This is a message that I never thought I would be writing, and this has been the hardest decision that I have ever had to make.

I have decided to call it a day on my hockey coaching career after 10 plus years of coaching. I am now going to spend time with my partner who has supported my coaching over the last few years. It’s now time to spend time with her and my family who have always been there through my coaching career. I can’t thank them enough for their support over the years.

I have been honoured to have been asked to coach the huskies for the last 7 seasons and the biggest highlight during this time was becoming league champions in the 19/20 season, I have made a lot of friends and memories during my time as a coach and they will be treasured forever.

I would like to thank Lee for everything he has done for me over the last few years and for the opportunity of coaching his team. I will cherish the friendship that we have forever. I would also like to thank Tim and Lou for everything they have done over the last few years so that I could coach every year. I will miss you all and it will be strange to not be spending my weekends with you guys.

I would like to thank Pete for everything he did for the club last year. Thank you to all the players over the years that I have been able to coach. It has been a pleasure.

The biggest thank you goes to my two brothers Dan and Reece. It has been a pleasure and an honour to have coached with both of you over the last few years and thank you for putting up with my mood swings over the last few seasons. There is no one else I would have wanted to coach with over the last few years.

Thank you to all of the Huskies fans. You have made my coaching career enjoyable and fun and it has been pleasure to coach the Huskies in front of you all. Without you guys the Huskies couldn’t run and I would just like to say thank you for your support and may it continue in next chapter.

To all of the Huskies team and fans thank you very much for a fantastic journey over the last 7 seasons.

Alan Sampson

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I would like to say a big thank Lee Mercer, as he gave me the opportunity to be part of the coaching  team with my two brothers. I would also like to thank Tim and Lou, without whom we would not have a team.

In particular, I would like to thank all the fans who pack the Palace, and those who travel to support us at away games. Your support means a lot to us all and we are very grateful.

I have come to the decision that I will be stepping down from the coaching role having completed this season. I would like to wish the team and all staff the very best for the upcoming season. I hope to come to some games.

Best wishes,

Reece Sampson

Photos by Phil Hutchinson (@77phil77sports)