Nick Bandurak has departed Holcombe Hockey Club men only one month into the season and after nearly 10 years with the Medway outfit.
Bandurak has yet to play for the men’s side this season but has continued with his women’s 1s coaching duties.
“Absolutely gutted to be removed from my team and my club against my will,” Bandurak said on Sunday.
“I’ll be using this next month to get back to match fitness and hopefully find a club that sees the value I can bring. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and the opportunities now available to me.”
In a surprising statement, Holcombe had offered no detail on his departure. The club will convene at a committee meeting on Wednesday before responding to The Hockey Paper’s request for comment.
“His general play and natural goal scoring ability helped guide us through the leagues and establish Holcombe as a recognised Premier Division club,” David South, Holcombe’s chairman, had said in the statement.
Bandurak scored over 200 goals for the club, contributed in various Euro Hockey League (EHL) campaigns, including in Barcelona in October 2023 where he captained the side to the KO8.
“Recognition of his abilities during this time has enabled Nick to become a regular member of the England and Great Britain squads,” the club added.
“The whole club wishes Nick well in his future endeavours and thanks him for his service.”
This is the first season with Kwan Browne in charge having signed a seven-year deal in May as coach and the club’s director of hockey.
Holcombe women sit in fifth place in the Women’s Premier Division after two wins from three matches.
