ICE hockey fans across the region have been reminiscing about the sport's heyday and paying tribute to one of its greatest ambassadors who died this week.

Paul Smith was an influential player and coach with Durham Wasps, a prolific goal scorer and played for England and Great Britain over a 15 year period.

A favourite of many fans, he helped the Wasps dominate the UK game between 1982 and 1992.

The 57-year-old, who was married with two daughters and a granddaughter, died at home near Durham on Wednesday.

The region's two remaining teams Billingham Stars and Whitley Warriors will hold a minute's applause for him before their National Ice Hockey League N1 fixture at Billingham on Sunday night.

A Whitley Warriors spokesperson said: “As a great servant of North East hockey, it seems fitting that it's two remaining teams can join together to mark his untimely passing.”

A Billingham Stars spokesperson said: "Our sincerest sympathies this evening to the family of Durham Wasps captain and coach Paul Smith. One of the Smith hockey dynasty, he was respected across the North East ‘hockey hotbed’ and beyond in the Wasps glory years of the eighties and early nineties. RIP Paul, a true Durham legend."

Friends and fans also paid tribute to him on social media.

Facebook page Old Time Hockey UK wrote: “Sincere condolences to Paul's family and friends. Thanks for the memories Paul.”

On Whitley Warriors’ Facebook page, Mark Richardson wrote: "Very Sad. Even if we did love to hate him in derby games.”

Iain Thompson added: “RIP, great ambassador for the sport.”

Retired Whitley Bay Islander defenceman, Paul Jackson wrote: “A sad day. Foe on the ice but a decent bloke off it. RIP Paul and condolences to the Smith family.”

German Mark Kosturik, who played for Wasps in 1986-87, said: “So sad to read this and my thoughts are with the family. Great memories from my short awesome time in Durham.”

Mr Smith was a board member at the Tony Blair Sports Foundation, set up by the former Prime Minister and Sedgefield MP to train sports coaches.

Mr Blair's former agent John Burton said: "He was a lovely man, a very special person. He helped when I was looking for funds for the Foundation and cared and contributed a lot to sport in the region."