Everyone has always told me when the right time comes to retire, you’ll know it, and that time is now. I’m into my 40th year and trying to keep up has been getting harder and the bodies been aching a bit more. I’m extremely grateful for the career I’ve had, it’s probably been more fortunate than I deserved, and I’m even more grateful to have started and be able to finish with this hockey club.

You always think you’ll go on for ever, even if you know that’s not true but now is the right time to go out on my terms. Recently, I’ve been finding it increasingly more difficult to commit the time needed for hockey and have wanted more and more to dedicate my time to my family and to life, so whilst this isn’t the easiest decision, it is the right one at the right time.

Now it is time to look back and take stock, to relive the memories, appreciate everything hockey has given me and cherish the people I’ve met along the way. To all my friends, teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials, I want to say the biggest thank you for being part of my journey. To everyone involved with (Bracknell) the Bees Ice Hockey club, I will always be indebted to you for the opportunity given to represent this great club and be part of its great history. Finally, to the BeeArmy, I can’t thank each and everyone of you enough for the unconditional support I have felt over the last 13 years. We’ve been through a lot of tough times, but the unwavering support and appreciation kept me going through most of it. 

Now I look forward to spending more lazy weekends with my Wife who has been a rock and my support, to allow me to live a dream for all my adult life. I wish the Bees all the success in the future and hope (we) can win some silverware that has eluded us for so long.

#10

As per the above statement; we can confirm that Bees stalwart and club legend, James Galazzi, will be hanging up his skates at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season. His last game will be on Sunday April 2nd when we face the Swindon Wildcats.

The club would like to place on record the biggest and most sincerest of ‘thank-yous’ to James for his dedication to our club – from his debut in the 2006/07 EPIHL campaign, to signing full time to the club in 2010/11 and the 13 years that followed.

On the build up to his last game, we will be taking a look back at Gazza’s career with the Bees and would encourage fans past and present to be in attendance for the game on the 2nd of April as we say thank you to our one and only number 10.

Photo: Pinklady Photography