Oxford City Stars captain Dax Hedges is to leave the club after 16 years.

The ice hockey club have confirmed the 34-year-old will step away from Oxpens Road where he skippered his home team

Hedges said: "Thank you to the fans, staff and teammates down the years.

“Thank you all so much for all the support through the good and bad times.

“I truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

“I won’t be a stranger at the rink. See you around.”

It comes as it was also announced that alternate captain Marcus Mitchell is to move to the Berkshire Bees in the National League.

Mitchell said: "I will always have a soft spot for Oxford, but I need to take this opportunity I have been offered in the National League.

“Thank you to the fans, the staff, and players for making the 23/24 season enjoyable for me.

“Good luck and enjoy the rest of your summer, from one yellow to another."

Last month, it was confirmed that Mark Saunders will be the club’s new Head Coach.

Saunders has experience in NIHL South Division 1 and 2 from Streatham Black Hawks, Chelmsford Chieftains, Raiders 2, Romford Buccaneers, and Bracknell Hornets, respectively.

He said: "Oxford is a club I've always admired, having played against the teams during my playing career and more recently coaching against them in my previous roles.

“It's a club that's well respected around the league, has a rich ice hockey history, and is a place I've always enjoyed coming to on a game night.

"I'm really looking forward to putting a team together that will be competitive, work hard, and play with speed throughout 60 minutes.

“First steps are already underway, with the re-signing of players from last season as well as attracting new players to the club who will fit our ethos and outlook.

“We want to get younger, faster, and blood through the Oxford Junior System players, and I'm very much looking forward to working with the stellar coaches that the club already has.”