NIHL North news update

BLACKBURN, UK – Billingham Stars’ Stephen Foster has announced he’s to step down as Coach of the NIHL1 North champions. Foster is believed to be unable to commit to the role on a full-time basis. It’s believed ex-Whitley Warriors

boss Simon Leach could be tempted into taking over. Whitley have made their first signings of the summer as they look to reclaim their NIHL1 North crown from the Stars. Coach Garry Dowd has confirmed Dean Holland, Jamie Tinsley, Nathan Ryder, Christian Johnson and netminder Richie Lawson have agreed another season at Hillheads, while Lawson’s younger brother Alex has made the switch from Stars. Warriors are also believed to be interested in Bracknell Bees forward Michael Bowman, who’s expected to move back to his native North East. Bowman enjoyed a number of productive seasons in the EPL with Bracknell and Slough Jets and it’s expected competition for his signature will be fierce, with Stars and Solway Sharks also thought to be keen to acquire his services.
Blackburn Hawks have announced three of last season’s losing play-off final squad are to return, with defenders Chad Briggs, Ollie Lomax and Craig Rogers all signing on the dotted line. Briggs and Lomax had been rumoured to be interesting Deeside Dragons but have agreed another year, while Rogers returns after an impressive 2011/12 campaign. Scott Glover has confirmed he won’t be returning, with Sheffield Spartans and Sutton Sting believed to be his most likely destination. Rumours the Hawks were interested in making a move for Telford Titans forward Karol Jets were denied by Coach Jared Owen, but he admitted the club were actively seeking to bolster their roster saying, “We’re talking to a number of new players from different teams who we believe will improve on our team from last season, negotiations are ongoing so I don’t want to say anything until we have them signed.”
Solway Sharks have made their third signing of the summer with netminder Gary Russell agreeing a fifth season with the club. Coach Martin Grubb was delighted at the signing of Russell, “This season will be tough and games will be won and lost on goaltending,” he said. “That’s what Rusty thrives on and I know he’ll step up and prove he’s the league’s best goalie.”
Sheffield Spartans have confirmed forward Jon Woolhouse as their AssistantPlayer/Coach for a second season, while their all-time record points scorer Nick Manning has also signed again. Trafford Metros’ hopes of improving on last season’s fifth placed finish have been dealt a blow with the loss of Jake Nurse to the EPL’s Manchester Phoenix.
Deeside Dragons continue to build an impressive looking roster for their Division Two campaign and have added two more with the signings of Simon Furnival and Pete Founds. Furnival enjoyed an excellent season last year scoring 26 goals with 18 assists, while ex-Flintshire Freeze star Founds returns to Deeside after two seasons away from the game. Founds averaged over two points a game while with Freeze and Dragons will hope he’ll add vital experience to their promotion bid. Nottingham Lions have welcomed back long serving forward Joe Wightman and captain Nick Whyatt as they bid to return to Division One at the first time of asking. Solihull Barons’ Canadian defenseman Mike Rodger has returned for a second season at Hobs Moat Road.
A number of NIHL North teams are believed to be interested in tempting former Tigers forward Dan MacKriel out of retirement, while Shaun Kippin is thought to be contemplating a move away from Whitley.
Contact the author at: Michael.Black@prohockeynews.com