(Image permission: IceHockeyMedia)
CAMBRIDGE, UK – With the May Bank Holiday out of the way, Bracknell Bees were first out of the blocks this week with the return of Aiden Doughty.
The 23-year-old is returning for his second season at the Hive where he put up 42 points in his first stint.
Bees’ Head Coach, Doug Sheppard, said: “I’m pleased we have a player of Aidan’s standing back for our new campaign. He was impressive last season and played with good maturity. I’m looking forward to watching him to continue to progress this season.”
Next, as we mentioned earlier in the week, were Telford Tigers with the signing of the former Sheffield Steelers netminder Brad Day.
With Day’s commitment to being the starting netminder, questions have now been asked about the future of Sam Gospel with the Shropshire side.
However, with the perceived increased value of British netminders in the Elite League, it isn’t unfeasible that Gospel may decide to push for a higher level.
(Image permission: Tom Scott)
On Thursday, Peterborough Phantoms announced the return of a further 16 players in one media release.
Tom Norton, Scott Robson, Nathan long, James Ferrara, Brad Bowering, Will Weldon, Ross Clarke, Robbie Ferrara, Petr Stepanek, Callum Buglass, Corey McEwen, Glenn Billing, Taylor Romeo, Martins Susters, Jarvis Hunt and Nathan Long have all agreed terms for next season alongside the previously announced netminder pairing of Jordan Marr and Ryan Bainborough.
Head Coach Slava Koulikov said: “I’m really pleased to secure some of the best offensive and defensive lines as well best goaltending duo in the league.
“All of them had excellent campaigns and helped us achieve the three trophies, finish second in the league and advance to the play-off final in Coventry.
“We are excited to have them all with us again, as we try to get ourselves set up for another good run next season – it;s a great starting point to have already signed players of this calibre.”
One new addition was announced to the roster, Conor Pollard, twin brother of Nathan Pollard. Both Pollards made their debut with the senior as prospect in the 2010/11 season.
While Conor guested for the NIHL1 side in the 2017/18 season, he has dedicated his time to the NIHL2 Phantoms, (formerly the Peterborough Islanders), which saw him pick up 32 goals for 58 points in just 28 games last season.
Speaking to PHN about the signing, Conor said: “I’m delighted to be given the chance to play for the Phantoms – I feel like this is the right time for me and having the support at home is definitely going to help.
“I’m excited to be a part of this team after such a successful season and to continue to compete week in, week out, this coming season.
“Also, playing in front of the best fans in the league is exciting, I can’t wait to get going.”
However, not all the team have returned at this point. At the end of season awards night, Czech import Ales Padelek announced his retirement from Ice hockey and missing from the signing list are James White and Jack Escott.
However, further announcements are expected later in the summer, including the replacement for the retired Padelek.
In Hampshire, Basingstoke Bison announced the return of Adam Harding. The forward joined Bison from Swindon Wildcats part way through last season.
Speaking about the signing to the Basingstoke Gazette, Player-coach Ash Tait said: “Bringing Hards back is great news for the club. He was a great pick up for us last year and gave us some much-needed depth. He contributes at both ends of the ice and I think he’ll continue to get better and better.”
(Image permission: Nicky Pearce)
Out west, Swindon Wildcats welcomed the return of Tomasz Malasinski on a three-year-deal. Malasinski, who played 68 games in the last two seasons for KH GKS Katowice in the Polish League scoring 42 goals in a 77-point tally.
He will be looking to rekindle his form for the Wiltshire side during his last stay where he scored 39 goals for 83 points in his last season as a Wildcat.
Speaking to the club’s website, player/coach Aaron Nell said: “To be able to bring Tomasz back to Swindon is huge for the club – he is an unbelievable player and probably the most influential import we’ve had here in the last 20 years.
“We’ve been speaking to him and he is very excited to come back to Swindon and help us compete for silverware in the new National League.
“Tomasz is someone we can build the team around and he’s going to be a huge part of the club for the next three seasons.”
Despite concerns and some tangible doubt as to their future generated by statements released this week by Planet Ice, Milton Keynes Lightning have announced the signing of former GB Under 18s gold medal winner Caly Robertson from the Fife Flyers.
Robertson, now 18, made his Elite League debut at just 16-years-old playing for the now defunct Edinburgh Capitals.
He said: “I’ve signed because I think it’s a great opportunity to play in this new league and seems to be a great fit for me and where I’m at in my career.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the organisation and coach, and I’m definitely looking forward to playing in front of the barmy army – they’ve been incredible the times I’ve experienced playing in MK!”
Lightning Head Coach Lewis Clifford added: “Caly has a whole load of raw talent and huge potential.
“I’ve seen him play for GB U18s in their televised games a year ago and I was lucky enough to see him play in the England v Scotland game at the conference tournament over the May bank holiday weekend.
“All national bias aside, he was one of the best players on the ice for either team.”
In Yorkshire, Leeds Ice Hockey Club made their first signing in the form of 29-year-old NIHL All-Star Defenceman Sam Zajac as their player/coach, which was announced via the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Planet Ice Chief Operating Officer, Heath Rhodes, confirmed that the advert for a coach for the new team had met with great interest, and that following interviews held in Leeds recently, the former Whitley Warriors Player/Assistant Coach had been given the head man’s role.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Zajac said: “I’m thrilled to have been given the opportunity to be a part of bringing this new sporting venture to Leeds.
“We’re in the process of building a fast, hard-working, exciting team that the fans can really get behind, and one that will be competitive night in and night out in the new league.”
In South Yorkshire, the Sheffield Steeldogs have made a stealthy signing, the details of which will hopefully bring you next week.
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