The Slough Jets – a brief history

Founded in 1986 following the opening of the Slough Ice Arena, the Slough Jets have established themselves as one of the most recognizable and resilient names in British ice hockey. Over nearly four decades of competition, the club has navigated various tier changes in British ice hockey, transitioning from high-flying professional status to a focus on community talent, while consistently capturing major silverware along the way.

The early years of the franchise were defined by rapid progression. Tasked with building a brand-new professional setup, founder and player-coach Gary Stefan quickly turned Slough into a formidable force in the second tier of British hockey. The Jets secured their first major piece of silverware by winning the London Cup in 1989, followed shortly by the Heineken League Division One title and Southern Cup in the 1989–90 season. They continued their early momentum with British Division 1 titles in 1991 and 1995, firmly cementing the club’s reputation on the national circuit.

The late 1990s brought some of the greatest achievements in the club’s history. In the 1997–98 season, the Jets lifted the Benson & Hedges Plate. They followed that success the very next year by capturing the 1998–99 British National League (BNL) championship under head coach Charlie Colon—a campaign widely regarded as a high-water mark for the franchise.

During the 2000s and early 2010s, the Jets became a dominant force in the English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL). Known for their big-game temperament, Slough earned a reputation as post-season specialists by claiming three EPIHL Play-off Championships in 2008, 2010, and 2012. To add to their trophy cabinet, the Jets also clinched the English Premier Cup in 2011. After a brief restructuring period in 2014, the team rebuilt through the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) tiers, securing the NIHL 2 South title and defeating the Widnes Wild 7–1 to capture the NIHL 2 National title in 2019.

Following the completion of the 2025/26 season, Slough Jets secured the NIHL Britton Conference League and NIHL Britton Conference League Cup.

Throughout their history, several standout players have left an indelible mark on Slough hockey, reflected in the retired jerseys hanging above the ice:

• Gary Stefan (#17): The central figure in Slough Jets history, Stefan was the club’s founding player, coach, and manager. Over 13 seasons, he registered over 1,000 points and was later inducted into the Great Britain Hockey Hall of Fame.
• Joe Stefan (#28): Following in his brother’s footsteps, Joe was a premier playmaker for the team throughout the 1990s, recording over 800 career points for the club.
• Richard Boprey (#12): One of the most lethal scorers in the club’s early years, Boprey posted astounding point totals in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
• Warren Rost (#4): A cornerstone on defense, Rost played 16 seasons for the Jets, setting franchise records for longevity and total appearances.
• Charlie Colon (#31) & Mark Howell (#18): Both instrumental figures in the club’s defensive setup and leadership during the 1990s, earning well-deserved shirt retirements.
• Scott Rex & Steve Moria: Legendary point-producers who served as elite top-line players and head coaches during different eras of Slough’s championship runs.

From their 1980s origins to their modern era in the NIHL, the Slough Jets remain a vital fixture in Berkshire sport, backed by a loyal fan base and a proud history of success.