DURHAM, UK – ENL North Champions Whitley Warriors squad has changed a great over the close season. Coach Simon Leach has moved on after leading Warriors to much success during his time at the helm and is replaced by Garry Dowd. Dowd has had to deal with the departure of top scorer Adam Reynolds to Solway Sharks as well as the loss of James Flavell and Richie and Andy Thornton who have all returned to their former club Billingham.
Dowd has been able to make a number of eye catching additions to the Warriors roster though as Warriors have signed 3 players who appeared in the Elite League last term. Forward Jamie Tinsley who has iced for the Newcastle Vipers in the last few seasons has decided to move to Hillheads while Andrew Jaszczyk who was Hull Stingrays back up goaltender last season will be Warriors starting netminder this campaign.
Rob Wilson will also be wearing a Warriors shirt next term after taking some time out of hockey after he was released by the Newcastle Vipers only a few weeks into their Elite League season last time round. Wilson has great experience at ENL level and the blue liners competitiveness will be a great asset to a Warriors squad who have lost a number of senior players over the summer months.
Whitley have also secured the signatures of defencemen Philip and Steven Pritchard who have both played for the Billingham Bombers previously. The capture of these 2 players gives Warriors great depth in defence as the Hillheads side now have 6 senior defenceman in their squad.
Warriors do appear to be lacking an out and out goalscorer after the departure of Reynolds and it is hoped that Dowd can recruit a sniper before the ENL season is due to start at the beginning of September. If Whitley are unable to sign a top forward, Callum Watson and Ryan Sample are likely to be asked to lead the team’s offense.
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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