(Image permission: Steve Brodie)
CAMBRIDGE, UK – A slow week for announcements, overshadowed by other news this week regarding the structure and format for the National Division, saw the first signing of the week being made by Hull Pirates with the return of Jonathan Kirk, older brother of NHL Draft pick Liam Kirk.
The 23-year-old trained through the Sheffield junior system before signing with Hull in the 2015/16 season. Head Coach Jason Hewitt was pleased to see Kirk return for his fourth season with the side.
Speaking to the Hull Daily Mail, he said: “Jon’s a big part of our team on the powerplay and on the penalty kill, and he plays big minutes five-on-five so he’s very important for us. He goes about his business, he’s good at what he does.”
On Tuesday, Telford Tigers continued their run of signings with the announcement that Rick Plant had also chosen to return to the Shropshire side.
The veteran 41-year-old took his first contract in the 1994/95 with the Tigers, before spending a creditable 14 years with the Guildford Flames in the BNL and the EPL, returning to the Tigers part the way through the 2013/14 season.
Now in his sixth term with the Tigers, Plant was pleased to be back again, saying: “It’s great to be returning to the Tigers for the forthcoming season. Since I moved back to Telford I have enjoyed playing here and contributing to the development of the juniors through the Learn-to-Play programme.
“It was an easy decision to make to re-sign. The team Tom is putting together will be challenging for honours and I am determined to be a key part of it. The fans have always been great to me here and I appreciate their support. I can’t wait for the new season to start.”
Swindon Wildcats announced the re-signing of Loris Taylor. The 25-year-old product of the Swindon junior development system played 62 games for the Wildcats last season, notching up 18 goals for 33 points in those games.
Speaking to swindonwildcats.com, Head Coach Aaron Nell, who brought Taylor back to the 1st team after four seasons with the NIHL2 Wildcats said: “I think it’s fair to say Loris exceeded all expectations when he returned last year and we couldn’t have been happier with his contributions last season.
“He scored some vital goals for us over the course of the year and gave his all on every shift he played. We are pleased he’s decided to come back again next year and hopefully he’ll be able to improve again.
“He’s a vital part of the depth we have here and we know he’ll give 110% for the team and like Floyd, he loves to be a Swindon Wildcat.”
A midweek announcement from the Bracknell Bees saw the return of defenceman Brandain Baird. Baird’s respectable tally of 6 goals for 21 points seems to have contributed to his return, with Bees head coach Doug Sheppard saying: “Brendan is as competitive as anyone I’ve coached, he has a great attitude and demands intensity in training from his teammates.
“Brendan is always a pain for opposing players and showed signs of being an offensive ‘D’ Man last season.”
It was coaching changes, rather than players, for the Sheffield Steeldogs this week with the return of Greg Wood. Wood, who proceeded current Player/Coach, Ben Morgan, had been away from the game for the last two seasons, but has been tempted back as assistant coach to Morgan for the 19/20 season.
Speaking to the Steeldogs website, Morgan said: “I am sure everyone will agree that the addition of Greg to our coaching staff is only a good thing for the Steeldogs, both for the development of players and the image of the club. I for one am extremely grateful to have him back with us.”
Wood added: “I am absolutely delighted to be back with the Steeldogs. I have had a good break and am fully refreshed and full of enthusiasm for the challenges that lie ahead of us. I can’t wait to get started. I am looking forward to supporting Morgs in whatever ways I can and make sure we achieve our objectives.”
Leaving the Steeldogs are assistant coaches are Kevin O’Brien and Neil Jepson who had been with the club for a number of seasons. There are no comments as to their futures, however the club did place their thanks on record wishing the pair good luck in the future.
Raiders IHC got in on the action with the announcements of Brandon Ayliffe and Jack Cooper. Ayliffe had a much improved season on the previous year, picking up 11 goals for 28 points and the Supporters’ Player Of The Year title for the second year running.
Speaking to the Romford Recorder, Ayliffe said: “I’m pleased to be back in the Gold and Blue again. From playing in the junior development program to now playing for my childhood club is just amazing. It’s a great fanbase and just an all round great club to be part of.
Cooper joined the Raiders part way through the 2014/15 season and now begins his 6th season with the side. He said: “I’m delighted to be able to pull on a Raiders jersey for another year, this is the club where I grew up and it has become my home. I’m very excited to see what this new league brings. It will be a good new challenge for the team and I.”
In Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes Lightning announced the return of local defender Ben Russell. Russell, who has spent four seasons away from the Thunderdome, (2015/16 with Manchester Phoenix, 2016-18 with Peterborough Phantoms and 2018/19 with Streatham IHC), returns for the 2019/20 season.
Head coach, Lewis Clifford, was happy to see the return of 25-year-old Russell, saying: “Ben is a no nonsense ‘D’ Man, he plays hard every night and will put his body on the line to keep opponents at bay.
“Although he is still relatively young, he has a lot of experience from the EPL and GB teams and this will stand him in good stead when he takes to the ice in the new season back in his home town.”
The final signing from this comparatively slow week came on Friday as Telford confirmed that 16-year-old Finley Howells will be playing for the Tigers’ senior team next season.
Howells, who turned 16 part way through last season, picked up five goals for seven points with the NIHL1 side to accompany the two goals for the Tigers NIHL2 side and the an increadible 51 goals for 122 points in 40 games with the Telford Under 18 side over the 2018/19 season.
Speaking about his signing, Head Coach and GM Tom Watkins said: “Fin has shown that he has ability and has performed well at the U18 level. He stepped up to senior level at the end of last season and showed me that he has the appetite to learn the game.
“He will benefit from training with the team and developing his skills in match situations. He has a great chance to earn ice time and show his talents.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.