BRISTOL is set to welcome back some of its most famous ice hockey sons in a special 'blast from the past' game to celebrate 80 years of the sport in the city.

The event has been organised by Bristol Pitbulls owner Richie Hargreaves and will take place as part of a night of entertainment at Frogmore Street this weekend.

Two teams of made up of players from the 1960s to the current day are set to go head-to-head on the ice to mark the anniversary of Bristol's first ever team, The Bears, which was formed in 1932.

"We'd been planning to do something to celebrate the anniversary for a while," said Hargreaves. "I'm really pleased that we've managed to put this event together.

"We have had a terrific response from some of the players of old that have represented Bristol over the years. We've got one guy, Walter Dirks, coming up from Southampton to play.

"He was part of the Bristol Redwings team that was the first to play at the current Frogmore Street venue when it was built in the 1960s. He's 63 now. but I've heard he still pretty handy!"

He added: "There is also a lot of other stuff happening on the night for people to get involved in, so I hope people will come down and enjoy a great night of entertainment.

"What with all the stuff that is happening regards the possible closure of the rink it is something we might not get a chance to do again."

Other notable players set to feature include Paul O'Donovan, Danny Sturgeon, Ian Witherspoon and Andy McGurk – all of the last team to play in Bristol – The Bulldogs – prior to the formation of the Pitbulls in 2009. Several members of the Bristol Redwings and Avon Arrows teams, which played at the rink between the 1960s and late 1980's are also set to attend.

"I grew up watching a lot of these guys play down at the rink," said Hargreaves. "They are heroes of mine,so it'll be great to be on the ice with them. We're looking forward to it, it'll be a bit of fun. The guys work so hard every week trying to win league games, it'll be nice for them to be able to come along and let their hair down for a change."

Tickets are available on the door and are priced at £4 (adults) and £2 (under 16). Doors open 5.20pm.

Pitbulls' National League One campaign continued with a 9-1 reverse at the hands of leaders Romford Raiders at Frogmore Street on Saturday evening.

Steve Osman had given Pitbulls a surprise lead before the Essex side rallied to secure a convincing victory.

"It was a tough night for us," admitted Hargreaves. "We were a couple of men down and I think we just ran out of legs in the end.

"It was a close game until the final 20 minutes when we were forced to chase it a bit. Romford are a good side as their league position suggests, so we need to take that one on the chin and put it behind us quickly."