LONDON, UK – East London is currently the focal point of the nation’s media as the whole area gets a much needed makeover in time for the Olympics in 2012. Tucked away on Lea Bridge Road, within a sunny marsh land is the neat and tidy shell of the Lee Valley Ice Centre, home of the Lee Valley Lions.
A likeable hockey club, the green shirts of Lee Valley have recently been overshadowed by the bigger budget and blue and gold of near rivals Romford Raiders. A wholly amateur outfit, the Lions reformed in 2005 after a ten year absence from the game, with a commemorative opener played against Haringey Greyhounds. In an ironic twist almost exactly five years on from this game (in which the Greyhounds’ won), it is the North London side that now find themselves mothballed, as a result of the refurbishment of their ice rink Alexandra Palace. They are due to return in 2011/12 as the renamed North London Hound Dogs.
Dubyk & Richards Snr at the Valley
After a poor season in 2009/10, the Lions are looking to bounce back with a competitive team and a new spirit. General Manager Eddie Joseph has been involved with the club for many years, both as a player and a coach, and he has moved swiftly to appoint a new coaching team in a bid to turn around the team’s fortunes.
First through the door is Canadian Blair Dubyk, a surprise signing from Bracknell Hornets and fresh from winning the ENL Play-Offs last season. Dubyk is an excellent pick up for the Lions in a playing capacity, but will also be assisting with the on-ice coaching of the team. Dropping a league may seem a strange decision; however the 30 year old defence man has sound reasoning:
“I had a great year last year with the Hornets” said Dubyk. “The Lions are local to me, and the reduced schedule gives me more time to focus on other commitments. The team is shaping up nicely and I am enjoying the coaching aspect so far”
Mercer surveys the team
Joining him is the experienced former Nottingham Lion and Fife Flyer Lee Mercer, who has spent the last five seasons with the now mothballed Greyhounds, first as a player and then as Head Coach. A tough no nonsense player, Mercer is hoping to put recent injury problems behind him and will be clocking up increased ice time compared with recent seasons.
The final piece of the coaching jigsaw will be located on the bench. Joining Lions long serving stalwart Ian Prince is a familiar name and face to London hockey fans. Dave Richards Senior actually coached Lee Valley Juniors back in 1991 and is excited to return to the game, having last been seen whilst part of the ill-fated London Racers organisation:
“Its good to be back” said Richards Senior. “I have been impressed with the players I have seen so far and we are building a competitive roster. Lee Valley has some very good prospects, and mixed with some of the homeless former Greyhound players, I am confident that we can compete at this level and challenge every game”
Taylor Swiss bound%3F (Photo by Julianne Bonner)
Competing is something that Lee Valley fans will look forward too. Last season the team finished second last in ENL South 2, in what was ultimately a poor campaign that saw them concede a massive 222 goals in 20 games. With top scorer Angela Taylor rumoured to be moving to a club in Switzerland, the Lions have boosted their firepower by signing former Greyhound Cal Mathison and bringing back long serving Richard Hodge, former Swindon winger Graham Lewis and the amusingly nicknamed Phil “Killer” Carson.
The Lions have also moved to shore up their leaky defence by bringing in the controversial Dave Richards Junior and young goalie prospect James Tipple from last seasons Haringey team, plus ever present Lion from last season James Scott-Joseph.
Richards in particular racked up an astonishing 224 penalty minutes in a higher league last year, but he will have to show what he can offer on the ice this year in ENL South 2.
Turn out at try outs has been good, and with rumours of another import possibly signing plus another net minder, cautious optimism is slowly returning to the Lee Valley Ice Centre. Most UK hockey fans would like to see Lee Valley do well, but their image as a friendly amicable team may soon go out of the window with some of the signings they have made. Some hard hitting feisty players could be just what the doctor ordered for the Lions, and if they start putting some winning form together, expect teams to start fearing a trip to East London.
The Lee Valley Lions open their season with a home game against Chelmsford on Sunday 5th September. For more information on ticketing and access visit the informative: www.leevalleylions.co.uk
Contact the author: david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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