Altrincham Aces
| Altrincham Aces | |
| League | English National Ice Hockey League |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Reformed | 2015 |
| History | Altrincham Aces 1961–1986, 1995–2003, 2015- Trafford Metros 1986–1995 |
| Arena | Altrincham Ice Dome |
| Capacity | 2,500 (1962) - 2,000 Seated 500 Standing (2015) |
| City | Altrincham, Greater Manchester, England |
| Team Colours | White, Blue & Red |
The Altrincham Aces were a semi-professional and amateur ice hockey team of the English National Ice Hockey League, based out of the old Altrincham Ice Rink, situated on Devonshire Road in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, England.
The team was initially founded in 1961, and played on until 2003, when the rink was sold,[1] then demolished to make way for a new housing development.
During the period 1986–1995, the team was known as the Trafford Metros, as the team was in part funded by Trafford council. This name was revived in 2009, but then altered to the Manchester Minotaurs in 2013. Until recently the team was affiliated to the Manchester Phoenix a team playing in the English Premier League.[2]
In the course of the team's existence, they played in a variety of regional and national leagues, in the largely amateur structure of the sport within the UK.
Early years
The Aces were formed not long after the collapse of the old British League, and initially played in regional games. In 1967 they became a member of the newly created Northern League, initially playing in the leagues 2nd Division. During their 2nd season in this league they had to withdraw as a number of Scottish teams refused to travel as far south as Altrincham to play games.
The 1970s
In 1970, the Aces became one of the founder members of the new Southern League. The club had its first taste of league success in the 1972–73 season, and followed this up the next year by finishing as runner up. They were also to finish as runners up in 75-76, 76-77, and in the Inter Cities League in 78-79.
2015/16
Following the demise of the Manchester Minotaurs the Aces entered the English National Ice Hockey League .[3] with the team finishing a credible fifth in their first season.[4] The team, alongside Widnes Wild, are affiliated to the Manchester Storm (2015–).
Notes
- ↑ "Skating on thin ice?". Messenger Newspapers. Newsquest Media Group. 12 December 2001.
- ↑ http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/enl/s/1547_the_metros_are_back
- ↑ http://www.eliteprospects.com/team.php?team=19021
- ↑ http://w.fixtureslive.com/comp/48904/table/English-Ice-Hockey-Association-NIHL-North-2-Laidler-2015-16