Leeds Roses aiming to finally bloom by making up for lost time on the ice

HITTING THE ICE: Leeds Roses take a breather during their one and only practise session at Elland Road last year. Picture courtesy of Leeds Roses/All Sports Photography.

THERE is an in-joke among Leeds Roses Ice Hockey club that the team will be one of the most prepared in history to make their long-awaited debut.

Leeds Roses – who were set up last summer as the first and only all women’s ice hockey team in the city – have been able to take to the ice just once as a team since their formation in the middle of 2020.

While the jibe brings a smile there is an element of truth to how the current Covid-19 pandemic has hit sport across Leeds on a local level.

The Roses, though, haven’t let the restrictions slow them down despite pucks being firmly locked away throughout the winter months.

PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT: Members of Leeds Roses, pictured at elland Road Ice Arena last year. Picture courtesy of Leeds Roses/All Sports Photography.

Initial interest has seen over 50 women want to get involved whether to play, coach or support the club in its relative infancy.

Social media has helped raise awareness but word of mouth has played a key role too, with a number of players having graduated from Leeds Gryphons – a club made up of students who attend universities across Leeds.

The recent opening of Planet Ice at Elland Road and the launch of the Leeds Chiefs in the NIHL National division – the UK’s second tier game – helped spring the Roses idea into action.

Already registered as a recreational team, there are big plans for the club and the enthusiasm of those involved is obvious despite relationships between new team-mates and members having to be developed through Facebook.

Picture courtesy of Leeds Roses/All Sports Photography.

A spot in the Women’s National Ice Hockey League is the long-term goal, but for now as the foundations are being put in place just getting out on the ice seems ambitious enough.

“It would be the complete dream package,” Amanda Usher, co-founder and club secretary, told the YEP.

“Hopefully what will then fall from that will be a rec team and development teams. As many women who want to come and play with us are welcome. We have no joining criteria.

“Anyone who wants to come and play is welcome to come and play. You just need to have kit – that’s the only prerequisite.

DRILLS: Leeds Roses' players are put through their paces at Elland Road last year. Picture courtesy of Leeds Roses/All Sports Photography.

“We’ve had interest from across the board. There’s a few elite players who have supported us and there are complete beginners from older ladies to younger ladies too.

“We’re confident we can put together an elite level team. In an odd sort of way it’s been lovely to set up in a pandemic, whilst we haven’t really got on the ice we’ve got a huge squad together.

“We keep joking that we’re going to be the most prepared team to ever make our debut. It’s been a long time in the making.”