Striking legends return for

Apr 23 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

NEXT month’s Whitley Warriors v Durham Wasps exhibition clash will be a battle of the number nines after two of the famous ice hockey clubs’ most prolific goalscorers agreed to return to the North East, writes STUART RAYNER.

French-Canadian forwards Luc Chabot and Mario Belanger are the latest big names to sign up for the game, to mark the 60th anniversary of Wasps’ formation.

The pair played less than 50 games between them for the two local rivals, yet still managed 152 goals and a similar number of assists. Both will play in the May 4 clash at Hillheads, where each side will be allowed two imports.

Chabot played 26 games for the Warriors in the 1987-88 season, scoring 89 goals with 79 assists. He also played in the UK for Ayr, Medway, Solihull, Dumfries, Guildford, Isle of Wight, Peterborough and Romford. His most recent job was as assistant coach to Paul Thompson at Coventry Blaze.

“Super Mario” Belanger was with Durham from 1986-1988. Although he only played 22 times, he still recorded 63 goals and 66 assists. He later played for Basingstoke, Nottingham and Guildford. He appeared in Shaun Johnson’s testimonial in February.

Whitley’s other import will be another prolific fans’ favourite, Hilton Ruggles, while Durham’s second import is yet to be confirmed.

Over 600 tickets have been sold via www.warriorsvwasps.co.uk for the game. They are still available from the website, priced £6.50 for adults, £4.50 for concessions (OAP and students) and £2.50 for under-16s).