DARREN Elliott has stepped down as Oxford City Stars’ player-head coach in order to concentrate on his own game.

Stars avoided relegation in their first year back in National Ice Hockey League 1 this season.

Assistant coach Simon Anderson will take charge after re-joining the club last year and Elliott believes the change will give Stars a platform to push for the play-offs.

He said: “I knew the role of player-head coach was going to be tougher in League 1.

“Simon took a lot of pressure off me last season.

“The fact I captained under him a few seasons ago made this a very easy option.”

  • Sport

OXFORD Shooting Stars hope to better the bronze medal they secured in last year’s Lyon International tournament when they travel to France this weekend.

Coached by Peter Smith, the amateur side had never won a match outside of the UK before last year.

The tournament, held annually in Lyon, will be staged in the 4,500 capacity Charlemagne Arena across Saturday and Sunday.