Leeds Chiefs launch urgent appeal for help after ice hockey equipment is stolen

Leeds Chiefs, preparing for a recent game against Swindon Wildcats. Picture courtesy of gw-images.com

News of the theft came out late on Tuesday night, just four days before the team is due to play its latest NIHL National game against Yorkshire rivals Hull Pirates.

The game is taking place at Blackburn Ice Arena while the team's eagerly-anticipated Elland Road rink is completed.

Among the items stolen were new helmets, not yet even worn by the team, as well as sticks and gloves used by the players all season. The theft took place outside an apartment block in Batley at around 7pm.

Speaking on Wednesday morning, player-coach Sam Zajac said the club were currently scrambling to find replacement kit - the sticks being the priority - in time for the game.

"It is gutting," he said. "We'd not even had chance to wear the helmets yet, they only arrived in the country on Monday.

"The frustrating thing is, that whoever has taken it are not going to be able to do anything with it, so they'll probably just dump it somewhere."

Zajac was first to post on his Facebook page about the theft and within a couple of hours word had spread throughout various other social media channels, including Twitter.

APPEAL: Leeds Chiefs' player-coach, Sam Zajac. Picture courtesy of Chris Stratford.

In his post, Zajac stated: "A large proportion of the team's equipment, including all of our sticks and a great deal of our protective equipment was stolen. I imagine it would be difficult for the perpetrators to sell on the stolen goods, especially if the relatively tight-knit hockey community are made aware of this."

The 30-year-old, leading the Chiefs in their first-ever season in the new NIHL National division, went on to list particular items that were among the stolen haul.

"In particular, 30 navy blue True Hockey helmets were stolen. These are the only helmets of this kind in the country, so if you come across one it is stolen. The other notable items missing are navy blue True Hockey gloves, and an assortment of True, Bauer, CCM and Warrior sticks.

"If anyone sees/hears anything with regards to the above, please message either myself, or the Leeds Chiefs page directly. All information will remain strictly anonymous."

On their official Twitter page, the club added: "Thank you to everyone that has shared so far. Obviously, this is totally devastating news for us.

"Please continue to share as people might not know what this stuff is and it would be amazing if it could be retrieved somehow."