Category: News

#23 Joe Miller returns for what will be his 10th consecutive season in a Lee Valley jersey, from Under 15s all the way up to the senior team.

Welcome back Joe!

Coach Jonesy’s comments: “Joe has been with the Lions for as long as I can remember and is certainly committed to the cause.

He is dedicated, hard-working and eager to contribute to the team’s success.

Joe has an uncanny ability to score goals at crucial times and I hope he continues to do that this season.

Joe has worked hard on his game in the last few years and I expect another step forward from him this season to make key contributions at both ends of the ice.”

Photo: Kim Jones

Clubs of the NIHL North and South regional divisions were in Milton Keynes and Sheffield last weekend for meetings to compile the 2024/25 fixture lists.

After agreeing the format of competitions at their section meetings last month, the clubs worked collaboratively to pull together the playing schedule, with puck drop set for the end of August this year.

NIHL general manager Haydn Hunter said: “These were the first in-person fixtures meetings for a while in these divisions, and I’d like to thank clubs for their support and working together to get the dates in their respective diaries.

“From our point of view, the meetings were a great success and something we’d certainly look to do again next summer.”

The meetings also confirmed the cup groups for each division, with qualifying games to be completed by Christmas. This will be followed by home and away semi-finals in January and the cup finals, also home and away over two legs, set for February 2025.

The full fixtures for the NIHL North and South will be published by England Ice Hockey and clubs at 6pm on Friday 19 July.

Our Cup group is as follows:

The imposing 6’9 defenceman Daniel Tamasauskas stays on for another year with the green and blue.

Daniel wore the #55 jersey last season but switches to #21 this time around.

Coach Jonesy’s comments: “Daniel offers so much to the team and has the potential to be a standout defenceman across the league.

He has played at a higher level and I am looking for him to be a lynchpin within our defensive core.

Daniel is always looking to develop and I have been impressed by his dedication to improving this offseason.

As a physically imposing player Daniel’s skillset on the puck can often be overlooked and that makes him an asset for us and a danger for opponents.”

Photo: Phil Hutchinson

After a two year stint in the US, Nathan joined the Lions last summer and put up over a point per game in the 23/24 season.

What will our #22 do this season?

Coach Jonesy’s comments: “Nathan is a high-level player both in terms of skill and hockey IQ.

He had some fantastic moments in key games for us last season and got fans out of their seats on multiple occasions.

Nathan is another player that brings a calmness to the team on and off the ice and his experience of having played at a high level as a junior shines through.

Nathan is an excellent team mate and spends time speaking with other players about their game and helping them take steps forward in their development.

I am excited to work with Nathan and the talent that he brings.”

Photo: Phil Hutchinson

It just wouldn’t be Lee Valley without James Joseph, who signs on for the 24/25 season.

Welcome back to the face of Lee Valley!

Coach Jonesy’s comment: “James is Lee Valley’s longest-serving player and is first all-time in appearances.

It goes without saying that he is a leader amongst the group.

His experience brings a calmness to any situation and his love of the game is obvious to anyone that speaks to him about ice hockey.

James is driven to see the team succeed and his work ethic and commitment sets him apart.

His selfless attitude is invaluable as we seek more success as well as continue to develop talent across the roster.”

Photo: Phil Hutchinson