The UK's first 3-on-3 ice hockey tournament is given the green light by SLM and ADC.  Sutton STing's ENL Player Coach Simon Offord to take the lead in setting-up the first ice hockey tournament for senior players at Lammas.

For the past few months Sutton Sting have been awaiting news of the proposed 3-on-3 ice hockey tournament.  At a meeting earlier this months between Sting and SLM bosses the idea of a tournament in the summer was discussed and it was agreed that permission would be sought from Ashfield District Council.

Earlier today the Club learned that permission had been granted and now arrangements for the Monster 3-on-3 Hockey Tournament can be put in place.

The event will be held on Sunday 17th June 2012 at the £16m Lammas Leisure Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield.  Sting ENL player Simon Offord came-up with the idea and it soon caught the imagination of Sting bosses Ian Johnson, Gary Apsley and Rob Saunders.  The idea is that 10 teams will descend upon Sutton-in-Ashfield to compete for a cash prize of £300 along with the Robin Hood Cup.

Offord explained. "I love the Lammas Centre, it has everything and the rink there is perfect for a 3-on-3 skills based tournament that are often found in the summer months taking place at rinks all across North America.  Over there they usually place "cross-ice" and the Lammas rink is perfect for that kind of competition.  I think it will be a great success."

There has already be significant interest from some of the semi-pro players from the EPL and ENL teams  and the organisers are hoping that the event will attract players of quality that will help to make the event a real showcase for ice hockey which could in turn help make the tournament an annual event.

With expressions of interest already received from a number of teams Offord is sure the tournament will be booked-up in no time at all.  He said. "I've been talking to a lot of the players I know to see what interest there was in hosting an event of this type and I was really surprised by the response.  Now that SLM have said we can have the ice time then I know we'll be booked-up and that will be great news for everyone connected with the event.

Details for the event can be found in the Tournament Rule Book which can be found here and any teams wishing to apply for one of the 10 spots in the tournament can download the application form here