(Image permission: Lucy McGill)
PETERBOROUGH, UK – As the dust settles on the 2018/19 season, with the final trophy of the year decided, the summer signing frenzy has already begun in the new NIHL national divsion.
First out of the gates were Milton Keynes Lightning announcing their head coach for the 19/20 season as Lewis Clifford. In a shrewd move, Monica and Graham Moody have snagged the recently retired Milton Keynes Thunder coach to lead the Buckinghamshire based team.
Clifford himself has been far from idle, swiftly moving to sign probably the hottest property in the National Division – netminder Jordan Lawday (above).
Speaking to MKFM.com, Clifford said: “I am absolutely delighted to have secured the signing of Jordan for the upcoming season. Not only did I coach him this past season with the Thunder, I also worked with him in the past in the South West system – and as happy as I was to sign him last summer, I am even more so this time around!”
(Image permission: 5 Hole Photography)
Further south, Basingstoke Bison have announced the return of netminding duo Dan Weller-Evans and Alex Mettam (both pictured above). Mettam is entering his second year with the side, while Weller-Evans enters his fifth.
Speaking to the Bison website, coach Ashley Tait said: “Obviously really pleased to have secured both Alex and Dan again for another year. They both work really well together day in day out and both have a team first mentality regardless of who’s playing.
“They both have big roles again this year and to have them signed straight away is a great start for us.”
Also securing their netminders nice and early, Peterborough Phantoms re-signed Jordan Marr and Ryan Bainborough with the announcement being made at the team’s end of season awards night.
Speaking to PHN, head coach Slava Koulikov said: “Jordan came up big time and again last season and it is clear he is very happy here in Peterborough – and we’re certainly happy to have him for another season.
“Ryan is solid goaltender and great guy who is well liked within the club. He never let us down when he was on the ice and games he played he was superb!
“Jordan and Ryan also have a good relationship on and off the ice so it makes perfect sense to keep them both with us for next season.”
(Image permission: Duncan Speirs)
Further North and both Hull Pirates and Sheffield Steeldogs have been busy getting pen put to paper.
Sheffield announced that player-coach Ben Morgan (above) will be returning for the new season. Speaking about his third hitch with the South Yorkshire side, Morgan said: “I am delighted to be back with the club for the start of the new era of hockey next season.
“Whilst we have enjoyed two successful seasons in D1 North, we are really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead in the new league.
“Sheffield is a fantastic club with some of the most loyal fans and players alike. Fingers crossed we can continue our recent successes over the next 12 months.”
On the east coast, Hull announced the return of player-coach Jason Hewitt fresh from his play-off win.
This was followed swiftly with Hewitt ensuring the return of veteran ‘D’ man Kevin Phillips, and forwards Matty Davies and the scorer of the overtime goal that won the Final Four trophy, Bobby Chamberlain, marking a very strong start with more expected to follow.
With more signings expected from all teams soon, this is shaping up to be a very busy summer.
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