RICK Brebant is leaving Manchester Phoenix and British ice hockey at the end of the season.
Canadian Brebant has spent 17 years on this side of the Atlantic during which time he has won every honour the British game has to offer.
He is returning home to spend more time with his sons Cory and Joshua, aged nine and 11.
"My decision is nothing to do with hockey," said the Phoenix coach.
"I have just decided that at this point in my life my two boys want me back there.
"It has been in my head to do this for a long time and I decided a couple of weeks ago that I was going home at the end of the season.
"It is the right decision and one that I'm happy with.
Time for a change
"I have spent a lot of time doing what I wanted to do and now it is time to move on.
"I can't really say what the future holds for me but I know that future is back home.
"I have to make a new life for myself and try and be part of the boys' lives.
"I've no regrets about coming over here. Everywhere I have played people have treated me with kindness and respect. In some ways it will be hard to leave but I know it is something I have to do."
Brebant is probably the best player ever to have made a career in Britain but has found the move to coaching more difficult.
Phoenix has struggled for consistency this season and are battling with Basingstoke and Cardiff for the two remaining Play-off spots.
"I will carry on between now and the end of the season like I have always done and that will be with total commitment.
"We have to try and find some consistency and make the Play-offs."
Phoenix have a tough schedule this weekend with three games in three days starting with Coventry Blaze at the M.E.N. Arena on Friday (7.30pm), Sheffield Steelers away on Saturday and Basingstike Bison at home on Sunday (5pm).
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good luck to the man!! Top Quality guy and has given me some great memories which i will relive every time i think of manchester storm!
Thanks Rick!
Best wishes Rick , thanks for everthing you have done for British Ice Hockey. For me i will allways remember the winning penalty shot you took in the Benson & Hedges final for the Storm. Passion , commitment and a will to win was always seen as your trademark.
I've said it many times, Rick has beed THE SPARK that's ignited so many teams. He's done it all, won it all and we've been lucky to have him here. One word describes him - 'WINNER'. Good luck to you and yours in the future, and thanks Rick.
good look rick 4the future i think his trophys speak forthemselves all the best rick hope 2 c u back 1 day
I, for one, will be sad to see him go. He is my ice hockey hero and some of the best memories will be when Rick palyed for Storm and while he's coached/played for Phoenix. If only everyone had his work ethic!
Good Luck back home Rick in what ever you decide to do. I'll miss you chewin' the gum!!
You did us (all) proud Rick privilage to watch you play.
Having had the privilige to know Rick away from the game. It is with sadness that we see him go, but as he says he must follow his heart.
He is a true friend to those close to him as well as being a terrific hockey player.
Keep in touch Rick, from Martin, Karen & Joe.