Alastair Cole reports on the successes of the Lee Valley Ice Centre’s hockey team

The Lee Valley Ice Centre is a fantastic new venue, which is bringing a wide range of sport, and leisure activities to the borough. The skating facilities are top notch, and because it’s home to ice hockey team the Lee Valley Lions, there are more advanced types of skates available to hire.

The venue hosts disco sessions at weekends, and there’s a gym and fitness class studios, plus a cafe that can be accessed while still wearing your skates. But it’s the highly competitive ice hockey games between the Lions and their rivals that really sets pulses racing.

I’ve been twice this season, and both Sunday evenings have been an absolute blast. The first was a thrilling last minute decider (though sadly not in our favour) against Chelmsford, and the second, a goal-fest win over Peterborough. Games are split into three 20-minute periods, which means the play is fast and furious.

And when the officials do blow their whistles, the 400-seater stadium is instantly filled with banging tunes. The crowd is family-friendly, highly vocal, and passionately supportive of the Lions. Bringing a hat and gloves is advised, and hot chocolates before the final period are a big hit with my young family.

The new double Olympic ring is also home to the Junior Lions club, which offers playing opportunities for girls and boys aged four to 17. They work with underprivileged children from Waltham Forest, providing equipment, and support to ensure that financial constraints don’t hinder their participation.

Young people who take up the sport find they develop agility, strength, and coordination. Senior team captain James Joseph has taken over coaching duties, following in the esteemed footsteps of his late father, and club legend Eddie Joseph. He told me: “We want as many children to get into ice skating as possible but it can be very expensive. We at Lee Valley Lions offset that by having lots of spare equipment children can get to grips with, without having to buy it – opening up access for all.”

Getting there couldn’t be easier. The centre has a dedicated bus stop right outside, and is well served by the cycle lane on Lea Bridge Road. It also has its own private car park, with EV charging points.

The Lee Valley Lions senior team play on Saturdays and Sundays, normally starting at 5.30pm, and entry to spectate is excellent value for money at £7 for adults, and £3 for kids. They’re also planning to slash prices on one or two weekends before the end of the season, so keep your eyes open because it’s a cracking night out for all.

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