Category: Players

Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce the returns of defensive pair Henry Aiken & Joe Weare, Jordan Turner & Simon Geldart.

Henry will start his second season on the Lions’ blue line, where Joe and Jordan both return after a year out from the sport.

In his first season with the Lions, Aiken notched up 5 points whilst being one of the team’s most consistent performers in defence. A former Guildford junior, Henry brings a confidence that belies his young age to the Lions’ defence.

Former Streatham IHC player Joe returns for his second stint in a Lions jersey, having first played for the team in the 2014/15 season. The former Romford and Chelmsford junior has also represented South East Conference before making his senior debut with Slough Harrier Hawks.

Jordan first joined the club’s Under 18’s (then coached by George Alley) in the 13/14 season after making the move over from Chelmsford juniors, and was given his senior debut that year against Basingstoke.

In 2014/15 Jordan spent a full season with the team before taking a year off to concentrate on work and University.

Billingham trained Simon Geldart, returns after joining the Lions in January this year. He came through the North East club’s junior setup, then going on to play for Northumbria University before moving to London

Coach George Alley had this to say about the signings.

“I was very keen to get Henry back this season as I know he will be one of the important cogs for the team.”

“He’s extremely tough but also strong on the puck without being flash about it. I’m confident that Henry will be one of our strongest performers this season”.

“Joe had a year out last season, but he’s been a regular at our open skates this summer and showed great enthusiasm to come back. I hope that enthusiasm will translate well in his gameplay”

“He has experience in NIHL 1, and it’s good to have players who can bring that level of experience to the team.”

“I’m delighted to have Jordan back in the team as his work ethic is second to none. It was that hard work that made him a very popular player in his first senior season and I know the team is happy to have him back this year”.

“Simon joined when I covered the team in January and was an instant hit with the dressing room. He’s extremely hard working and started to find his rhythm once he’d settled into the side. He adapts well to anything that’s asked of him which is a great quality to have.”

You can view Henry, Joe, Jordan & Simon’s stats in the links below.

Henry Aiken Stats
Joe Weare Stats
Jordan Turner Stats
Simon Geldart Stats

Remember, you can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions

Lee Valley are pleased to announce the return of defensive trio James Joseph, Robin Young & Simon Jones.

Club stalwart James, who along with coach George Alley re-formed the Lions in 2005 and has played in every season since, making a total of 199 appearances in a Lions’ shirt. Only 9 games short of his father, Lions legend Eddie Joseph, and 17 short of the club record held by Steve James.

“James and I have known each other since we started playing over 20 years ago,” said coach, George Alley.

“He’s very much a part of the furniture and has been with the team ever since we reformed in 2005. He’s very dependable and really adds to the camaraderie we have in the dressing room. If anyone understands the values and history of the club, it’s James”.

Former Chelmsford Chieftains, Romford Raiders & Altrincham Aces player Robin Young returns for his 2nd season with Lee Valley. Despite taking a long break from competitive hockey, Robin brings a lot of experience having played in the old British Leagues with Romford & Chelmsford.

“Robin  is very skilful and has a big shot that I think we can put to use this year”.

“I’m looking forward to working with Robin, to maximise his skill set and improve his contribution to the squad”.

Simon Jones returns for his second season in a Lions’ jersey. Like Robin Young, Simon took time away from competitive hockey before joining Lee Valley last season. But the former Slough and Chelmsford Junior settled well into the squad.

“I know Simon has worked hard off the ice this summer, he was very keen to come back and prove a point after his first year with us. When I covered the team in January, Simon was very receptive to any advice from teammates or myself. He really improved in that time which is why I was keen to have him back this season.”

You can view James, Robin & Simon’s stats in the links below.

James Joseph Stats
Robin Young Stats
Simon Jones Stats

Remember, you can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions

The Lee Valley Lions are happy to announce the return of Chris Fox & Ben Duffy for the 2016/17 season.

Chris spent his junior career at Haringey and Slough, before signing with local rivals Haringey Greyhounds and then Streatham IHC. Chris was also a key player and founding member of the UCL Ice Hockey club.

In 43 games as a Lion, Fox has 41 points. Last year was his most productive for the club as he linked well with Nick Alley & Ben Duffy to score 25 points from 14 games.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be back with the Lions for next season. I really believe that we can build on last year and next year we can challenge the teams at the top end of the table – I’m looking forward to helping with that in any way that I can!”

Former Bracknell junior and Basingstoke Buffalo forward Ben returns for his second season at Lea Bridge Road, where he has made an immediate impact, scoring 21 points from 17 games.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead with the Lions. Lee Valley has a good group of guys and I know everyone was enthused by George taking on the coaching role – George covered us for a few games last year and we put in some of our best performances. George gets along as a member of the group but commands respect as the coach, he gets everyone on the same page and working towards a common goal. I’m expecting a different season to last and I think we’ve got a good chance of improving our position.”

Coach George Alley had this to say about the returnees:

“One of the things the club has struggled to do over the last couple of seasons is to keep key players coming back. More often than not the team has found itself rebuilding from scratch each year so it’s very important to keep a core of players, particularly those who scored most of our goals last season.

I’m really happy Foxy and Ben have agreed to come back this season. They had very good chemistry with Nick (Alley) last season and it’s good that we’ll be able to keep these players together. Chris is a very hard worker, and an absolute pest to play against, to the point where he’ll often put himself in harm’s way for the good of the team. He found his scoring touch last year and I think he’ll be able to continue that this season. Ben showed he has a good eye for goal last season, he’s another player who’s very popular in the group and I’m glad we’re able to keep hold of him.”

You can view Chris & Ben’s stats in the links below.

Chris Fox’s Stats
Ben Duffy’s stats

Lee Valley Lions are delighted to announce the return of Captain and leading points scorer Nick Alley. This will be Nick’s fourth season in his second stint with the Lions, having first joined in 2007 before playing for Trafford Metros (now Altrincham Aces) whilst studying in Manchester.

As a junior, Nick split his time with Lee Valley, Haringey and finally Guildford before becoming a senior. Since his return to Lee Valley in 2013, Nick has tallied 71 points for the Lions, taking his total for the club to 125 points in 102 games.

“It would have been a little awkward had he said ‘no’…”, said coach George Alley. “Jokes aside, he’s a very popular member of the team, and despite playing through a couple of serious injuries he’s led them on and off ice through difficult periods and tough results. To me that really underlines his leadership and I know he’ll continue to bring those qualities this season. I’m thoroughly looking forward to working with Nick this year and I know the team will be very happy that he’s back.”

Nick had this to say on returning:

“‘It was always my intention to come back to Lee Valley this season. I started playing here when I was 6, so its home to me. The team spirit is something I’ve not seen at other clubs, and that kept us going through all the injuries. With George coming in, and if we can stay healthy, I believe there is a lot to come from this team, and I want to be a part of that.”

You can view Nick’s stats in the link below.
Nick Alley Stats

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