Excitement is starting to build as the Leeds Chiefs ice hockey team continue their preparations for their inaugural season.

A new Ice Arena, with a seating capacity of 1,800 plus standing, is being built at Elland Road by Planet Ice, who will also own the Chiefs.

The club will be taking part in the newly formed National League, which will be in the second tier of UK ice hockey. They will play against Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees, London Raiders, Milton Keynes Lightning, Peterborough Phantoms, Swindon Wildcats and Telford Tigers, and soon to be local rivals Hull Pirates and Sheffield Steeldogs. The season is likely to start in September.

In May, it was announced that 29-year-old Sam Zajac would be the Chiefs’ first Head Coach. Zajac will continue to play as a defenceman and he has a tremendous amount of hockey experience having played over 200 top flight Elite League games for Newcastle Vipers, Braehead Clan and Manchester Storm. He knows what it takes to be successful in the second tier, having previously won two championships in the now defunct English Premier League championships.

Zajac has already brought on board his first signing in 32-year-old Huddersfield born defenceman Luke Boothroyd. Luke is a former GB international who played in the Elite League for Hull Stingrays. Like Zajac, he also knows what it takes to be successful after winning a couple of English Premier League championships.

I spoke with Heather McDermott from Planet Ice Leeds about how things are progressing.

What was it about Leeds that made it a good location for you to build a new rink?

“It is very evident that Leeds and the surrounding area have a huge passion for sport and entertainment. The population in and around Leeds is growing as is the city itself and with transport links throughout the UK making Leeds a perfect position for a new Ice Arena and ice hockey team. Talking to people in and around Leeds the last few weeks, and people within the sport there is a lot of excitement surrounding the new facility.”

How is building work on the new rink progressing?

“We are on schedule and will be open during the summer. As we get closer a firm opening date will be announced.”

What is the thinking behind naming the team the Chiefs?

“We ran a poll via the Yorkshire Post where members of the public could vote, or make alternative suggestions, and the Chiefs came out on top. I think the local influence of the Kaiser Chiefs and Lucas Radebe would probably have been a factor for the people that took the time to participate in the vote. In essence it is tough to find a name that has local links and is empowering, so getting the people from Leeds to vote on this was important.”

What qualities does Sam Zajac have that made him the best candidate for the coaching job?

“Sam showed his professionalism and knowledge of the game, and the players within it, throughout the recruitment process and continues to do so. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he is able to draw on, and brings a lot of enthusiasm and excitement with him to Leeds.”

How is recruitment going?

“Sam is doing great with the recruitment. There are many players excited at the prospect of playing and living in Leeds. The city of Leeds is a huge draw to players and the prospect of playing in a brand-new Ice Arena has been instrumental in the recruitment process. Keep an eye on social media and the Yorkshire Post for signing releases in the coming days.”

What would success look like to you for the first season?

“Success in the first season will be making the Chiefs and the Ice Arena part of the city’s already rich sporting culture. Leeds hasn’t had a permanent ice rink since the one on Kirkstall Road in the 1960s, so we would like to see people come and enjoy the fastest sport in a fun and family friendly atmosphere, and make it a regular date in their calendars to come and support the Chiefs week-in week-out. We would also like people to come skating and maybe we can find some future Chiefs for years to come. In terms of attendances there will be seating for 1,800 fans and some standing capacity. It’s a great atmosphere for players and fans alike.”

How are things progressing off the ice?

“It’s exciting to be part of something new in a new city. We have already met with a few people and groups interesting in seeing hockey and the Ice Arena become a great success, and we are always looking to build alliances and introduce everyone to skating and hockey in Leeds. Anyone interested should email leeds@planet-ice.co.uk or info@leedschiefs.co.uk for more information. We still have a lot to do but are well on the way to making sure the team have the best start possible.”

What are your plans regarding youth development?

“The intention is to establish a youth set up as soon as possible. Our focus is on the Skate Excellence and Hockey Excellence programs that will be running at the Ice Arena, which will allow us to develop the youth programs in both figure skating and ice hockey.  This will develop the skills needed to start playing and hopefully develop some future Chiefs.”

What is the long-term aim for the club? Do you think you might look at entering the EIHL at some point?

“The aim is to create a stable and viable environment for our players and juniors to develop to their full potential; and that the Ice Arena, and the sports within it, are here for years to come. You can never say never to anything in this sport but, for now, bringing ice hockey to Leeds, and for Leeds to love ice hockey as much as we do, is the only thing on our minds.”

There are a number of Sheffield Steelers fans in West Yorkshire. Do you think you might be able to attract them to the Chiefs?

“We would love to see any hockey fans at our Ice Arena. I think it helps any new fans when they can interact with knowledgeable hockey fans and learn the game. The game will have a different atmosphere in the National League as opposed to the Elite League as you are closer to the game, and the players on the team are relatable as they will be getting up to go to work on a Monday morning just the same as the fans.  And the more hockey that is watched the better in my opinion whichever the league and the shirt the supporter wears.”

When will we know about season tickets and matchday pricing?

 “That will be announced on our website and social media soon.”

The colours blue, yellow and white have a big sporting history in Leeds. Will you be incorporating them into the club’s brand or will you be going your own way?

“The designers are working on some ideas at the time of writing this. I would imagine they are taking into account the colours already used in the city but it’s a case of ‘watch this space’.”

What can an ice hockey team add to the sporting mix in Leeds?

“Ice hockey is a fast, powerful sport that has something for everyone. It is played in a family friendly atmosphere, is full of skill and tactics, and is affordable and accessible to most. It’s also a very social sport with fans mixing with each other. We are also looking to host events away from the ice, so that fans can meet and interact with the players and learn about the game from the guys that play it. Ice hockey will only add to the buzz in the city. With 1,800 seats and a few hundred standing places the fans will be able to get close to this high intensity game. There is also the bonus that it’s inside, so there is no wind and rain to contend with!”

Finally, how excited should we all be?

“I have been involved as a spectator, player and coach of Ice Hockey all of my life and I am excited to be part of bringing ice hockey and skating to Leeds. After several decades I am still passionate about this sport and I can’t wait to see how the people of Leeds and West Yorkshire get involved. The way ice hockey teams play for each other and the fans, the way they play for the logo on the front of the jersey and not the name on the back, the speed it is played at is like no other sport and I know how passionate the people of this area are about their sport.”