OXFORD City Stars’ board have thanked the fans for sticking by them.

Following a turbulent summer which nearly saw the club fold amid a league re-structure, Stars are continuing to thriveboth on and off the ice.

Director Greig Box Turnbull, said: “The issues in the summer really galvanised the club.

“Everyone has pulled together and it’s made us even stronger.

“Adversity is a true test of character and this club has demonstrated it’s got immense passion and pride for ice hockey and Oxford more broadly.

“That is a great credit to the board, the remarkable volunteers at the club, the academy, the management and players.

“But the fans deserve a special mention – they have turned out in great numbers and really get behind the players on a match-day.

“It’s massively appreciated and makes it all worthwhile and we hope to do them all proud.

“What we’re doing now is capitalising on the strong club spirit and using it as a spring board to develop in as many areas as we can.

“It is a work in progress, but we believe we are on the right tracks.”

Another director, Russell Shrives, added: “We are so thankful to the fans who back the club week in week out. We couldn’t progress without them.

“Every fan who comes and supports the club is a massive part of the Stars.

“The players always comment on what a difference it makes when the fans turn out and make a lot of noise at Oxpens.

“Hopefully more people in our great city will get behind what we’re building and come and cheer on the team and be part of such a special time.”