The first English born and trained player to score 100 goals during the pre 1960 era of English/British National Leagues. Born on 29 December 1922, at Hastings, Sussex, England. Initially a centre-ice he dropped back to the blue-line by 1950 as a big, amiable defenceman with Brighton Tigers. The only Sussex born player in that Canadian dominated era.
Notching up 6 points during 1939-40 with Wembley Monarchs in his first season in ‘senior’ hockey, he first played for England v The Rest at the Empire Pool, Wembley on 25 November 1939.
Resumed his hockey with Wembley Lions in 1946, moving to Brighton two years later as one of their only two home bred players.
He was GBs second highest scorer in the 1948 Olympics with seven goals and was also selected for England four times.
For season 1955-56 he became Tigers first English born coach.
His total career stats in pro league and cup hockey for Wembely Monarchs and Lions and then Brighton are:
Games Played - 752, Goals - 119, Assists - 221, Points - 340 and Penalty Minutes - 565.
After retiring from the sport during the 1957/58 season he became a publican at the Boatman's Arms near by the Brighton Sports Stadium where he graced the ice for 10 seasons for Brighton Tigers.
Johnny Oxley died aged 53 on 1 June 1976.
Profile by Martin C Harris, 2008, member of IHJUK
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