(Image permission: Keith & Jenny Davies)
LANCASHIRE, UK – Adz Andrews admits he couldn’t resist the temptation of shelving retirement to don the skates with Coventry Blaze NIHL this season.
The 37-year-old had planned to call time on his playing career after spending the last four years with Nottingham Lions, but the chance to join the Laidler D2 side proved too tempting.
Andrews previously iced for Blaze during the 2013/14 season and he says he’s delighted to be back with the club.
“I had every intention of retiring after leaving Nottingham, but having skated at summer league hockey in Solihull during the off-season I knew I could go another year,” he said.
“However, it had to be with a club that matched my values and fitted with family life, hence the reason for returning to Coventry. They say returning to a club will never be the same, but I felt I had unfinished business.
“Having spoken with Sean (Alderson) the head coach it soon became apparent a lot had changed and his long-term plan was to establish his squad for the long haul by develop juniors in-house to bring though the age groups.
“This doesn’t happen overnight and a big part of development is having established seniors around the kids to help and look out for them, something I’ve always looked to do.
“Sean’s vision made my decision easier and having the club on my doorstep eased the travel. A less hectic game schedule means a better family balance as well.”
Coventry started the season with a 10-5 defeat against Deeside Dragons, but they bounced back in style with an 11-3 demolition of Blackburn Hawks 2.
Andrews says the goal this year is to learn and grow as a team and he is confident that Blaze can do that as the season progresses.
“We have some fantastic juniors in the squad such as Dan Mulcahy, Oliver Lord, Andy Hayward and others,” he added.
“They’ve already gained valuable experience with Blaze and have been given opportunities to ice for teams higher up the scale, so something is working.
“Many people will look at the likes of Antti Kohvakka, Rob Perks and myself and think it’s a young man’s game so why do we need guys like this in development?
“It’s our experience that keeps these kids grounded. We pass down our knowledge and encourage them not to get above themselves, but realise you can never stop learning. If I can help and be a part of that, I’ll take all the ‘grandad’ comments all day long.”
Blaze are back in action this weekend with a difficult looking double-header. They host league leaders Bradford Bulldogs on Saturday, before travelling to face Deeside the following day.
Andrews believes that Coventry’s mix of youth and experience is good enough to allow them to make an impact against the top sides in D2 this season.
“With the talent we have I’d be disappointed not to be pushing for a play-off spot this year,” he said.
“We have the quality and depth, it’s just important to build on the togetherness and take every game as it comes.
“The possibilities are endless and it’s about believing in each other and playing with a smile doing it.”
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Moralee D1
Saturday
Billingham Stars v Nottingham Lions
Sheffield Steeldogs v Whitley Warriors
Sunday
Blackburn Hawks v Whitley Warriors
Nottingham Lions v Solway Sharks
Laidler D2
Saturday
Altrincham Aces v Deeside Dragons
Coventry Blaze NIHL v Bradford Bulldogs
Hull Jets v Widnes Wild
Sunday
Deeside Dragons v Coventry Blaze NIHL
Widnes Wild v Blackburn Hawks 2
NIHL North Cup
Saturday
Solway Sharks v Blackburn Hawks
Sunday
Sheffield Steeldogs v Billingham Stars
NIHL Autumn Cup
Saturday
Basingstoke Bison v Telford Tigers
Peterborough Phantoms v Hull Pirates
Sunday
Hull Pirates v Peterborough Phantoms
Telford Tigers v Basingstoke Bison
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