We are sad to discover that Darrin Zinger, one of the Lions’ defenceman from the 90s team, passed away yesterday after a long illness at the age of 53. Darrin spent 10 years playing more than 500 games of hockey in the UK, including 5 seasons with Guildford Flames. He iced for the Lions in the 1989/90 season, when his day job was at Body Shop in Covent Garden. Our thoughts go out to Darrin’s family and friends.
Category: Players
Hidge & Glover Sign Up for Third Seasons
The Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce the re-signings of Ross Sin-Hidge & Ollie Glover for the 2017/18 season.
Both players joined halfway through the 2015/16 from the now defunct Haringey Racers.
Ross didn’t score any points in his first 5 games as a Lion, but in 2016/17 he was the team’s 2nd highest points scorer, notching 18 points from 17 league games (19 points from 22 games in all competitions), forming a lethal combination with Nick Alley & inline hockey teammate Lee Hounslow.
“I’m excited to get back on the ice with the Lions this season. Last season was my first full season with the team are a great bunch of guys. The new league presents a fresh and needed challenge that will force us to step up and continue to build on last years improvements.”
Nottingham born Ollie Glover was an ever present during last season, missing only one league game due to concussion. An experienced marathon runner, Ollie helped the team by playing both Forward and Defence, scoring 10 points in all competitions, and putting in a lot of workman-like performances.
“I am really looking forward to the new season and very happy to be signing for the Lions again. The new league structure will make things very exciting this year.”
With the off season in full swing. Coach George Alley had this to say about the returnees.
“Both players have bought in to what the team is about. Neither are local to the club but both guys really bought in to the dressing room atmosphere and it showed in their improved performances this season.”
“Ross’ performances really stood out. At the turn of the year he really hit a purple patch and made a massive contribution to our results in the second half of the season.
He’s one of a few roller players who are transitioning in ice hockey and, I hope the way they play the game will add a new dimension to how we take the club forward.”
“Ollie was one of the most committed players throughout the year, only missed one league game and played latter stages of the season with a stress fractured leg.
In what will be a tough and demanding season on the team, having guys that will be there regardless is important to keeping the team together, and re-building it in the seasons ahead.”
You can view both players stats in the links below.
Ross Sin-Hidge stats
Ollie Glover stats
You can keep up to date with the Lions over the summer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for signing news other announcements using the hashtag #LeeValleyLions.
Glover, Awoyemi & Hidge Sign On
Our final group of signings before our first game of season are three more returnees.
Coming back for their second seasons in Lions jerseys are ultility player Oliver Glover, former Lee Valley junior Samuel Awoyemi and forward Ross Sin-Hidge.
Oliver returns after joining late last season from local rivals Haringey Racers. Before then he came through the Nottingham junior system, and then played for Nottingham Mavericks in the British University League. Oliver
For Lee Valley junior Samuel is another former player of coach George Alley, where they worked together in the club’s under 18’s. Samuel was the team’s captain before stepping up to the Lions.
Ross Sin-Hidge also joined from Haringey at the same time as Oliver Glover. Former Haringey junior Ross, spent two seasons with the North London outfit before moving down the River Lea. Unfortunately Ross was only able to play 5 games in green before suffering a season ending knee injury.
Coach George Alley had this to say about the new signings.
“Ollie came to us as a forward last year but when I covered the team in January, he offered to play D when we were short of players and did great job. He is very reliable and knowing I can utilise him as a forward and as a defenceman is very reassuring.”
“Samuel had a tough time breaking into the team last season, but will get more opportunities this year. He’s a quick learner and his work rate is infectious. Everyone on the team enjoys playing with Sam and will go out of their way to help him develop this season.”
“Ross’ season got cut short because of injury but he keeps himself in very good shape so he’s come back quickly. His roller skills are showcased in that he has very quick hands, he’s got a great shot on him as well. If Ross gets through a full season I’m confident he’ll be very effective for us.”
“We’ve now got more than three lines of players available to play. So competition for places is going to be strong, particularly in the coming weeks. I’m looking to add a couple more players before September finishes as well, so we’ve got plenty of depth in the team”
You can view Oliver, Samuel & Ross’ stats in the links below.
Oliver Glover Stats
Samuel Awoyemi Stats
Ross Sin-Hidge Stats
The Lions begin their season with the visit of Swindon NIHL Wildcats this Saturday (03/09/2016). Face off for the game is at 5:30pm and you can find more information on our Tickets & Location section.
Remember, you can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions
Lions Sign Goalie James Andrew
The Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce the signing of Goalie James Andrew.
James has made the step up from the University of London Dragons, with whom he won the BUIHA South Division in 2014-15.
A former Peterborough junior, James took time away from the game before taking up the sport again whilst studying in London, where head coach George Alley first saw him play.
“The Dragons were usually on the ice after juniors finished training, and James asked me to stick around to do some goalie work with him. At the time he was a bit rough around the edges”
“Since then I hadn’t seen him play until he starting skating with us over the summer, and the improvements he’s made since I first met him have been remarkable.”
“He’s very agile and his puck tracking is very good, especially given that he’d taken a lot of time away from the sport.”
“I really think James will do well for us this year and I’m looking forward to having him on board.”
You can view James’ stats in the link below.
Remember, you can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions
Gosling, Gillingham Back for More
The Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce the return of long serving defenceman James Gosling, and forward Ben Gillingham.
Former Invicta player James first joined the Lions in 2010-2011 and has now played 107 times for the team, scoring 25 points from the blue line.
Ben Gillingham returns for his second season in a green & white jersey after joining late in the 2015/16 campaign after coming through the Bracknell & Guildford junior set ups. As an Under 18 he was a teammate of fellow Lions Nick Alley & Matt Hepburn.
Coach George Alley had this to say about the signings.
“I’m glad to have Goose (Gosling) back this season as I know how reliable he is on D and that he will do anything for the team.”
“He’s also very popular with the other players so I’m happy we’ve added to the core of good people in the dressing room.”
“Ben is a very hard working forward who I know can contribute a lot more points this season.”
“I think getting a full season under his belt will be good for Ben and the team, he brings a lot of energy & effort which I know will rub off on the guys.”
You can view James & Ben’s stats in the links below.
James Gosling Stats
Ben Gillingham Stats
Remember, you can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions