George Alley returns to the Lions as netminder, joining Ruth Cattell and new recruit, Steve Grout. As promised, here is Blair Dubyk’s statement on recent signings:

Lee Valley Lions have been gearing up for the 2011/12 season with a series of trials for the new squad. A number of last season’s favourites have already re-signed for the team, including Player’s Player of the Year, Calum Heath, and Canadian-born player/coach, Blair Dubyk.

Dubyk is excited to add more players to the team, including Richard Hodge, who is returning for his fifth season with the Lions. Dubyk said, “Hodgie had a good year last year, despite not getting on the score sheet as often as he would have liked. His stats may not have been what he wanted them to be, but he’s the guy who starts the play from his own end, always in position and reliable. Every team needs guys like him and it’s great to have him back.”

Another boost to the squad is former Lion, Scott Beeson. Beeson returns to the team after stints in the ENL1 with Haringey Greyhounds and Invicta Dynamos. “Scott and I spoke late last season about the possibility of him coming back to Lee Valley,” recalled Dubyk, “but the transfer deadline was just days away. I know Scott as a hardworking forward who can put the puck in the net and he will be a big asset to the team.”

This season the Lions have announced a new netminder who joins existing keepers, Ruth Cattell and George Alley. Steve Grout makes his way over to Lee Valley after playing numerous years with the Invicta Mustangs. Dubyk said of Grout, “Steve contacted us at the begining of training camp, wanting a change of scenery. He brings years of knowledge and experience to help with our other two goalies and I have already noticed a positive change in our goaltending. With three of them fighting for the number one spot, I expect them to stay sharp, not only in games but in practices. And it’s been working.”