BRISTOL, UK – Bristol Pitbulls have moved quickly to replace departed forward Shannon Taylor by swooping for free agent Drew Chapman in a bid to boost their fortunes.
Chapman is no stranger to UK Hockey fans, having previously iced for Swindon, Basingstoke, Chelmsford, Guildford and the Isle of Wight in a lengthy career spanning 19 years of senior ice hockey in the UK. Signing with the Pitbulls adds yet another club to Chapman’s CV and reunites him with former team mates Alan Armour and the Hargreaves brothers Richard and Mike.
Photo courtesy of Drew Chapman
“I came down to Bristol for a skate and to catch up with some old team mates I hadn’t seen for a long time” explained Chapman. “I hadn’t played hockey for a couple of years so my first session was quite amusing! Richie felt I may be able to contribute to the team and asked me if I was interested in joining”
“The team has some older experienced guys who are enjoying their hockey and a good core of young players who seem keen to learn, I felt I would fit into the squad and be able to contribute on the ice so after a couple of weeks of deliberating I decided why not”
The Pitbulls are currently rooted in last place in English National League South with only two wins in their opening 14 games, so the addition of Chapman will be a welcome boost to the squad.
“I have seen a few games this year in Swindon and the league looks very competitive” said Chapman, who at 37 will be the oldest player in the squad. “There are a lot of good British players, I know I’m probably going to be one of the oldest players in the league but I am looking forward to getting out on the ice and having some fun while helping the team achieve our goals for the season”
Photo by flyfifer.co.uk
After a two and a half year break from the sport, returning to the ice has come as a surprise to the veteran utility player, but with enthusiasm still intact at Frogmore Street despite results, Chapman has surprised himself by signing up for the rest of the campaign.
“After my break away from the ice, my new found love for the sport is a bit of surprise” admitted the 37 year old, who first made his senior debut in 1989 for the Swindon Wildcats. “I could say it was work or family commitments but I just think I lost my passion for the game. Having a couple of years off is a good cure for that and I’m now keen to get back into the swing of things and have some fun before I start drawing my pension”
Joking aside, Bristol will have to be on top form this weekend with Bracknell visiting on Saturday, followed by a trip to Oxford 24 hours later. Both games are within reach of the Pitbulls, who have had relatively close games against both the Stars and Hornets already this season. Chapman hopes to make his debut in the Oxford game and says he is prepared as he can be.
“I have been keeping myself in good shape but nothing you do in the gym prepares you for the demands of Hockey” said Chapman. “I have been working hard on the ice over the last few weeks and hopefully won’t feel to out of place when the puck drops on Sunday”
With 26 games still to play there is plenty of time for Bristol to rise up the rankings, and the Pitbulls will be hoping that Chapman’s love for the game remains intact till the end of the season.
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.