London, UK – Hockey is back and for the seventh year running Pro Hockey News will be covering National Ice Hockey League South each and every week. So without any further delay let’s look at what lies ahead with a preview of every team in the league.
Bracknell Hornets
Key departures leave new questions
A mid table finish last season was not a bad return for the Hornets, who lost a number of players the previous summer to higher clubs and rivals. Danny Hughes continues to be the beating heart of the team and will be Player Coach this year after the departure of Gareth Cox and Lukas Smital.
One his first moves was to bring in the experienced Greg Chambers, a former GB international of undoubted quality, who was the marquee signing in the league last season with Invicta Dynamos, before a well-publicised departure just a few months into the season.
Chambers divides opinion amongst many fans but he would appear to be exactly what Bracknell require this time round and may also be able to help Hughes with some coaching aspects.
Czech defenseman Tomas Fojtik and veteran former Streatham man Stewart Tait bolster the blue line, whilst Danny Milton is a new face in goal having signed from Slough.
The departures of last season’s top scorer JJ Pitchley, first choice goalie David Wride, influential forwards Carl Thompson and Peter Jasik, plus young duo Danny Ingoldsby and Danny Rose highlight the job Hughes has on his hands to keep the team progressing this year.
League position 2014/15: 5th
Key man: Greg Chambers
The 32 year old Ontario native should have a point to prove after his Invicta experience and he will be vital to a forward line that has lost four of its top five goal scorers from last season. His vast experience can take some of the weight from Hughes shoulders with the coaching element to the game, and Hornets fans will be hoping he can bring back the form that helped him carve out such a great career in hockey.
The Coach: Danny Hughes
Known primarily for his massive slapshot on the ice, Hughes may only be 33 years old but he has earned his coaching stripes with four seasons of coaching already in his locker. Also involved with the junior system, he knows the talent coming through the ranks and his own players better than anyone. A former GB junior international in his younger years, Hughes played junior hockey with Bracknell and aside from spells at Chelmsford and Wightlink, he has been a loyal servant at the Hive.
PHN verdict:
The excellent Bracknell junior system may still contribute some more players to the roster over the season, but the Hornets are a bit of an unknown quantity this season. A likeable team who have always been an asset to the league, Bracknell are not alone in losing a number of players this year and it will be up to Hughes to ensure that his team gel together and continue that team spirit that has defined them in recent years. They have a lot of experience with a core of players over 30, but scoring will be the main worry this term.
To view the full 2015/16 roster click HERE
Cardiff Devils NIHL
Second chance for the Welsh side
After escaping relegation last season thanks to Bristol Pitbulls having no home ice, Cardiff get a second shot at NIHL 1. Coach Lyndon Pezzack has had to compete with the newly formed Cardiff Fire team in the league below for players which doesn’t make things easy, and they have lost star goalie Luke Takel, experienced defenseman Alex Madge and agitator Jordan Powell to their neighbours this summer.
Canadian import Thomas Stuart-Dant makes his bow in the South after spells up North with Sutton and Billingham, and he is joined by another new (kind of) face in the form of tough defenseman Lee Duance, who rejoins the club following a spell with the Royal Marines.
The influential Jamie Hayes will continue to lead from the front supported by an unsung hero of last year, Jonathan Nash and young forward Kieran Latchford.
Goalie Ross Miller was a bright spot of last season and will look to continue his form between the pipes.
League position 2014/15: 10th
Key man: Jamie Hayes
The 25 year old was the Devils standout player again last season and will be key to keeping the team together. Hayes can score, hit and fight when required and still managed 29 goals in 27 appearances last season and showed true commitment to the cause. The Cardiff native was a former GB Junior international and has played in the Elite League with his hometown club and also for Swindon in the EPL.
The Coach: Lyndon Pezzack
In his seventh season involved with coaching the Cardiff senior team, Pezzack stepped up to Head Coach at NIHL 1 level for the first time last season. It was a baptism of fire with a number of player departures, but Pezzack stuck it out till the end, and the large benches of Devils players on the road showed that the players didn’t give up either despite a long and tough campaign.
PHN verdict:
It will be another tough season for the Devils who will need to ensure the Big Blue Tent becomes more of a fortress than it was last year. The team were the lowest scorers in the league last year but their defence conceded less than Oxford and only one more goal than London Raiders. Pezzack and his team have already gone through the experience of a season at NIHL 1 so expect them to be better organised and just as enthusiastic as last year.
To view the full 2015/16 roster click HERE
Chelmsford Chieftains
Favourites again
Photo by Steve Sutherland
It says something of the Chieftains that winning the league last year was somewhat of an anti-climax for them after a cup final defeat to Invicta and disqualification from the Play-Offs on a technicality.
New Coach Sean Easton received a fantastic boost when defenseman John Connolly opted to return to the club during the summer from Milton Keynes Lightning and this was quickly followed up by the capture of the underrated Matt France. Chelmsford conceded almost half the amount of any team in the league last year and both Euan King and Ben Clements return between the pipes.
Scoring was an issue at times last year so the addition of goal machine Juraj Huska and workhorse Anthony Leone add to an already impressive forward line.
With Easton in charge, youngsters Brandon Ayliffe and Oliver Baldock will be confident of seeing some extra ice time this year and Ayliffe in particular is a highly rated prospect.
League position 2014/15: 1st
Key man: Juraj Huska
The Slovak is now on his third club in this league and is a proven quantity at this level. With a cannon of a shot and with hands, Huska should provide the cutting edge Chelmsford have been missing since Julius Sinkovic departed in 2013. The 33 year old has yet to win a league title despite being on some quality rosters over recent years so he will be hoping to add one with the Chieftains.
The Coach: Sean Easton
The Chelmsford born 29 year old is another young coach who has patiently waited for a chance to get the top job at the Riverside. Heavily involved with the successful junior section, and also now with the GB junior system, Easton has assisted coaches like Dean Birrell, Gary Clarke and Dwayne Newman on his journey to being announced as Chieftains Head Coach this year. Luckily for him he inherits a quality squad of players, so it will be man management that will be his biggest challenge.
PHN verdict:
Chelmsford are arguably stronger on paper than last season so they will start in the driving seat. A core of local players the envy of their rivals give them a consistency that is hard to beat. The excellent Matt Turner and resurgent Danny Hammond should thrive with Huska in the line up, and with Lukas Zatopek leading a very solid defence; they will be a tough nut to crack. Surely nothing can go wrong, can it?
To view the full 2015/16 roster click HERE
Invicta Dynamos
Delayed start means extra preparation
Photo by David Trevallion
The Mo’s finally got their hands on some silverware last season, after a number of rollercoaster seasons of high hopes and crushing finales. The Cup victory over Chelmsford was received with gusto in Gillingham, but familiar problems in the league and Play-Offs tempered the celebrations.
The fans turned up in big numbers over a season that certainly offered value for money to anyone buying a ticket. This season the Mo’s will take to the ice without star forward Callum Fowler and with two new imports pulling on their jersey.
Latvian forward Eriks Ozollapa joins from the Norwegian second division to replace the departed Juraj Huska, whilst Slovakian defenseman Ondrej Zosiak will be expected to boost a young defence all aged 21 and under.
Jacob Ranson was a big hit with London Raiders last year and will provide much needed speed up front alongside the returning Bailey Wootton and new recruit Conor Redmond from Slough. The return of talisman and club legend Andy Smith has yet to be announced, but is expected before the opening game, which takes place a week later than most other clubs.
League position 2014/15: 2nd
Key man: Mark McGill
The Dynamos goalie had to battle with Mark Lee for a starting spot last season, but will be starting the season as number 1 this year ahead of Steve Nightingale. The 23 year old former Dundee stopper has a young defence in front of him and is likely to be busy, so will have to be on top form. McGill is also sporting a shiny new lid this year complete with Dynamos branding, which put to bed summer rumours that he was ready to depart.
The Coach: Kevin Parrish
The longest serving coach in the league and a former player with the club, Parrish is now in his 13th season coaching the Mo’s. In past years his recruitment during the summer has often been typified by the odd marquee signing alongside some key players from opposition teams, but this year he has recruited more locally. The lack of hype around the squad may take away some of the usual pressure, but with crowds strong last year, an expectant fanbase will still expect results.
PHN verdict:
The Dynamos still have time to add to their squad before the start of the season so previewing their chances of success is difficult. Regardless of who else comes in, the imports will need to hit the ground running to give the team any chance of success, and with three home games spread across three weeks to start the season, perhaps the Mo’s management are banking on more recruits to come. The local talent that the crowds have often asked to be given a chance may get their chance to step up and shine this season, so the Mo’s will be hoping they take it.
To view the full 2015/16 roster click HERE
Oxford City Stars
Stronger and looking upwards
After a dramatic escape from relegation last season, Oxford made sure they spent the summer adding quality to their hard working squad.
Following an impressive season with Solent last year, Canadian Andrew Magee was persuaded to switch to Oxford and he is joined by American Andrew Bates who spent last season in the States captaining Worcester State University.
Coach Simon Anderson also pulled off somewhat of a coup in persuading defenseman Shane Moore to join the club from Swindon, and also bring in proven sniper Steven Osman from Bristol.
Local duo Andy Cox and Alan Green return to the club full time to give even more depth, and all of this good news was only tempered by the departure of starting goalie James Skaife and top scorer James Pentecost.
New signings Conor Ranby and Shannon Long joined from Coventry and Wightlink respectively and will fight it out for number one spot between the pipes.
League position 2014/15: 9th
Key man: Andrew Magee
Oxford moved quickly to secure Magee and no wonder. 28 goals in 36 appearances for a mid-table Solent side were an impressive return for the Canadian in his first year in the UK last term. Magee replaces American Evan Mackintosh who didn’t have the luxury of players like Steven Osman around him, and if fellow import Bates proves a good find then Oxford will be cooking. The 23 year old Ontario native will be expected to continue his form into 2015/16.
The Coach: Simon Anderson
A student of the game and a bench coach who takes his role seriously, Anderson did well to stave off relegation for the City Stars last season. Anderson has coached at Oxford and Swindon previously as well as stints abroad and will be eager to prove himself now he has extra quality in the squad that can implement his systems.
PHN verdict:
Oxford will surely improve on last year’s showing and should be looking to pull away in mid table at least with the squad they have assembled. The netminding duo are unproven as starters in this league but at least have the luxury of an improved defence in front of them. Goals should also be a lot easier to come by for the Stars who were never short of effort last year, but were not very clinical with it. Losing Pentecost was a big blow but with two import forwards, one of which is proven then things are looking up at Oxpens Road.
To view the full 2015/16 roster click HERE
London Raiders
Another season against the odds
After a chaotic start to last year, London finished the year with a solid team boasting quality and spirit. The summer recruitment looked to build upon that and is possibly not yet complete.
Losing Jacob Ranson, Jakub Kostalansky, Bailey Wootton, Matt France and most recently Alan Lack left gaps in the roster but the signing of Slovaks Michal Oravec and Marek Nahlik come with little risk and proven quality.
The defense will be marshalled by long serving defenseman David Oliver, with assistance from the mature head on young shoulders Jack Cooper.
In goal Michael Gray returns from long term injury backed up by former Invicta goalie Davey Jackson and Lee Valley stopper George Alley.
Coach Alan Blyth will also be hoping for big things again from the influential Liam Chong and Raiders prodigal son Frankie Harvey. Youngster Bailey Chittock will be looking to impress after making a surprise move down the A12 from Chelmsford.
League position 2014/15: 8th
Key man: Michael Gray
Returning from surgery is tough for any hockey player but for goalies it also brings a lot of risk. P-Head is a match winner for the Raiders and when he is on form the whole team get a lift, so Blyth will be praying that he stays injury free and able to handle the whole campaign. The 26 year old Chelmsford born goalie spent his junior career at Slough before appearing for Slough, Chelmsford, Invicta, Streatham and Romford/London at senior level.
The Coach: Alan Blyth
A former goalie himself with Romford and Chelmsford, the 30 year old has coached junior hockey for many years and was appointed Raiders Assistant Coach last year before taking over from the departed Danny Marshall in November 2014. The Southend born Coach managed to turn things round for the club with some astute signings, so will be looking forward to his first full season in charge of the team.
PHN verdict:
London are stronger than they were this time last year, and will be a solid outfit in all areas of the ice. A small squad could be disrupted by injuries to key players if they are unlucky, but in Nahlik and Oravec they have additional firepower to get them out of trouble. A busy schedule straight from the first puck drop will test the squad straight away and it will be interesting to see who they add, following the departure of Lack.
To view the full 2015/16 roster click HERE
Milton Keynes Thunder
Another step forward
After a relatively successful 2014/15 season, Milton Keynes have raised the bar again with some quality additions to the squad.
Last year’s stand out players, goalie Damien King and forward Jamie Line both return and are joined by star signing Ross Bowers who drops down from the MK Lightning EPL team. Import defenseman Zsolt Mastaleriu joins from Oxford to add depth to the defence.
The Thunder’s wildcard comes in the form of Glen Billing and Luc Johnson who are on two way deals with the Lightning so they could play a big part if and when available.
Big things will be expected of youngsters Josh Nicklin and Ed Knaggs who had solid seasons last time round and will be expected to play an even bigger part this season.
League position 2014/15: 6th
Key man: Jamie Line
The 25 year old enjoyed last season with 28 goals and 29 assists in 36 games. A former GB junior international, Line is well experienced despite his age and his speed caused problems for every defence in the league last season. Despite being a local player, Line spent much of his junior career in Swindon before making his senior debut in 2005 with Bracknell Bees.
The Coach: Paul Gore
Gore is in his second season coaching the team and was recognised for his efforts last term by being named league coach of the season in the end of season PHN All-Star awards 2014/15. A defenseman himself, Gore cut his teeth coaching junior hockey with South West Conference the beneficiary of his services over the years. With a limited fanbase, the pressure is less intense on Gore than perhaps for his rivals, but regardless he has done a fantastic job turning the Thunder from strugglers to the real deal at this level.
PHN verdict:
After last season’s heroics, the Thunder are no longer a surprise package and no one will take them lightly this time round. In Bowers they have a genuine EPL quality player who will score goals and prove a menace to any defence, and by holding on to Line and King the Thunder are now more than just a solid outfit. If they can keep the squad together and make sure they travel with a full squad then there is no reason they can’t improve on last season’s finish.
To view the full 2015/16 roster click HERE
Streatham Redskins
The quest for silverware continues
Photo by Rick Webb
Streatham edged closer to a trophy last year but in the end failed to deliver. The squad was arguably the strongest it had ever been and in Callum Best they had the league player of the season and top scorer.
With Best departed to Guildford, long serving defenseman Stewart Tait heading to Bracknell and popular imports Sean Scarbrough and Jakub Klima moving to pastures new, Coach Warren Rost moved quickly to boost the supporters morale by signing British hockey legend Nicky Chinn and EPL tough guy Chris Wiggins.
These quality signings were soon joined by more depth in defensemen Ryan Giles and James Warman, along with forward Michael Ranby.
Bracknell Hornet’s goalie David Wride was snapped up to replace the departed Aaron Taylor and compete with Will Sanderson for the number one spot.
League position 2014/15: 3rd
Key Man: Steven Fisher
The only player remaining from Streatham’s top four scorers last season, extra weight falls on the Welshman’s shoulders this season. 31 goals in 35 appearances last term bode well for the future but he will need to repeat this and help his team mates improve their scoring if Streatham want to win anything this year. The 28 year old started his junior career at Bristol before making his senior bow with Cardiff. He made the move to Streatham in 2013 and has scored over thirty goals each season since moving to London.
The Coach: Warren Rost
A no nonsense coach with bags of experience, Rost is now in his fourth season at the club, having originally made his debut for the club in the 1980’s as a fresh faced teenager. The 44 year old Londoner now has help from Nick Chinn and the pair know each other from their time at Slough where Rost coached and played for over a decade. Rost came close to glory last season so will know exactly what the team need to do to make the next step.
PHN verdict:
Where will the goals come from is a question being asked behind the hype but Streatham are not alone in losing some big scorers from their roster. The squad has a lot of depth and toughness, so discipline will be key to any success. A strong netminding tandem with both Sanderson and Wride competing for number one spot can only be good for the team and with an enthusiastic fanbase behind them, Streatham will be confident this season of making an impact.
To view the full 2015/16 roster click HERE
Solent Devils
Victims of success
After an impressive showing last season, Solent Coach Alex Murray has had to battle hard to put together a good squad this year. No sooner had Murray unearthed the likes of Andrew Magee, Ralfs Circenis and Alex Sampford at this level, then they were quickly snapped up by other clubs over the summer.
To their credit, the Devils have doggedly pushed on and managed to attract Play-Off winning forward Richard Facey from Wightlink Raiders, and also kept hold of youngster George Norcliffe and star goalie Chico Cole for the forthcoming season.
Murray is no slouch himself on the ice and with his brother Mitchell returning for another year and seasoned campaigner Steve Gosset also back the Devils will be solid.
Whether they are more than solid will depend on how good their two new imports are. Canadian Richard Brown arrives fresh from across the pond, whilst Hungarian forward Dominik Hegyi has been training with the team for a while and has obviously done enough to persuade Murray to sign him.
League position 2014/15: 7th
Key man: Chico Cole
With a small ice pad the goalie is always key to any success and Cole has been a star player for the Devils ever since their return to NIHL 1. A plus 90 per cent save average last year shows just how valuable he is to Solent and despite being only 23 years old he has a lot of experience already. Cole was born on Guernsey in the Channel Islands and spent much of his junior career at Guildford.
The Coach: Alex Murray
Still only 26 and the youngest coach in the league, Murray shows remarkable maturity to take on such a role, especially with a low budget team always at risk of losing star players. Murray’s father Pete played for Southampton back in the day so the family have a hockey heritage. This season will be a big test for the Devils and Murray will have to lead from the front again.
PHN verdict:
Solent made great strides last season but have lost a couple of the players that played a big part in that. The new imports need to be of good quality and preferably goal scorers to complement the solid Brit pack around them. It is hard to tell how the Devils will fare given the new faces that have joined the team, but their home ice should still be an asset to them regardless, especially with the proven quality that now makes up the core of the team.
To view the full 2015/16 roster click HERE
Wightlink Raiders
Finishing as they left off
For many, the Raiders winning the Play-Offs last year was a bit of a shock, but in truth their form at the back end of last season certainly hinted at success ahead.
The re-signing of Jaroslav Cesky was a massive boost to the club, as he more than any other player epitomised the change in the team as the season went on last year.
Now used to the league and the rink on the island, Cesky will likely increase his points total even more this year and has been joined by some fresh talent that should keep the island fans happy.
Bracknell duo Danny Rose and Danny Ingoldsby bring energy to replace the excellent Owen Griffiths who has moved to Swindon. Jordan Gregory and Brendan Baird drop down from the EPL to add mobility to the blue line, and prospects Alex Sampford and Matthew Lawday will be confident of contributing to any success.
Goalie Matt Colclough was pivotal again for the team last season and is Mr Reliable between the pipes. This year he is backed up by local tendy Aaron Craft who spent last season in the States before a brief cameo at Invicta.
League position 2014/15: 4th
Key Man: Jaroslav Cesky
The veteran was questioned early in the campaign last year and cut a frustrated figure as the team started the year slowly. By the end of the year however he was everything that the Wightlink fans expected him to be. Running the show on the powerplay and even during even strength, Cesky’s awareness, quick hands and accurate shooting often look a class above the NIHL and with his CV they should do.
The Coach: Jeremy Cornish
It is arguable if anyone else in British hockey could have done the job Cornish has done at Wightlink. On paper the club were a big fish in a small pond when they dropped down from the EPL, but in reality they had been struggling for a number of years with recruitment and crowd numbers thanks to the advancement of the league. Cornish consistently manages to deliver a strong roster to the Raiders and is one of, if not the most tactically astute coach in the league.
PHN verdict:
Wightlink will be aiming for higher than the fourth place finish they had last season and with the roster they have put together they should be right up there. The spine of the team is strong but long serving captain Damon Larter will be badly missed on the blue line and it remains to be seen how they will cope at the back without him and the equally influential Carl Graham who joined Bracknell Bees. There will be expectations of success and Wightlink will be challenging on all fronts again.
To view the full 2015/16 roster click HERE
Pro Hockey News will be bringing weekly updates on all NIHL South news, with reports and pictures every Monday morning. Make sure you check us out and if you like us please share on social media.
Contact the author: david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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