Ice-hockey: Paynter to replace Farn as Streatham player-coach next season

Streatham have announced the impending departure of player-coach Michael Farn with captain Ben Paynter taking on the role, writes David Carr.

The Red Hawks, who won 10-3 at Milton Keynes Thunder last weekend, have also confirmed the return of top scorer Vanya Antonov next season.

The early announcements were made to avoid any rumours forming, and to reassure fans that the team would continue to keep the core of players that have delivered all available trophies so far this season.

“We’ve got a good group here and continuity is key,” said general manager Graham D’Anger.

“Ben follows Michael and Adam [Carr] in stepping up as coach from the role as captain and we’ll give him the support he needs in his first coaching role at this level.

“Michael has had such a massive impact since arriving five years ago as a player, and we hope he and the boys can finish the season in style by winning the two available trophies that remain.”

Streatham have just two league games left. Ben Ealey-Newman top- scored in Buckinghamshire with four goals in the rout, which also saw his brother Josh net two along with Scott Bailey. Ziggy Beesley and Milique Martelly completed the scoring with one each.

Streatham wrap up their league campaign this weekend as they face Romford tomorrow before hosting Bristol Pitbulls in South London on Sunday. They will then likely face Oxford City Stars in the play-off quarter-finals.

“We’ve got to use both games to tune up ahead of the play-off quarter-final seven days later,” said Farn.

“We got the announcements out of the way in good time so we can all now focus on the hockey for the rest of the year.

“We’re gradually welcoming back bodies to the squad so that we can be in the best shape possible.”