | [25] |
| No. | Player | Shoots | Acquired | Place of Birth | Joined from | Press Release | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 |
|
Jonathan Racine | L | 2025 | Montreal, Canada | CSM Corona Brasov, Erste Liga | [26] |
| 6 |
|
Ben Solder | L | 2025 | Chelmsford, England | Milton Keynes Lightning, NIHL | [27] |
| 7 |
|
Sean Comrie | R | 2025 | Edmonton, Canada | MacEwan University Griffins, U Sports | [28] |
| 19 |
|
Charlie Curti A | L | 2024 | Mound, United States | Belfast Giants, EIHL | [29] |
| 20 |
|
Marcus Tesink | L | 2023 | Saint John, Canada | Concordia Stingers, U Sports | [30] |
| 42 |
|
Jamal Watson | R | 2025 | Calgary, Canada | ESV Kaufbeuren, DEL2 | [31] |
| 45 |
|
Travis Brown A | L | 2024 | Winnipeg, Canada | Belfast Giants, EIHL | [32] |
| 57 |
|
Jacob Gravelle | L | 2025 | North Bay, Canada | Western Mustangs, U Sports | [33] |
| No. | Player | Position | Acquired | Place of Birth | Playing For | Press Release | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Name | Position | Place of Birth | Joined from | Press Release | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A |
|
Paul Dixon | Head coach/GM | Sunderland, England | Appointed in 2007 | [1] |
| N/A |
|
Andrew Hemmings | Assistant coach | Guildford, England | Appointed in 2022 | [2] |
| N/A |
|
Matty Simpson | Equipment manager | England | Appointed in 2024 | [3] |
| No. | Player | Position | Acquired | Leaving For | Press Release | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 |
|
Kyle Locke | D | 2021 | Manchester Storm, EIHL | [4] |
| 7 |
|
Daniel Catenacci | C/LW | 2024 | TBC | [5] |
| 8 |
|
Ryan Tait | C/RW | 2022 | Sheffield Steelers, EIHL | [6] |
| 18 |
|
Brett Ferguson C | LW/C | 2021 | TBC | [7] |
| 25 |
|
James Shearer | D | 2025 | Lacombe Generals, NCHL-AB | [8] |
| 26 |
|
Daniel Tedesco | LW | 2024 | Bloomington Bison, ECHL | [9] |
| 27 |
|
Eamon McAdam | G | 2022 | Sheffield Steelers, EIHL | [10] |
| 29 |
|
Austin Glover | C/RW | 2024 | Watrous Winterhawks, LLHL | [11] |
| 40 | 
|
Sam Jones | D | 2024 | Belfast Giants, EIHL | [12] |
| 46 |
|
Michael Crocock A | D | 2022 | TBC | [13] |
| 77 |
|
Zack Hoffman | D | 2025 | GKS Katowice, Polska Hokej Liga | [14] |
| 94 |
|
Brett Welychka | C/RW | 2024 | Ritten Sport, AlpsHL | [15] |
Retired numbers
[edit]The retired numbers at the Guildford Flames are:
- 3 Stan Marple
- 10 Ryan Campbell
- 11 Fred Perlini
- 9 Terry Kurtenbach
- 15 Andy Sparks
- 22 Paul Dixon
Team captains
[edit]- 1992–94 – Darren Zinger
- 1994–99 – Paul Thompson
- 1999-00 – Karry Biette
- 2000–01 – Wayne Crawford
- 2001–07 – Paul Dixon
- 2007–09 – Ricky Plant
- 2009–10 – Rob Lamey
- 2010–15 – David Longstaff
- 2015–17 – Jeremy Lundin
- 2017–20 – Jesse Craige
- 2021–25 – Brett Ferguson
- 2025-Current - Matt Alvaro
References
[edit]- ^ "Flames select captains".
- ^ "Guildford Flames to join elite league". Coventry Blaze. 24 February 2017. Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
- ^ "Challenge Cup: Belfast Giants retain trophy with overtime win against Flames". BBC Sport. 10 March 2019. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
- ^ "EIHL cancels all matches for rest of season". eSports Media. 13 March 2020. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
- ^ "EIHL Board Suspend 2020-21 Season". eSports Media. 15 September 2020. Archived from the original on 16 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
- ^ "No Elite League Season 2020/21". eSports Media. 2 February 2021. Archived from the original on 3 March 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ "Cardiff Devils 3:2 Guildford Flames".
- ^ "Gamecentre".
- ^ "Guildford Flames 7:5 Dundee Stars".
- ^ "Standings 2022/2023 Elite Ice Hockey League".
- ^ "Giants clinch third straight Elite League title!". 21 August 2019.
- ^ "Panthers hold on to knock out second-seeded Flames". 21 August 2019.
- ^ "Flames not entering Continental Cup".
- ^ "Steelers win 2024 Challenge Cup". 21 August 2019.
- ^ "Standings 2024/2025 Elite Ice Hockey League".
- ^ "Sheffield Steelers 6:3 Guildford Flames".
- ^ "Cardiff Devils 7:5 Guildford Flames".
- ^ "Guildford Flames at eliteprospects.com". www.eliteprospects.com. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
- ^ "Team". Guildford Flames. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
- ^ "Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club - Lewis added on two-way with Milton Keynes".
- ^ "Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club - Milton joins on two-way".
- ^ "Burman returns to Flames". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
- ^ "Long back in Flames kit". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
- ^ "Justin Fazio added to roster". Retrieved 8 September 2025.
- ^ "Kupsky returns". Retrieved 21 May 2025.
- ^ "Flames add D Racine". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
- ^ "Ben Solder transfers to Flames". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
- ^ "Comrie making pro debut at Flames". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Curti agrees second term". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ "Tesink returns for third term". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
- ^ "Watson back for 2nd stint". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ "Brown signs on for second tour". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ^ "Gravelle signs with Flames". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ "Lewis added on two-way with Milton Keynes". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ "Busch moves to Flames". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ^ "Jacome back for second term". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ "Preziuso added to roster". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ "Milton joins on two-way". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ "Flames add forward Josh Nixon". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Alvaro back with Flames". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ^ "Seitz joins Flames". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ "Mathieu Gosselin joins Flames". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Coughler back for second season". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
- ^ "Hook returns". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ "Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club - Waller back for 25-26". www.guildfordflames.com. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ "Strang back for follow-up campaign". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Ully transfers to Flames". www.guildfordflames.com. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ^ "Talbot back for second year of deal". Guildford Flames. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
External links
[edit]
Guildford Flames
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Formation and early years
The Guildford Flames were founded in October 1992 by American businessman Barry Dow, who already owned the local Guildford Kings basketball team, and British partner Bill Hurley, both newcomers to ice hockey ownership.[7] The club entered the English League Division One as an unseeded team, marking the beginning of professional ice hockey in Guildford, Surrey—a region with little prior tradition in the sport.[7] To establish the team, Dow and Hurley focused on assembling a roster capable of competing in the lower tiers, signing key Canadian forwards Sean Murphy and Dave McGahan, who brought proven scoring prowess from previous stints with the Solent Vikings.[7][8] Due to construction delays on their intended home venue, the Guildford Spectrum, the Flames played their initial home games at Alexandra Palace in London during the 1992–93 season.[9] The team trained at Slough Ice Rink in the interim, navigating a compressed schedule that included 16 home games over just 11 weeks once relocated.[7] The Spectrum, a £28 million council-owned leisure complex, finally hosted its inaugural event with the Flames' first home league game on 23 January 1993, allowing the club to shift operations to Guildford mid-season.[7][10] The debut season presented significant challenges, including establishing financial stability and cultivating a local fanbase in an area unaccustomed to ice hockey.[7] Despite a strong performance with 25 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, the team grappled with injuries to key players like goaltender Stevie Urquhart and forward Darrin Zinger ahead of the playoffs, finishing joint third in the league.[7] These early hurdles underscored the difficulties of launching a franchise in a non-traditional market, with financial strains becoming more evident in subsequent seasons as the club sought long-term viability.[11]Progression through lower leagues
The Guildford Flames entered the British National League (BNL) in the 1996–97 season after promotion from lower divisions, competing in the second tier of British ice hockey until the league's dissolution in 2005.[12] During this era, the team established itself as a consistent contender, highlighted by their 1997–98 championship season under head coach Stan Marple, in which they captured the BNL title, the Southern Conference crown, and the playoff championship.[13] The Flames added another BNL title in 2000–01, demonstrating resilience amid varying competitive landscapes that included teams from England, Scotland, and Wales.[14] Under earlier leadership from coaches, the Flames focused on building a stable roster blending import players with emerging British talent to navigate the league's import restrictions, typically limiting non-UK players to around five per game.[15] Following the BNL's end after the 2004–05 season due to structural changes in British hockey, the Flames transitioned to the newly formed English Premier League (EPL) in 2005–06, where they clinched the inaugural league title with a dominant 39–6–3 record under continuing head coach Stan Marple.[16] The team repeated this success in 2007–08, their first championship under Paul Dixon, who assumed head coaching duties that season after Marple's retirement, and added further EPL titles in 2011–12 and 2012–13.[12] These victories underscored the Flames' adaptability to the EPL's format, which emphasized regional play and stricter import rules—capped at five non-UK trained players—to promote domestic development. Dixon's tenure emphasized integrating homegrown players, contributing to four league championships over the EPL years.[13] Throughout the BNL and EPL periods, the Flames faced competitive challenges from league restructurings, including the 2005 shift that required rapid roster adjustments and facility upgrades at the Guildford Spectrum to sustain operations.[9] To address import limits and build long-term sustainability, the club invested in youth development via the affiliated Guildford Junior Ice Hockey Club, established to nurture British players from age four through junior leagues, producing talents who filled key roles on senior rosters and reduced reliance on overseas imports.[17] This focus on local integration helped the Flames maintain competitiveness while complying with evolving regulations, such as the EPL's emphasis on at least eight British players per lineup, paving the way for their 2017 promotion to the Elite Ice Hockey League.[18]Elite Ice Hockey League era
Following their dominance in the English Premier Ice Hockey League, where they secured multiple titles, the Guildford Flames were announced as the 12th expansion team in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) on February 24, 2017, set to join for the 2017–18 season. This move elevated the club to the top tier of British ice hockey, requiring substantial adaptations to compete against established professional outfits. To meet the increased competitive demands, the Flames executed the largest roster turnover in club history, signing experienced imports such as forwards Ben O'Connor and Matt Towe, along with defensemen like Stefan Zeller, to enhance depth and skill levels previously honed in the lower division.[19][20][21] The Flames' EIHL debut in 2017–18 saw them finish sixth in the standings with 69 points from 56 games, marking a solid transition despite the step-up in intensity. Their performance peaked in subsequent seasons, notably reaching the 2018–19 Challenge Cup final, where they fell 2–1 in overtime to the Belfast Giants at the Viola Arena in Cardiff. Under long-serving head coach Paul Dixon, whose strategic oversight has driven sustained competitiveness since the club's early years, the team qualified for the playoffs in 2022–23 after securing second place in the regular season with 82 points from 54 games, though they exited in the quarterfinals against the Nottingham Panthers. Dixon's emphasis on defensive structure and roster stability has been credited with fostering these playoff runs amid the league's demanding schedule.[22][23][24] The 2023–24 season brought another Challenge Cup final appearance, ending in a 3–1 defeat to the Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena, highlighting the Flames' growing prowess in cup competitions despite the loss. They continued their playoff streak in 2024–25 by finishing sixth with 57 points from 54 games, advancing to the quarterfinals before elimination. As of November 16, 2025, in the ongoing 2025–26 campaign, the Flames sit seventh in the EIHL standings with 9 points from 10 games, reflecting a mid-table position early in the season.[25][26][27][5] Transitioning to the EIHL introduced significant challenges, including intensified competition from full-time professional teams and extensive travel across the United Kingdom, which spans longer distances than in the more regionally compact EPL. These factors contributed to fixture congestion and logistical strains, as evidenced by the club's decision to opt out of the 2023–24 IIHF Continental Cup due to travel concerns and arena availability issues at the Guildford Spectrum. Despite these hurdles, the Flames have adapted by prioritizing efficient scheduling and player recovery protocols to maintain performance.[28][29]Arena and facilities
Guildford Spectrum
The Guildford Spectrum is a multi-purpose leisure centre in Guildford, Surrey, serving as the primary home venue for the Guildford Flames ice hockey team since the early 1990s. Constructed over two years at a cost of £28 million and owned by Guildford Borough Council, the complex opened on 23 February 1993, marking it as one of the first integrated leisure facilities of its kind in the UK.[10] The development, spanning 26 acres, was designed to provide a range of recreational and sporting amenities, including an ice rink, swimming pools, and sports halls, to support community activities and professional events. The ice rink at the Spectrum measures 60 metres by 30 metres (approximately 197 feet by 98 feet), adhering to the international standard for ice hockey rinks as regulated by the International Ice Hockey Federation, rather than the narrower North American dimensions.[30] It offers a current seating capacity of 2,001 specifically configured for hockey matches, enabling an intimate atmosphere for spectators (historical capacity was 2,200 in the early years).[6][3] Managed by the not-for-profit organisation Freedom Leisure in partnership with the council since 2011, the venue received a new 10-year management contract in July 2025, including nearly £10 million in investments for facility upgrades and enhanced services.[10][31] The Spectrum holds significant operational importance for the Flames as their longest continuously used home arena, accommodating all home games following the team's relocation from Alexandra Palace during the inaugural 1992–1993 season, with the first match played there on 23 January 1993.[9] Beyond professional ice hockey, the facility operates as a multi-use centre, balancing team practices and competitions with public skating sessions, lessons for all ages, and recreational ice time to promote community engagement in the sport.[32]Attendance records
The Guildford Flames experienced strong fan support from their inception in the 1992–93 season, averaging over 2,000 spectators per home game and frequently selling out the arena's then-capacity of 2,200.[7] This early popularity contributed to sustained interest as the club progressed through leagues, though specific figures from the English Premier Ice Hockey League era, including title-winning campaigns like 2012–13, are not comprehensively documented in available records. Upon joining the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in 2017, the Flames' average home attendance stood at 1,777 during the 2017–18 season and rose slightly to 1,801 in 2018–19.[33] The 2020–21 season was entirely cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in no games or attendance.[34] Recovery followed in subsequent years, with averages reaching 1,769 in 2023–24 and 1,870 in 2024–25, reflecting a return to pre-pandemic levels around 1,700–1,800 fans per match, bolstered by roughly 1,000 season ticket holders.[35][3] Attendance trends in the EIHL era have shown modest growth during periods of competitive success, such as playoff appearances, though the Flames remain below the league average. In 2024–25, the EIHL recorded a record total of 1,247,972 spectators across all teams, averaging 3,660 per game—the highest in its history—positioning Guildford in the mid-tier among the 10 clubs.[36] Factors contributing to crowd sizes include targeted local marketing, family-friendly promotions, and elevated turnout for rivalry games, which help maintain engagement despite the arena's fixed capacity of 2,001.[3][37]Club identity
Logo and colours
The Guildford Flames' logo consists of a stylized letter "G" integrated with flames rising from its form, representing the team's identity as a dynamic ice hockey club. The design is inspired by the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL), with permission obtained for this adapted version.[38] Since the club's founding in 1992, the primary color scheme has comprised navy, crimson, gold, and white, providing a bold and consistent visual foundation across branding elements.[6][12] The flame motif in the logo directly evokes the "Flames" name, symbolizing intensity and speed on the ice, while the core design has remained largely unchanged through the team's progression to the Elite Ice Hockey League in 2017.[39][6] This logo is prominently featured in official merchandise, including apparel and promotional materials, to foster fan engagement and brand recognition.[40]Jerseys and uniforms
The Guildford Flames introduced a new uniform and set of colours for the 2000–2001 season, marking a significant update to their on-ice appearance that coincided with the club's second treble victory in the British National League, cup, and playoffs.[41] This design became the longest-serving in team history, remaining in use through the 2019–2020 season.[42] Early examples from the 2000s, such as away jerseys, were produced by CCM, reflecting the manufacturer's role in supplying professional-grade equipment during that period.[43] The team periodically revives these uniforms for special events, including Retro Jersey Night, where players wear the 2000–2001 set to honour the treble-winning era.[42] In the Elite Ice Hockey League era, the Flames' jerseys adhere to league standards for player numbering, lettering, and overall templating to ensure uniformity across competitions. Sponsorship placements on jerseys, often featuring local businesses, are integrated into corporate packages that provide branding opportunities on team shirts.[3] Special editions include limited-run playoff jerseys and dedicated cup uniforms; for instance, the 2024–25 Challenge Cup jerseys were unveiled to support the new EIHL tournament format, while the 2025–26 versions emphasize a bold, sharp, and clean aesthetic. The evolution from simpler 1990s designs to more dynamic modern variations has paralleled the club's progression through leagues, with recent iterations incorporating fan engagement through merchandise sales of replicas via official partners.[40]Honours and records
Team achievements
The Guildford Flames have secured six major league championships prior to joining the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in 2017, establishing themselves as one of the most successful teams in British ice hockey's lower divisions. These include two British National League (BNL) titles in the late 1990s and early 2000s, followed by four English Premier League (EPL) championships during their dominant run from 2005 to 2013. This pre-EIHL success underscores the club's consistent performance and growth from regional play to national contention.[4] In the BNL, the Flames claimed the league championship in the 1997–98 season, finishing atop the standings and also winning the Southern Conference while securing the playoff title. They repeated as BNL champions in the 2000–01 season, again capturing the playoff crown alongside the ntl: Christmas Cup. They also won the playoff title in 2003–04. These victories marked the team's early prowess in a competitive second-tier league, where they rarely finished outside the top three across eight seasons.[4][44] Transitioning to the EPL in 2005, the Flames quickly became a powerhouse, winning league titles in 2005–06, 2007–08, 2011–12, and 2012–13. These triumphs included back-to-back championships in 2011–12 and 2012–13, highlighting their sustained excellence and ability to outperform northern rivals. The club also achieved playoff success, winning the EPL playoffs in 2010–11 and 2015–16, further cementing their status with two postseason titles overall. Among southern-based teams, the Flames hold the record for the most EPL league championships with four.[4] Since entering the EIHL, the Flames have reached two Challenge Cup finals but finished as runners-up both times. In the 2018–19 season, they advanced to the final but lost 2–1 in overtime to the Belfast Giants, and also won the Patton Conference championship that year. They returned to the final in 2023–24, falling 3–1 to the Sheffield Steelers at a sold-out Utilita Arena. Additionally, the team made a strong playoff showing in 2022–23, finishing second in the regular season standings before competing in the postseason tournament. In the 2024–25 season, they finished 6th in the regular season and lost in the playoff quarterfinals to the Nottingham Panthers.[22][45][23][27][46]Individual awards
Over the course of the Guildford Flames' history, several players and staff members have received notable individual recognition in league competitions and club records, highlighting their contributions to the team's success. In the Elite Ice Hockey League era, forward Ben O'Connor earned the British Player of the Year award for the 2022/23 season, as voted by coaches and general managers, after recording 50 points (10 goals, 40 assists) in 54 regular-season games.[47][48] During the English Premier League years, forward Curtis Huppe was the league's leading goal scorer in the 2012/13 season, tallying 50 goals in 50 regular-season games and helping drive the Flames' playoff push. His scoring prowess also placed him second overall in league points that year with 81.[49] Club-specific honors include all-time statistical leaders, with forward Ryan Campbell holding the record for most career regular-season points at 665 over 321 games.[50] Defenceman Paul Dixon, now the team's head coach, ranks fourth in points with 613 (113 goals, 500 assists) across 928 games, making him the Flames' all-time leader in appearances.[51] Dixon's playing career also featured multiple team titles, while his coaching tenure since 2007/08 has added four major trophies, including back-to-back league and cup doubles from 2011 to 2013.[51] Supporters-voted awards provide additional club recognition, such as the 2023/24 Offensive Player of the Season to forward Peter Crinella and Defensive Player of the Season to defenceman Kyle Locke.[52]Players and staff
Current roster
As of November 2025, the Guildford Flames' 2025–26 roster comprises 25 active players, blending seasoned British talent with international imports to meet Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) regulations, which permit a maximum of 25 players excluding under-20 exceptions and injured reserve placements. The composition includes 15 Canadian players, 7 British players, 3 American players, and 1 Italian player, emphasizing a strong North American influence while maintaining homegrown depth through two-way contracts. Recent signings such as goaltender Justin Fazio and forward Mathieu Gosselin have bolstered the lineup, with up to 11 non-British players eligible under traditional EIHL import guidelines to ensure competitive balance. Canadian forward Matt Alvaro serves as team captain, supported by alternate captains including Charlie Curti.[53][6][54][55][56]Forwards
The forward group features a mix of scoring specialists and physical checkers, led by captain Matt Alvaro (#28, Canada). Key imports include Jack Jacome (#16, Canada), a versatile winger known for his speed, and Travis Brown (#45, Canada), a defenseman who anchors the blue line. Other notable forwards are Tyler Busch (#13, Canada), Cole Ully (#96, Canada), and British players like Lewis Hook (#88, England) and Josh Nixon (#27, Canada). The full forward roster includes:- Elliot Lewis (#8, England, 2-way)
- Tyler Busch (#13, Canada)
- Jack Jacome (#16, Canada)
- Tyler Preziuso (#17, Canada)
- Zack Milton (#24, England, 2-way)
- Josh Nixon (#27, Canada)
- Matt Alvaro (#28, Canada)
- Nick Seitz (#29, USA)
- Mathieu Gosselin (#63, Canada)
- Jake Coughler (#86, Canada)
- Lewis Hook (#88, England)
- Joshua Waller (#91, England)
- Ethan Strang (#93, Canada)
- Cole Ully (#96, Canada)
- Sam Talbot (#98, England)
[54][6]
Defensemen
The defensive corps provides solid puck-moving and shutdown capabilities, highlighted by alternate captain Charlie Curti (#19, USA). Imports such as Sean Comrie (#7, Canada) and Marcus Tesink (#20, Canada) anchor the blue line, complemented by British defender Ben Solder (#6, England). Recent addition Travis Brown (#45, Canada) adds physicality. The complete defensemen list is:- Ben Solder (#6, England)
- Sean Comrie (#7, Canada)
- Charlie Curti (#19, USA)
- Marcus Tesink (#20, Canada)
- Jamal Watson (#42, Canada)
- Travis Brown (#45, Canada)
- Jake Gravelle (#57, Canada)
[54][6]
Goaltenders
The goaltending tandem is led by starter Taz Burman (#1, Canada), returning for his second season with the Flames. Supporting options include Justin Fazio (#40, Canada), a recent signing from North American leagues, Adam Long (#30, England), and Jake Kupsky (#73, USA), though Kupsky has been sidelined by a training injury. This group offers depth for the demanding EIHL schedule.- Taz Burman (#1, Canada)
- Adam Long (#30, England)
- Justin Fazio (#40, Canada)
- Jake Kupsky (#73, USA)
[54][55][6]
Coaching and Support Staff
Head coach and general manager Paul Dixon oversees the team, drawing on his extensive experience as a former Flames captain and player. Assistant coach Andrew Hemmings supports player development and strategy, while kit manager Matthew Simpson and athletic therapist Dario Gorianz handle equipment and injury management to keep the roster performing at peak levels.[54]
Notable former players
Paul Dixon stands out as one of the longest-serving contributors to the Guildford Flames, having played from 1998 to 2016 while also serving as player-assistant coach from 2005 to 2007 and player-coach from 2007 to 2016.[51] Over his tenure, Dixon appeared in a club-record 928 games, accumulating 113 goals and 500 assists for 613 points, ranking fourth on the team's all-time scoring list.[51] His versatility and leadership helped stabilize the team's British core during multiple league transitions.[15] David Clarke, a prominent British forward, joined the Flames for the 2002–03 British National League season and led the team in scoring with 27 goals (and 44 points) in 33 games, establishing himself as one of the league's top British scorers that year.[57] Clarke's offensive prowess during his single season with Guildford contributed to the team's competitive edge before he moved to higher divisions.[58] Later in his career, he represented Great Britain internationally, becoming the nation's fifth-highest all-time scorer with 67 points in 52 games.[59] Among title-winning imports, Jozef Kohut played a key role in the Flames' successes from 2003 to 2008, including the 2003–04 playoff championship and the 2005–06 English Premier League title.[60] The Slovak forward tallied 20 goals in 35 games during the 2003–04 regular season and remained a consistent scorer, with 23 goals in 18 regular season games in 2007–08 despite injuries.[61] Kohut's physical style and finishing ability were instrumental in the team's championship runs.[62] Jason Bowen, a former NHL draft pick, bolstered the Flames' defense during the 2002–03 season after transferring from the Ayr Scottish Eagles.[57] The Canadian rearguard provided physical presence and contributed to the team's push in the British National League, drawing on his experience from 26 NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers.[63] International talents like Czech forward Lukas Smital added scoring depth from 2007 to 2011, where he posted 69 points in 52 games during the 2008–09 English Premier League season.[64] Smital, a former junior standout in Czech leagues, helped the Flames secure playoff berths with his playmaking.[65] Similarly, Slovak import Martin Bouz joined in 2008–09, recording 27 points in 26 games as a reliable two-way forward.[66] Curtis Huppe emerged as a high-impact scorer in the early 2010s, playing from 2011 to 2014 and averaging 1.50 points per game across 98 regular-season appearances, highlighted by 81 points in 50 games during the 2012–13 championship season.[67] The Canadian right winger led the team with 50 goals that year, contributing to back-to-back English Premier League titles in 2011–12 and 2012–13.[68] Several former Flames players have transitioned into coaching or international roles post-retirement; for instance, Dixon became the team's general manager and head coach in 2016, Smital took up head coaching duties with the Slough Jets in 2019, and Bouz now coaches in Austria's lower divisions.[15][69][70] Clarke's international career with Great Britain further underscores the club's role in developing elite British talent.[59]Captaincy history
The Guildford Flames have had a succession of captains since their founding in 1992, selected primarily for their on-ice leadership, longevity with the club, and ability to guide the team through competitive seasons and playoffs.[56] Captains have often been a mix of British players and long-term imports, reflecting league requirements for domestic representation while prioritizing experienced leaders who foster team unity during high-stakes periods like postseason play.[71] Over the club's 33-year history, approximately 11 individuals have worn the "C," with the longest tenures belonging to Paul Dixon (six seasons) and Paul Thompson and David Longstaff (five seasons each).[71] Early captains laid the foundation during the club's formative years in lower-tier British leagues. Darrin Zinger, a Canadian defenceman, served as the inaugural captain from 1992 to 1994, helping establish the team's identity in the British Division 2 and Division 1 while contributing defensively in the transition to the Spectrum arena.[7] Paul Thompson, another Canadian, took over from 1994 to 1999, leading the Flames to a treble in the 1995–96 season across the league, cup, and playoffs in the British National League era. In the late 1990s and 2000s, during the British National League and English Premier Ice Hockey League periods, captains focused on building consistency and championship success. Karry Biette captained for the 1999–2000 season, emphasizing offensive leadership as the team navigated roster changes.[71] Wayne Crawford followed in 2000–01, providing veteran presence during a transitional year.[72] Paul Dixon, a British defenceman and club legend, held the role from 2001 to 2007, captaining through multiple playoff runs and contributing to the team's promotion pushes while amassing over 900 games with the Flames.[73] Rick Plant, a British forward, succeeded him from 2007 to 2009, guiding the squad in the EPIHL with strong two-way play amid efforts to elevate the club's standing.[71] The 2010s saw captains steer the Flames toward sustained success in the EPIHL before the jump to the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in 2017. David Longstaff, a British forward and Great Britain international, captained from 2010 to 2015, leading back-to-back doubles (league and playoffs) in 2011–12 and 2012–13 while embodying resilience in competitive seasons.[74] Jeremy Lundin, a British defenceman, took the helm from 2015 to 2017, captaining the final EPIHL campaigns and facilitating the smooth transition to elite-level play.[75] Upon entering the EIHL, captains adapted to heightened competition and international rosters. Jesse Craige, a Canadian defenceman, served from 2017 to 2020, providing steady leadership during the club's inaugural EIHL seasons, including a conference title in 2018–19, and emphasizing defensive structure in playoffs. Brett Ferguson, a Canadian forward, captained from 2021 to 2025, overseeing four seasons of playoff contention and a Challenge Cup final appearance in 2023–24 while ranking among the team's top scorers.[76] The current captain, Matt Alvaro, a Canadian forward in his third stint with the club, was appointed for the 2025–26 season, selected by head coach Paul Dixon for his prior alternate role and proven responsibility on and off the ice.[56]| Season(s) | Captain | Nationality | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992–94 | Darrin Zinger | Canadian | Inaugural leader; defensive anchor in early leagues.[7] |
| 1994–99 | Paul Thompson | Canadian | Treble winner (1995–96); offensive guide. |
| 1999–00 | Karry Biette | Canadian | Transitional leadership post-treble.[71] |
| 2000–01 | Wayne Crawford | Canadian | Veteran stability in BNL.[72] |
| 2001–07 | Paul Dixon | British | Playoff veteran; club games leader.[73] |
| 2007–09 | Rick Plant | British | Two-way forward in EPIHL rise.[71] |
| 2010–15 | David Longstaff | British | Back-to-back doubles; GB international.[74] |
| 2015–17 | Jeremy Lundin | British | EIHL transition captain.[75] |
| 2017–20 | Jesse Craige | Canadian | EIHL debut stability; conference title. |
| 2021–25 | Brett Ferguson | Canadian | Playoff contender; top scorer.[76] |
| 2025–present | Matt Alvaro | Canadian | Current leader; alternate experience.[56] |