THE on-ice action may be over for the Paisley Pirates for another season but the hard work continues behind the scenes of the Lagoon side.

The Pirates crashed out of the play-offs at the hands of Taysiders Dundee Comets following a 7-2 drubbing at home before a more respectable 3-3 draw away in Dundee.

However, coach Ian Turley stressed the hard work continues in the close season, explaining: “By the time one SNL season is over, preparations are under way for the next.

“We have already begun the many unseen tasks associated with the running of a successful ice hockey club, and over the next few weeks we’ll be having a number of meetings with various groups and individuals to begin puting in place all the various pieces in the very large jigsaw which is the operation of the Paisley Pirates.” “We may have one big surprise in store for supporters who are already counting down the days until they can next see live ice hockey, but no names, no pack drill, until all the arrangements have been sorted.

“We have a couple of matters to take care of in the meantime, not the least of which is the up and coming Player of the Year presentations on Saturday, May 10 in the 5 on 5 Club, the social wing of ProLife in Paisley.” With the season drawing to a conclusion, the break will provide fans the opportunity to meet their idols at the end of season dinner as well as the chance to pick up rare memorabilia the Pirates’ have on offer, including match-worn jerseys, with a significant part of Pirates history.

Turley added: “Jerseys are now available for purchase for the generous price of £50 and, of course, they have a very special significance in that these were the match jerseys worn when Pirates were winning the league just a year ago, so for that £50 supporters and memorabilia collectors are getting a genuine piece of Pirates’ history.

“They’re already selling like the proverbial hot cakes and we’d advise supporters that rather than wait till the Player of the Year Awards night to reserve a jersey, they’d be much better contacting the club via the website at piratecomms@btinternet.com, or posting a message on the club’s Facebook page.

“On the night, apart from the usual end of season awards, it’s the perfect opportunity for us to say “thanks” to all the volunteers who have helped ensure the Pirates remain afloat-but for all those folk, believe me, there would be no club, so we’ll be marking their support in our usual, and very individual, way. We won’t say what that is, other than make sure you don’t miss it.”