(Image permission: Al Goold Photo)
CAMBRIDGE, UK – If last week’s start to the week was slow, this week was tortoise like. It wasn’t until Wednesday morning that the signings started.
First off were Swindon Wildcats with the return of Luc Johnson. The MK-born and trained 21-year-old forward is beginning his third season with the Wiltshire side.
Speaking to the Wildcats website, head coach Aaron Nell said: “It’s huge for us to have Luc back for another season, the work he does on the ice really is second to none and his energy is infectious for the team. He had a tough campaign last year getting some injuries at difficult times, but he always bounced back and strives to improve.
“The work he does on the penalty kill is vital for us and for a small guy he certainly has a big presence on the ice. He’s got good speed and a very good hockey brain, I’m sure the fans will be over the moon to have him back for another year, just as I am.”
Shortly afterwards, Telford Tigers announced the completion of their netminding line up with the addition of Massimo Agostini. The 17-year-old, who has already played 11 games for the Nottingham Lions in NIHL 1 with a respectable 0.859 SVS, will now be icing for the Shropshire side.
Tigers’ head coach and GM, Tom Watkins, has had his eye on the youngster for a little while, saying: “Massimo is a big guy who is very keen to play and improve. It’s the attitude and commitment I like from young players who totally focused and willing to do what it takes to move forward.
“I’ve known him for a long time after he used to attend my goalie clinics. I watched him over the conference team and was a key performer who won the under 17’s tournament. He works hard, competes for every puck and working with Brad Day will be a big part of his development.
“He will also play with the under 18 team to ensure he gets the minutes he needs and when the opportunity arises he will get game time with us.”
In Berkshire, it was another farewell as it was announced that one of NIHL1’s top defencemen, Tyler VanKleef, would not be returning for the Bees next season. VanKleef began the season with the EIHL Nottingham Panthers, but switched partway through the season.
Although playing in defence, the Canadian born dual national wracked up 20 goals for 28 points in 24 games. It is believed that a number of National Division netminders slept a little easier upon hearing this news.
The big signing news of the week came from West Yorkshire as the Leeds Chiefs announced the capture of former MK Lightning forward Radek Meidl. The 30-year-old Czech import probably didn’t have the best introduction to the British game after signing for the EIHL MK Lightning under their previous ownership, however Meidl still managed to put up 10 goals for 17 points in a team that were considered the whipping boys of their league.
Speaking to Phil Harrison of the Yorkshire Evening Post, player-coach Sam Zajac said: “We’re really excited to get Radek on board for the coming season, He’s a guy with great size and an elite shot, and we think he’s going to be a real handful for a lot of defencemen in this league.
“He has experience of playing in the UK after spending last year with the Lightning, so there won’t be that adjustment period that you sometimes get when bringing in players new to the country.
“He is really excited about getting a fresh start with a brand new franchise in a fantastic city. Radek is going to fit into our group well and will be a big part of our offense.”
Basingstoke Bison made their first announcement of the week with the news that their top British scorer, Alex Sampford, had agreed a return to the Herd. With 27 goals for 45 points in all EIHA competitions the forward made a top contribution, something Coach Ashley Tait recognised.
“Alex did everything I was told he could do and you know if he gets to the top of circle he is lethal – he is another important re-signing for the team,” he said.
In South Yorkshire came the news that Charlie Thompson had also re-signed with the Sheffield Steeldogs. The 22-year-old had a quiet season by his standards, four goals for 19 points, but was delighted to be back in a Steeldogs jersey for the 2019/20 season.
He said: “I never take it for granted that I will be asked to return each year, so it is massive when I know I am going to be a Steeldog for the coming season. I am there to try and earn my spot every season and warrant my ice time. I just hope I always do enough to impress the coach.
“I enjoyed last season, I played regularly to begin with then took a back seat for a while but came back into it all at the end of the season in those big games. It doesn’t always go my way but I work hard and earn my chances.
“I keep sticking with it and enjoy it. Ending the year with the Unsung Hero award was very special – a huge surprise. It shows that Morgs (Ben Morgan) appreciates what I am doing and it’s great to get the recognition.”
In Bracknell, the Bees announced the return of 35-year-old James Galazzi for his 10th consecutive season. Although Canadian born, this British-trained player has been committed to Bracknell colours since the 2005/06 season on joining the Bracknell Hornets.
In the 06/07 season, Galazzi made five guest appearances for the Bees before returning to the Hornets for a further three full seasons. In the 2009/10 season, then Bees head coach, and former Hornets head coach, Gareth Cox, gave Galazzi a chance to return, a chance James has taken full advantage of over the following eight seasons.
This season marks Galazzi’s 10th as a Bee and his 16th in Bracknell colours, a feat that is surely to be recognised this season, when he should, circumstances permitting, move into second on the all time appearances chart for the Bees.
Speaking to the team website, bracknellbees.com, about his return, Galazzi said: “I’m so excited to be back again for what will be a milestone year for me. It’s an absolute privilege to wear the Bees jersey every year and this year will be no different.
“The new National League is going to give us a compelling season and I can’t wait to try and build on our success last year.”
Bees head coach Doug Sheppard was also delighted to see the veteran return, saying: “James is going to bring a lot to the team, everyone sees the effort he puts in on the ice and respects the fact he will stick up for his teammates.
He brings loads of experience which is key as we have a very young team. James has a tremendous attitude and it’s going to be an honour to coach him in his testimonial season.”
In Essex, the EA Raiders became the latest team to secure their goal tending duo. Michael Gray makes a return to the Romford side for his 10th consecutive season. Gray had an excellent season with a .907 SVS and 2.51 GAA and an assist in the regular season and picking up a .921 post season SVS.
Speaking to the Romford Recorder about his return, Gray said: “I’m really looking forward to the start of the season. The new league is going to be a massive challenge for the Raiders. The club as a whole has done an amazing job in getting a team prepared for this new league and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“This is the only club I want to play for and it has a place in my heart as I’ve had the pleasure of playing for the Raiders for 10 seasons, with the odd little break. I’m so happy that the coaching staff wanted me back as the team is shaping up very nicely with me looking like the granddad of the team this year.”
Joining Gray between the pipes in Bradley Windebank. The 17-year-old made a number of appearances for the Raiders in NIHL 1 last season with a respectable .895 SVS, but really excelled when playing for the Raiders second team and junior sides, picking up a .901 svs in 26 games for Raiders 2, and .987 in six games with the Under 18s team.
Speaking about his signing to the Romford Recorder, Windebank said: “I was very surprised when Sean approached me about signing for the Raiders this season as I have only played one full season in adult hockey.
“It was a really enjoyable season. Seeing so much ice time and facing a lot of shots, it was definitely a steep learning curve. I know I will be playing a different role this season being a back-up, but I am really looking forward to the step up and if I am called upon I will play to the best of my ability to help the team in anyway possible.
“It is a real honour to sign for the Raiders, especially now we are back in Romford where I began playing for the juniors some 12 years ago now.
“I have watched the Raiders home and away as a fan since I was three, so it is a real privilege to sign. I am very grateful for this opportunity and the faith coach (Easton) has in my game and can’t wait to get started now and hear the Raiders fans get behind us home and away.
Although that’s it for the signings for this week, Basingstoke did announce the return of Elliot Dewey, Josh Kelly and Hallam Wilson at their season ticket launch evening. We will hopefully cover those signings next week.
You must be logged in to post a comment.