CREATE HOCKEY JERSEY

GOEBEL STEPS BACK INTO THE RINK January 5, 2001

CHELMSFORD Chieftains' popular defenseman and former player/ coach Karl Goebel, has decided to come out of retirement and help Chieftains in their bid to halt a run of poor form.

Goebel, who had played for Chelmsford since 1991, decided to call it a day at the end of the 1998/99 season mainly because of work and family commitments.

He now has two young daughters and is well settled in his job.

His situation gives him more flexibility now and both he and the club consider that he could still be a considerable influence in the team, hence his return to Chieftains' colours.

Goebel has played 407 games for the club, second only to Karl Rogers, and in that time has amassed 632 points (209+423) just six points behind Rogers.

Goebel was the defensive mainstay of Chieftains' successful English League play-off success in 1992/93 and he led Chieftains to two ED1 play-off finals in the late 1990s.

A Chieftains spokesman said: "We are delighted that Karl has decided to return to the team at such a vital time.

"When he retired a season and a half ago, we still considered him to be a top defenseman with 'plenty left in the tank'.

"We were very sad to lose him then but happy to have him back. Although he has been off the ice for a while, his experience and tenacity will get him back in the swing very quickly.

"Sadly the new numbering system for overseas-trained players will not allow him to wear his favourite 19 shirt, but that will not worry him.''

Goebel will make his return this coming weekend at Haringey.

Meanwhile Chieftains are still searching for at least two more players to boost their squad following the recent departures from the club of Andy Hannah and Ian Cooper.

Clicked on friday night from my terrace. Off season thunderstorm hits pune.

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