DU RHAM, UK – Whitley Warriors have endured a difficult start to the 2011/12 season losing 3 league games in first 3rd of the season after going unbeaten throughout the entirety of the last English National League campaign. Warriors lost 8 experienced players during the close season which has left rookie Whitley coach Garry Dowd with a tough rebuilding assignment this term.
Prohockeynews recently got the opportunity to speak to Warriors alternate captain Shaun Kippin about life with Whitley and how he thought the current term was panning out.
“We have had a slow start, I think the main factor for our slow start is due to losing 8 top class players from our team in James Flavell, Paul Windridge, Ritchie Thronton, Karl Culley, Adam Reynolds, Andy Thornton, Dan Harris and Ryan Sample.”
The Warriors form has improved significantly during the last few weeks as Whitley have won 5 out of their last 6 games which has seen Whitley move ahead of this seasons surprise package the Trafford Metros into 2nd place in the standings behind the Billingham Stars.
Kippin in action at Newcastle Arena
“I think we are well and truly back in this title race, we are really starting to gel as a team and we will be pushing teams all the way to win the league.
“I think that it will either be between Blackburn or Billingham for the top spot if we are unable to win the title.
“I have been surprised (at how well Trafford have done) but they are a hard team to play against, they work hard and are reaping the rewards from that.”
Shaun went on to speak of how the wholesale changes to the Whitey roster over the close season have affected the squad so far this season.
“I knew that many (of last year’s team) would return to Billingham with it being their home town team. I didn’t consider leaving as I knew that we would be re-building this year and wanted to be a part of that.
“I have always tried to be a leader on this team, but with the increase in younger players in the team I am trying to pass on things that I learnt from my years playing.
“The signings (of Dean Holland, Jamie Tinsley and Richie Lawson) are a huge boost to our squad, Dean is linking up very well with Jamie Tinsley and Richie is a top class netminder.
“Without being disrespectful to our goalies this season I think you have to say James Flavell(has been the player we have missed most this season). James won games for us on his own when he was here, and never had a bad game! I hope he has a bad game against us!”
The loss of so many top draw ENL players over the summer months meant that the established 2nd forward unit of Callum Watson, Shaun Kippin and DJ Good were suddenly installed as the clubs principle scoring unit.
“This has definitely brought more pressure, but they are 2 fantastic players to play with I think we are thriving under the pressure at the moment.”
Shaun went onto to give us his thoughts on the ENL set up as a whole and which were the most exciting young players in the division at present.
“The league this year is great, everyone is beating everyone and the title race is wide open. I think the standard has increased dramatically this year and with the addition of Billingham we have our derby games back which we all cannot wait for.
Shaun takes on the Flintshire Freeze
“I would definitely welcome a link up (between the northern and the southern divisions) for an end of season playoffs. It is something different to aim for and the winners can call themselves the best team in the country at this level.”
“I am biased but I would definitely say keep an eye out for Whitley youngsters Harry Harley and Christian Johnson, they are exciting players to watch and will do very well for us this season.”
As the interview was coming to a close Shaun spoke of the opportunities that had come his way over the years to play at a higher level and of his early memories of hockey.
“Earlier in my career I was given a couple of opportunities to play at a higher level, but I had seen players in the same boat as me sitting on the bench for years and never really progressing. For me to enjoy my hockey I need to be playing regularly and i didn’t want to warm the bench.
“Ian Defty and Jonathan Weaver were my hockey idols as a kid. I was a huge Durham Wasps fan and i remember saying i would never play for the Warriors, and now i am!”
Many thanks to Shaun for taking the time out to speak to Prohockeynews and we wish him and Whitley all the best for the remainder of the season. Warriors next home fixture is against the Telford Titans on Sunday 13th November (face off 5pm).
Images courtesy of Colin Lawson @ www.icehockeymedia.co.uk
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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