STREATHAM, UK – Streatham Redskins have boosted their squad further this week, by signing 23 year old forward Dan Marashi, whilst at the same time formally announcing the signing of Slovakian sniper Tomas Valko.
Valko welcomed to UK (Photo by David Trevallion)
Marashi, a former Slough Jets and Bracknell Hornets player, joins a Streatham side still buoyed by last weekend’s 7-7 tie with current league champions Invicta Dynamos. Marashi took a year out from hockey last year to focus on bodybuilding and brings to the table, arguably the most toned and muscular body in the ENL. His last hockey action was with Bracknell in 2008/09, when he made 25 appearances and scored 8 goals and made 18 assists.
Following on from his goal scoring debut at the weekend, the Redskins have now formally announced the signing of Slovakian winger Tomas Valko. The 28 year old has spent much of his hockey career in France playing at both Division 1 and 2 levels. His former clubs include CSG Strasbourg, HC Limoges and most recently HK Popard in his native Slovakia.
Redskins Head Coach is delighted with both signings and feels that they can both bring different qualities to the squad.
“Dan has played at this level before so he knows what is required” said Spours. “He had a year out last season but he is in great shape and has looked sharp in training”
“Tomas got a goal against Invicta at the weekend and he is a natural goal scorer. He suffered a slight groin injury during the game which limited his explosive style of play, but I am confident he will get better and better as he adapts to the UK game”
Entertaining v Invicta (Photo by David Trevallion)
The Redskins suffered bad news this week when it was revealed that the injury picked up by the goalie Shane Kemp in the Invicta match, is a broken finger that could rule him out for up to six weeks. Add this to the groin injury currently sidelining Stefan Nubert and it leaves the Redskins with only Will Sanderson available between the pipes. This is not a concern given Sanderson’s fantastic displays last season; however it does show that the Redskins traditional bad luck with injuries has not gone away.
This Sunday the South London side face current Play-Off champions Bracknell Hornets at the High Road and Spours believes that his squad can build on the progress made so far.
“Every fixture throws up new challenges” said Spours. “Our first two fixtures have pitted us against both the league and play-off champions, so it’s a difficult start to the season. Bracknell will be a well drilled side and I will need all three of my lines performing if we are to get anything out of the game”
On a more positive note, Streatham had their biggest attendance since their reformation in 2003 for the Invicta game. Fans packed out the balcony at the High Road to watch the entertaining 7-7 tie, but the period break entertainment failed to produce a winner in the inaugural “Beat the Goalie” competition.
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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