Lee Valley Lions are excited to announce the first signing of the 2011-12 season. Canadian Blair Dubyk is returning to the Lions for a second season as player/coach. Last season’s Captain was asked his thoughts about what lies ahead for the team:

“I am excited about the upcoming season. I thought last year’s squad made some real progress through the season, and with some returning players, a crop of good young players and a few new faces, I believe we can continue from where we left off. We’ve got a good group of guys, all willing to work hard day in and day out, and I’m looking to add to that. I’ve been in talks with a few ENL1 players that are looking for a less hectic weekend schedule.”

Blair, 31, knows how hectic an ENL1 schedule is as he was a defenceman with the 2009-10 play-off champions, Bracknell Hornets. In his first year with Lee Valley he had a team-leading 33 goals and 8 assists in 23 games as forward.

“GM Eddie Joseph and I spoke about me playing on the forward line at the begining of the season. We thought it would be easier to help run the bench if I was a forward. I enjoyed the change.”

We look forward to seeing Blair in a Lions’ uniform again this season.

If you are interested in joining the 2011/2012 Lions then do come along to the open ice sessions each and every Tuesday evening at 8.15pm, £10 per session. Trials will be held from the first week in July, running for 4 weeks on Tuesdays. Alternatively, come down and have a chat with Blair Dubyk or Eddie Joseph.