Birell salutes Chieftains title

Chelmsford Chieftains head coach Dean Birrell says their league triumph marks the start of a new era for the club.

They clinched the English National Ice Hockey League Division Two South title by beating Swindon 11-1 on Saturday.

A 6-1 victory against Basingstoke on Sunday further underlined their dominance of the league this season.

Birell told BBC Essex: "It's a great achievement for all involved and I think it highlights the talent we have in and around the Chelmsford area."

The club dropped down to the division from the Premier League during the off-season for financial reasons, a decision which Birell believes has paid off.

"We're coming to a situation where we don't have to bring players from outside of Essex," he told BBC Essex.

"We've got them now, let's keep developing them and in a year or two we can say we're ready to back to the Premier League."

The Essex side have dropped only one point this season, in their opening fixture with the Invicta Mustangs and wrapped up the title with nine games left to play.

Despite the statistics, Birell was adamant their path to the title had not been a formality.

"I think the players made it looked easier than it was and the players have worked very, very hard both on and off the ice," he explained.

"Full credit to the players for sticking at it through the tough times, the cold nights when things weren't going well and coming out and showing what skilful players they can be.