Chieftains sign eight

CHELMSFORD,U.K- It’s been a busy week for Essex side Chelmsford Chieftains as they announced the signing of eight players, seven re-signings and one player returning. First up is arguably the hardest working line in the ENL last season, James Ayling, Ross Brears and the terrier-like Tom Foskett. Each of the three had their own reasons for signing back in Chelmsford. ” I have signed for the chiefs this year because Deano (Head coach Dean Birrell) showed a lot of faith in me and gave me the opportunity to show what I could do at a senior level. I learnt a lot throughout last season and I believe I will improve again this season at Chelmsford.” Tom Foskett said. Ross Brears echoed his line-mates comments about building on last season, “I enjoyed playing with the team last season and for the fans. I would like to get the same feeling and enjoyment this year but at a higher level which I will step up to,” Brears said. James Ayling had a slightly different reason, ” I am still at school doing my A levels. But the main reason is simply that we have a great team, players, management, coach and fans and I don’t see any reason to move as I want to be a part of it and can’t see myself in anything but a Chelmsford shirt next season. This year has been particularly difficult off ice, but in the past I have found it’s easier to try and separate personal life and hockey and not let my personal life have a big influence on hockey although it has to sometimes, in this case personal reasons did not really influence my decision.” Ayling said. The youngsters are all looking forward to the season and have aspirations of bringing success to the Riverside for a second successive season. Ayling commented; ” As a team I think we are looking to build on what we did last year and get another league title. As a player I will try to contribute to the team as much as i can and try and improve all round and particularly in areas I think I need to such as improving the physical side of my game.” Foskett also added, ” My aims for this season are work hard and leave everything on the ice each game and show that I can compete in ENL1. I know my size is a problem in some people’s eyes, but I am going to go all out and prove to them that it’s the size of the fight in the dog, not the size of the dog in the fight.” Brears gave a straight comment, ” Well as a player I want to achieve more points than I did last year. I believe I can get that by playing more and alongside better and more knowledgeable players. As a club we want to win everything we can. Who doesn’t?” Head coach Dean Birrell spoke of the three young heroes. “They have to stay focussed and grab the opportunity with both hands. Players around and below them will be pushing them hard for places and its up to them to work hard and keep their spots. We’ll be encouraging and working with them and if they want it enough, they will get the chances to shine,” Birrell said. Following on from the signings of the affectionately known “Three Amigos” was the return of Danny Wright. Wright left the Riverside last summer for local rivals Romford Raiders, but was glad of the chance to return to the Essex side. ” Wrighty　is a good player and a great ambassador for Chelmsford and always has time for the supporters and junior players alike. We expect Dan to be a lynch pin within the heart of the defence this year and add a little bit of experience to the line up,” Wright said. Wright has faced criticism from some fans about his commitment and skills, but Wright will no doubt be out to prove the doubters wrong and should be an asset to the defence this coming season under the guidance of Birrell. Also putting pen to paper is returning starlet Darren Brown. Brown came into his own during the last campaign and was a shining star in many games, Brown came close to winning all four awards at the End of Season Awards night, which just shows the influence and effort had rubbed off on all aspects of the club. The silky-skating forward picked up an impressive tally of points last season and was a part of the second most productive line at the Chieftains. That line also included two other popular signings in Richard Whiting and “BT” Williams. Whiting continues his role as assistant to Birrell and because of his dedication to the club over a number of seasons has been granted a testimonial game at the close of the up coming season. The British forward turned his career around last season and really put the critics in their place with an array of outstanding goals and performances which captured the spirit of the Chieftains perfectly. What can be said about Williams that hasn’t already been said? The rough, tough direct power forward epitomised what Chelmsford ice hockey was about last season and when needed he did exactly what was asked of him. Whether that be dropping the gloves or putting the puck in the net, if BT was asked to do it, he did it and did it with style. The World-record holding forward will be looking to build on last season and cement his place in Chieftains folklore with another outstanding season. Kane Bartlett has also signed for the Chieftains. Injuries forced an early end to his season however that was not before he had grown in stature and confidence and went from being a ‘rabbit in the headlights’, as one fan described him early in the season, to being a much liked defence man and solid third line player. It would be unfair to expect too much from the young lad next season, however with his heart and determination wonders can definitely happen for this young man. Contact the author at  Pete.lewis@prohockeynews.com