Club Statement
Billingham Ice Hockey Club announces the departure of Director/General Manager Allen Flavell and Director Brian McCabe after almost 24 years at the helm.
Allen said: “Since the end of the season, I’ve given it some serious thought, and I have decided to retire as General Manager of the Billingham Stars and also as Director/Club Secretary of Billingham Ice Hockey Club. Director Brian McCabe will also step down and retire.
I have given over 25 years to the sport here in Billingham and I have enjoyed every minute enormously, both Juniors and Seniors. We’ve had some fantastic highs with a few lows along the way but I feel I have taken my role as far as I can. I will miss the camaraderie of the players, coaches and the host of volunteers at the club, I have made many life-long friends along the way.
I feel now is the right time to step aside before the summer and let Terry Ward pull a new management team together to lead the Stars into a new season with fresh ideas and enthusiasm to drive the team on.
My thanks go to the original three partners alongside myself: Terry Ward, Brian McCabe along with Jeremy Griffiths. My thanks also go to the most loyal and passionate hockey fans that have supported us through the years through thick and thin.
It has been my privilege to run the Billingham Stars and put ice hockey back on the map here in Billingham. I’m sure to be at a game or two next season and wish you all good luck for the future.”
Allen Flavell, Billingham Bombers/Stars General Manager: 6th August 2002 – 14th May 2026
Terry Ward remains as Director of the club and had this to say: “I want to place on record our thanks to Allen and Brian for the many years of hard work they have put in and the dedication they have given to this club. Staying at the helm of any sports club for so long – not least in British ice hockey – is no mean feat and they will always be held in the highest regard by the Billingham and wider hockey community.
Announcements will be made in due course, all I want to say at this stage is that the aim is to continue and develop the club to be the best it can be with a new management team in place. I say to the fans – our focus will solely be on keeping the Stars challenging for silverware as they have been.”
Truly the end of an era, Allen’s time as GM has produced players that have gone onto make their mark higher up the echelons of British hockey and a significant roll of honour:
2005-2006 League Champions and Playoff Winners
2011-2012 League Champions and Playoff Winners
2012-2013 Playoff Finalists
2014-2015 Playoff Finalists
2015-2016 Cup Winners
2016-2017 Playoff Finalists
2022-2023 Cup Finalists
2023-2024 League Champions, Cup and Playoff Finalists
2024-2025 League Champions Cup, Playoff and National Playoff Winners
Allen and Brian’s contribution to developing teams and players in this town cannot be understated, and it is with a heavy heart that we bid them farewell.
Thank you both, for everything.