Author: Laurence Thorn

After playing the last two seasons with the Lions, defenceman Brian Winstanley is hanging up his skates.

After a number of years out of the game, the former Cardiff Redhawks man joined us in the summer of 2022 and made an impression straight away with his solid defensive play.

He was always a calm and reliable presence on the blueline, and chipped in with 3 assists in his 34 games in a Lee Valley jersey as well.

Thank you Brian – you will be missed!

Photo: Kim Jones

Number 13 is unlucky for some, but not for our #13 Raphael Clegg-Vinell who returns for his 2nd season as a Lion.

Welcome back to the Green and Blue, Raph!

Coach Jonesy’s comments: “Raph joined us last season after a period away from competitive ice hockey.

He made great progress as the season went on.

He brings a really calm approach to the game and is a solid player with a high hockey IQ.

Raph is one of our most consistent players and I look forward to him having a big year this season.”

Photo: Phil Hutchinson

Tajah Allen re-signs for what will be his third season kitting up in the green and blue.

We’re excited to see what he does this season – welcome back to our #6!

Coach Jonesy’s comments: “Tajah had a really strong 2023-24 season and became a firm fan-favourite as the season progressed.

He has bags of talent and I am sure he will take great strides forwards this season and be a key contributor at both ends of the ice.

Undoubtedly Tajah has the potential to be a difference maker in this league and is always keen to improve.

I think with the addition of some experienced players this year Tajah’s development will accelerate and we will see the impact on the ice.”

Photo: Phil Hutchinson

Cameron Frain joins the Lions after a season with Streatham, where the young netminder’s displays caught the eyes of the England U18 program.

We’re excited to see what our new #36 does this season in a green and blue uniform.

Coach Jonesy’s comments: “Cameron is new to the Lions this season and was very impressive during the summer trials.

He has played at this level before and has trained up for a number of years whilst being successful at junior level.

Cameron is eager to learn and I am very confident that both he and Ethan will be pushing each other to reach the highest level possible this season, adding to our depth in the position.”

18 year old forward Kobe Grinell-Parke joins the Lions for the 24/25 season, on a two way agreement with Romford Buccaneers NIHL1.

We’re happy to welcome our new #71 to the Green and Blue!

Coach Jonesy’s comments: “I am thrilled that Kobe has agreed to sign for the Lions as part of a two-way with Romford Buccaneers.

Kobe is an exciting talent and he will add a lot ability to our line up.

Having spent time talking with Kobe this summer he is extremely coachable and I am looking forward to helping him continue his development this season.

He works hard every second of every session and I expect Kobe to be a key contributor in all situations this year.”

Photo: Romford Buccaneers