Guildford Flames Aim for a Trophy as They Prepare for Tonight’s Pre-season Face-off

Published on: 30 Aug, 2025
Updated on: 30 Aug, 2025

The Flames’ ‘still developing’ Sam Talbot in action.

By Bartholomew Little

Winning a trophy is part of this season’s ambition for Guildford Flames, the ice hockey team based at The Spectrum.

Pre-season preparations are well underway, with the team determined to build on last year’s mid-table finish and disappointing early cup exit.

The Mayor of Guildford will open the Flames’ season at the Spectrum today August 30. The Flames will face French side Amiens in a 6pm start. Click here for more information.

Andrew Hemmings, assistant coach

Assistant coach Andrew Hemmings was clear about the teams ambitions: “I think every season’s main goal is to win a trophy.

“It’s not easy. You’ve got ten teams fighting for three trophies across the season. We always try to strive to win something, and I believe we’re heading in the right direction to do that.”

Hemmings acknowledged that success can hinge on factors not within the team’s control: “You have to have a bit of luck and consistency on your side and obviously last season we didn’t have much luck with injuries so hopefully we can stay injury-free for the most part.”

British player Ben Solder, a defenceman will provide crucial cover

Injuries proved to be a major concern last year, often leading the side stretched. Lessons have been learned, and the team has responded by strengthening their depth. This summer, the club signed British defenceman Ben Solder, providing crucial cover in case of injuries again.

Alongside defensive reinforcements, the Flames have also added proven quality from within the league as Cole Ully joins from Glasgow and Tyler Busch arrives from Cardiff.

Jamal Watson, already familiar with fans, has returned for this campaign. Hemmings believes these signings will lift the squad: “New players are always a good thing. It’s a fresh face, fresh energy.”

Regarding the often challenging transition for new signings, Hemmings said, “We have a longer pre-season this year with three challenge games to get a feel for the new faces. We talk to the guys throughout the summer, to actually get a good relationship going with them. But once they get here, you get a better rapport face to face.”

Sam Talbot serves as an example of British talent nurtured by the Flames, proving to be a valuable asset in a league where home-grown players are scarce, with only five spots reserved for domestic players, but fifteen for international imports. The 24 year old forward, who has made 115 appearances since signing two years ago, has”‘done a great job” and “he’s developing still”.

Canadian Matt Alvaro, a forward who joined the Flames in 2023, in pre-season training.

Ice hockey remains a relatively niche pursuit in the UK, especially compared to its long-established popularity in other nations. Yet British ice hockey has steadily garnered increasing support over the past decade.

Hemmings pointed to the success of the national team in aiding this growth: “British ice hockey has grown massively in the last 10 years. The massive influence of that is Great Britain’s ice hockey team being in the top divisions and trying to stay there.”

He believes there is potential for further expansion, but believes mainstream attention is needed. “I think if you get more coverage from the BBC, ITV, Sky sports… then British ice hockey will stay.”

While ice hockey still has a way to go across the country, the Flames have emerged as Guildford’s most high-profile sports team, competing at the top tier of ice hockey for two decades since their formation in 1992.

As their presence grows, the organisation is set up to have a key part in the sports wider development across the UK.

For those wishing to try the sport, he advised, “The most important thing is to learn how to skate. Once you have got the skating down, there’s obviously rinks that offer learn to play, stick and puck, adult rec teams. But learn how to skate, watch some hockey, and go from there.”

The Spectrum Leisure Centre – home of the Guildford Flames

Off the ice, there has also been welcome news, with Guildford borough council approving a new ten-year leisure partnership contract with Freedom Leisure, long- time operators of the Guildford spectrum, home of the Flames.

See: Upgrade for Spectrum Under Confirmed £10m Leisure Facility Contract

The deal, which also covers Ash Manor and Guildford lido, ensures stability and promises commitments to sustainability and continued investments.

Flames chief operating officer Kirk Humphreys praised the announcement: “Freedom Leisure have been phenomenally supportive in helping us flourish in our home building for nearly 15 years since their arrival, and we are glad to retain such valuable operations continuity from the last contract to the next.”