(Image permission: Duncan Speirs)
CAMBRIDGE, UK – If last week was slow to start, this week was quite the opposite.
Hull Pirates were first out of the blocks with the return of defenceman Marcus Neil. Neil, who turns 18 in December, first signed for the Pirates in the 2017/18 season. Although his points production didn’t exceed single figures, neither did his PIMs.
Speaking about the signing in the Hull Daily Mail, player/coach Jason Hewitt said: “Marcus is someone we’re looking for to step up. He’s come on a lot the last two years but now it’s time for him to be properly tested.
We’ve taken our time with him but this is a big year where we will throw him in as much as possible and how much he plays depends on him. He’s a likeable kid and goes about his business quietly. He’s working hard off ice and hopefully he’ll hit the ground running.”
Sheffield Steeldogs’ fans were left with the Monday morning blues with the announcement that Milan Kolena would not be returning for the 2019/20 season.
The former Bratislava KHL player picked up 67 goals for 173 points over two successful seasons for the South Yorkshire side. In the announcement on Facebook, the team confirmed that ‘Dogs head coach Ben Morgan would continue his search for two new imports.
Less depressing news for Telford Tigers on Monday as the re-signing of Joe Aston was confirmed. Aston, whose entire recorded hockey career, bar half a season with the Nottingham Lions, is with the Tigers, picked up seven goals for 25 points last season to earn a return stint.
“I’m pleased to be returning for the 2019/20 season,” he said. “I have enjoyed playing at this level and will work hard for the team on every shift. I am keen to be part of a trophy winning team and I’m confident that Tom has put together a very competitive roster.”
Tom Watkins, Head Coach and GM, added: “Joe had a strong second half to the season last year and I hope he continues with that progression. He’s quick and a straight line player who, when he plays a direct simple game, is at his best.
“He looks after himself, is in good shape and I think he can add to his game over the coming years. He is another player who is from Telford and has come through our junior club and NIHL 2 team.
“That development pathway is very important to us all at the club and it shows others that with dedication there are opportunities for all.”
Tuesday saw the Bees announce another new signing with the capture of Louis Colvin from the Invicta Dynamos. The 20-year-old forward, a former Guildford junior, spent two years playing in Canada to round out his junior career, playing minor AAA in Ontario before returning and signing in Kent.
Speaking about the signing on the Bees’ website, Bees’ head coach Doug Sheppard said: “Louis is a very good all-round player, he’s young and hungry to play at the highest possible level he can. Louis has a great attitude and will fit in nicely in Bracknell.”
After the Monday blues, Steeldogs’ fans were able to crack a smile with the return of Sheffield-trained defenceman Tim Smith for his seventh consecutive season since returning from his four season stint with Invicta.
Smith enjoyed a career high total of five goals for 38 points last season which certainly didn’t hurt his chances of securing a return.
Steeldogs head coach, Ben Morgan, said “Tim has become a key part of the Steeldogs team over the past couple of years. He is at an age where he is a role model, someone the younger lads are looking up to and he has taken to the role of an assistant captain well.
“He is relentless, rarely makes a bad play or has a bad game and he is Mr Consistent. He gives you different options, he is very solid defensively but he has some skills up his sleeve and is not afraid to move forward with the puck. His work rate is phenomenal; he puts the time and effort into his own fitness and conditioning away from the rink.”
Wednesday saw MK Lightning announce the return of an MK legend in the form of Grant McPherson. The Scottish-born number 9 is returning for his fourteenth season in MK colours.
Head coach Lewis Clifford said: “G needs no introduction to the MK Hockey community. There is a reason why his shirt has been hanging up in the rafters for the past two years, an honour only two others have received from this great club.
“He brings so much to the table, whether it be his never say die attitude on the ice, his absolute commitment to winning every game he plays or his leadership in the room. He is a born winner and a guy who loves to battle and compete.”
“The last two years when G has been playing for me with MK Thunder, people have seen that he has more strings to his bow than the ones he’s best known for. He can play in all situations and he will do absolutely anything that is asked of him for the betterment of the team.”
McPherson added: “Everyone knows how much the Lightning means to me and to be able to pull on that jersey once again and play in front of the best fans in the country is an opportunity I am very much looking forward to.
“Cliff is signing what looks to be a very good team and I’m excited to play my part and pass on some of my knowledge to the younger guys.”
Swindon Wildcats got in on the midweek action with the return of Ben Nethersell. The former Streatham junior sign to the Wildcats originally in the 13/14 season after a season with the Okanagen Hockey Academy. Since then the six foot defenceman has run up 36 goals for 153 points in five seasons with the Wildcats.
Head coach Aaron Nell said: “It’s great to have Ben back in Swindon for another season. For someone so young he plays with lots of maturity and is very good with the puck. He adds something different when he hits the ice and he has a good offensive brain to go with it.
“I can’t wait to welcome him back in September and hopefully it will be a really good year for him and the team.”
(Image permission: Tony Sargent)
Thursday saw the Bees sign an import – former Manchester Phoenix and Swindon centre Robin Kovar. Kovar has been plying his trade in the North West with the Blackburn Hawks this last season, picking up 12 goals for 28 points in 15 games.
Speaking to the Bees website, the 35-year-old 2002 NHL 4th round draft pick said: “I’m really happy and excited to be part of the Bracknell squad and I will do my best to help the team to have a successful season ahead.”
Down in Essex, the Raiders added two more players and effectively confirmed a rumour first aired on these pages.
Essex trained defenceman Callum Wells has returned for another season. After missing a large chunk of last season with a horrific knee injury.
Wells said: “I’m extremely excited to be returning to the Raiders this upcoming season, the new league structure looks great and we have some big competition to compete with and I believe the team we have are going to fit in just fine.
“Last season ended on a bit of a downer for me. I injured my knee, and since then I have had a lot of physio and have been working in the gym which has helped me with my recovery. My knee is strong again and ready for September”.”
The second signing for the Raiders, and the more interesting one is Jack Flynn, a Surrey-born British passport holder who learned his craft playing in Germany rather than the UK.
Under previous EIHA eligability rules, Flynn whose junior team was affiliated with the Kolner Haie, was classed as an import and played as such for the Aberdeen Lynx in the SNL last season.
With the review of classifications carried out by the IHUK, Flynn now qualifies as a British player.
With this change, he was contacted by Raiders’ head coach, Sean Easton, who wasted no time bringing the 6′ 3″, 15 stone utility player into the line-up for next season.
“Jack will be a surprise package in our league,” he said. “New to the league and we can expect Jack to skate hard every shift, finish his hits and cause defensive units a nightmare when he is on the ice.
“Jack has size and strength and will play well in the dirty areas creating time and space around him. I am looking forward to see what Jack can bring to the Raiders.”
Also speaking to the Raiders website, Flynn introduced himself saying: “I’m happy to play forward or defence, I shoot right and focus on creating chances for my team; it’s all about the team.
“My game is normally as a very physical power forward and I love to use this to put in some big hits and create space and opportunities for myself and my line mates.”
On Friday, Sheffield gave their fans more to smile about with the return of team high scorer, Ash Calvert. Sheffield born and trained Calvert, who made his EPL debut with Telford in the 2008/09 season, picked up 46 goals for 65 points last season and a joint career low 40 PIMs on the way to a succession to cup quarter, semi and finals games over the course of the season.
“Coach Morgan was delighted to see the ‘Dogs’ #51 return saying: “Ash has come on leaps and bounds over the last few seasons. He is very passionate about the game and has responded well to the additional responsibilities an assistant captain has.
“He still plays with a gritty edge but it also gives him another perspective when on the ice for the team. When he is on his game, he is dynamite – I wouldn’t want to play against him!
“He has a lot of experience to share and he will thrive playing in this new league. He has bided his time playing on different lines and has now come of age.
“He will be aware of others coming through now and can guide and support their play and their development. Competition for places will be a reality when the whole roster is announced and Calvs will have some young guns snapping at his heels, that will drive him on to be better and better.
“He is coming off a record-breaking season; he is one of the top end Brits in the league and he can put the puck in the net and given a chance in front of the net, he will score. That’s a quality that is vital in any league and it’s great that we’ll have Ash doing that again for the Dogs.”
The Sheffield connection continues as late on Friday as Milton Keynes Lightning confirmed the completion of their goal tending line-up with the addition of 26-year-old former Steeldogs netminder Brandon Stones.
Stones, who is a product of the Nottingham junior system has EIHL experience with both the Edinburgh Capitals and the Sheffield Steelers has spent the last six seasons playing in South Yorkshire, has now switched to the Buckinghamshire team, much to head coach Lewis Clifford’s delight.
He said: “With one of our first signings being a goalie, it took me some time to find the right guy to be in the pair alongside him, however when Brandon came to my attention he ticked a lot of the right boxes and when I spoke with him he ticked even more.”
“Brandon is still a relatively young man in his mid-20’s but he has a lot of experience, he has put up good percentages in both the NIHL1 and EPL over the last three years, and I don’t expect that to be any different when he gets between the pipes in Lightning colours.”
(Image permission: Steve Pollitt)
Leeds Chiefs have made another signing, their first hown town player – defenceman Bobby Streetly.
Streetly has spent most of his career in the Northern conferences, bar two seasons on the Isle of Wight, and most recently the past three seasons at the Blackburn Hawks where he has collected six goals for 31 points in a tough couple of years.
A very happy Streetly, speaking to Phil Harrison of the Yorkshire Evening Post, said “It’s exciting because ice hockey has been a long time coming to Leeds, especially at the level that it is going to be. It’s going to go down a lot better than people expect because nobody has ever seen anything like this sport in the city before.
“Apart from the two years when I was playing at Wightlink, I’ve lived in Leeds my whole life so I’ve waited for this moment for a long time.
“If we can prove to be a competitive team – which I believe we will be given the team Sam (Zajac) has put together – then there is no reason why we can’t be competing for honours in the first-ever year.”
Zajac added: “Bobby is a local guy who is really excited to have the opportunity to represent his hometown team. He’s a big body on the back end, strong in his own zone, makes a good first pass and can be relied upon to eat minutes every night. At just 25-years-old his best is yet to come. He’s going to be a big part of our leadership group.”
Swindon Wildcats confirmed the return of three of last years younger players: Netminders Tyler Perre and Micheal Crisp, and forward Eliot Randall.
Crisp will be the main back-up for Renny Marr, while Perre will continue his starting role for the NIHL2 Wildcats and on call for the National Division side.
Speaking about the trio of signings to the Wildcats’ team website, head coach Aaron Nell said: “I’m delighted to have these three back with us next season.
“Eliot came in and performed really well having made the first step into senior hockey, his never-say-die attitude helped us through some tough games last year and I am keen to see how he fares in his second season. He is an exciting young player and we are glad to have him in Swindon.
“Tyler came in and performed superbly for us when called upon. He got some huge wins for us over the course of the season including a tough win away in Sheffield. He is a big goalie who covers the net well and is a key part of the net minding trio. He is learning from Renny and wants to improve himself game on game.
“Crispy is also a big part of the team and is someone we can rely on when Tyler is icing for the second team. He loves being a Wildcat and he gets on really well with everyone in the locker-room. His character rubs off on everyone around him and we’re pleased he’ll stay around for another season.”
Our final signing of the week is the return of Hallden Barnes-Garner to MK colours.
At 21-years-old, Barnes-Garner is still considered a prospect in MK, however, coach Clifford is still pleased to see him return saying:
“Hallden is a player I know well. I coached him as a junior here in MK and he has played for me the past two years whilst I have been coaching Thunder.
“At 21, Hallden is still a very young man with a lot to learn, the biggest positive is that he fully appreciates this, listens to everything he is told and works hard every time he comes to the rink.”
Last season, Barnes-Garner picked up nine goals for 11 points and 67 PIMs, although over a third of those PIMs came in his final game of the season against the Phantoms where he picked up a match penalty for fighting, and it’s precisely these attributes that Clifford wants the youngster to bring.
The Lightning head coach explained: “In order for the team to work, we need a lot of different ingredients and types of player and Hallden brings several of these required attributes.
“He adds toughness to our line up, he has a good touch around the net and I know he has been working hard this summer to get himself ready to play. He knows what his current role is on the team and he is willing to do whatever is asked of him to grasp every opportunity that comes his way to increase his role and move his way up the line-up.”
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