Tag: East London

Jordan Turner & James Joseph Return

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The Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce their next pair of signing’s with youngster Jordan Turner and, club appearance record holder James Joseph returning for the 2017/18 season.

Former junior Turner returns for his third stint as a senior player, having made his debut in 2013/14 as an Under 18. Last year Jordan’s season was limited to 7 games by a back injury and work commitments, but the 20 year old will be looking to appear more regularly this season. In 27 games Jordan has 5 points for the Lions.

“When George phoned and was keen to get me involved again this season I was extremely happy and excited to up my game and make an impact this season. The Lions are a great bunch of lads on and off the ice and I’m looking forward to working with them and George for the upcoming season.”

Club stalwart James Joseph has been playing at Lee Valley since the original Lions were roaming, and has played in every season since the team reformed in 2005. During last season he overtook Lions’ legends Steve James, Glen Moorhouse & dad Eddie to become to club’s record appearance holder. In 218 games, James has 25 points from the Lions’ blue line.

“I’m excited to be coming back this season. We learnt some valuable lessons last year and have built on those to really move forward as team that can challenge this coming season.
I’ve seen the guys move from strength to strength on the ice in short time we’ve been under coach George’s direction and it’s good to see the team keep doing so. We’ve been playing some great hockey recently and if we continue working hard as team I think we’ll perform well with the challenges new league structure is going to bring.”

With Pre-season underway, Head Coach George Alley was pleased to add more players to his squad.

“We’ve only got a few more weeks before we go to Streatham, so I’m glad more guys are throwing their names into the hat for this season.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with Jordan since he joined the Under 18’s team I coached in 2013. He’s very responsive to advice and has a work-rate that is irreplaceable, having players like Jordan keeps a lot of senior players sharp because his work ethic is so strong. If he can get a run of games under his belt I really think he will be far more effective for us than he has done previously.

James and I go way back. I started playing the year the original Lions had folded, but Eddie and Mike Smith (former Lions owner) continued to run junior sessions, James already had a couple of years under his belt at that point and he’s been around ever since, regardless of the team’s situation or league position. What’s rare in British Ice Hockey, and London in particular is loyalty for more than a few years because the city is so fluid. We don’t have many “locals” in the team who really understand what the club has been or have grown up here, James is key to that local core you have to have in any team”.

James Joseph Stats
Jordan Turner Stats 

Tickets are now on sale for our pre-season match on Sunday 3rd of September away to Streatham IHC. Face off is at 5:30pm in South London and tickets can be bought online at Streatham-Hockey.co.uk. Prices are £10 for adults & £6 for concessions.

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.

Lions Bring in Shepherd & Re-Sign Robin Young

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The Lee Valley Lions are delighted to announce the signings of young goalie Brett Shepherd and experienced defence-man Robin Young for the upcoming season.

16 year old Brett joins on a two-way with London neighbours Streatham IHC, where he will split his time between Streatham’s Under 18’s, the Lions & the RedHawks this season. Last season Brett was given the opportunity to play behind Matt Colclough, whilst posting 89.2% for the club’s under 18’s and in 2015, Brett was selected to play for the South East Under 15’s.

Streatham Head Coach Jeremy Cornish spoke about the Lions’ new goalie.

“Brett is a young, up and coming goalie that I had the pleasure to get to know last season. He works extremely hard in training, challenges shooters and never gives up on a play. I look forward to seeing the progress he will make by training with us and getting action with Lee Valley this season.”

Defence-man Robin Young returns for his 3rd season as a Lion, joining originally in 2014/15. A former Chelmsford Chieftain & Romford Raider, Robin first debuted in senior hockey in 94/95, in the old BD1 against the original Lions. In his first two years as a Lion, Robin has 8 points in 33 league games from the blue line and will add vital experience this season.

“After seeing the Lions’ progress last year, I’m really excited to be coming back for another season at Lee Valley to take on the challenging new league format. Whilst family commitments may keep me from being available for every game, I hope I can still have an impact and perhaps pass on some of my experience to the younger players whenever possible.”

Head coach George Alley spoke about the new additions to the squad.

“With the market for new players being squeezed with the addition of the new clubs, I’m pleased we’ve been able to add some depth in goal, and Robin has been a key man in the dressing room the last couple of seasons.

I’ve been in talks with Jeremy about Brett’s availability and Streatham’s plans for him for a while. His junior coach at Streatham (Lions Legend Adam Goldstone) is eager for him to be exposed to the senior game as much as possible. Being only 16 he has very good composure and I’m excited about having a chance to work with him this season, and it’s vital that we have depth and competition for places, especially in goal.”

“Robin has a lot of experience in the British game and possesses great technical ability I hope we can utilise this season. He’s also a calm head ahead in the dressing room that will be crucial with the level of competition we’ll be facing this year.”

You can view both players’ stats in the links below.

Brett Shepherd Stats
Robin Young Stats

The Lions have a pre-season match on Sunday 3rd of September away to Streatham IHC. Face off is at 5:30pm in South London and tickets can be bought online at Streatham-Hockey.co.uk. Prices are £10 for adults & £6 for concessions.

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.

Awoyemi & Gillingham Next to Return

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Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce the returns of Sam Awoyemi & Ben Gillingham for 2017/18.

Sam graduated from the club’s junior section, where he captained the Under 18’s under Lions’ coach George Alley as well as having a spell in the Slough junior setup. Sam improved

“I’m really looking forward to this next season and I’m excited to be back playing with a great group of people. I hope this year I can step up my game and contribute more to the team.”

Ben joined the Lions halfway through 2015/16 along with Matt Hepburn, Ollie Glover & Ross Sin-Hidge. Before joining Lee Valley, Ben was apart of the Guildford junior system. His season was hampered after suffering a fractured wrist but is looking to bounce back this season.

“Absolutely elated to be back playing for the lions this year. Last season was disappointing for me personally with injuries so I’m looking to hit the ground running this time round. Lee valley has the best changing room ethos of any team I’ve been involved with and everyone works hard for each other and the badge. Couldn’t see myself playing senior hockey anywhere else and especially looking forward to a few new away games this year.”

George Alley on the new signings.

“Both players had a tough time with injuries last year, Sam hurt his knee around Christmas and Ben Fractured his wrist quite early on in the season, when both players returned we’d forged a few combinations that made it difficult for them to get regular ice. 

I’ve worked with Sam for a few years and his improvement has been fantastic. He takes in every bit of information given to him and his technical play has come on so much, particularly his stick handling. The commitment he’s shown to improving himself away from the rink should be rewarded”

“Ben is very popular amongst the dressing room. He has boundless energy on the ice and given time, and an injury free season I’d like to see him really push on. He’s a nuisance to play against because he doesn’t stop working and I hope to see that vindicated with a few more points this season.”

You can view both players’ stats in the link below.

Sam Awoyemi Stats
Ben Gillingham Stats

The season officially starts on the 16th/17th of September, but if you want a preview of the season ahead, the Lions have a pre-season match on Sunday 3rd of September away to Streatham IHC. Face off is at 5:30pm in South London and tickets can be bought online at Streatham-Hockey.co.uk. Prices are £10 for adults & £6 for concessions.

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.

Lions Face Streatham in Pre-Season Challenge

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Lee Valley will travel south of the river to face old rivals Streatham IHC on Sunday 3rd of September in a pre season challenge.

George Alley’s side will take on a Streatham team featuring an array of new players as both teams prepare for the upcoming season.

Over the years many players have represented both clubs. Whilst Lions fans of old will remember Fred Perlini, Tony & Adam Goldstone, Steve James, Jim Graves and others. More recently players include Michael Ranby, Gennadi Yufit, Chris Fox, Joe Weare and Stefan Nubert, whilst Streatham Head Coach Jeremy Cornish graced Lee Valley Ice Centre for two years as a member of the London Racers in the Elite League.

Tickets will be available online shortly at streatham-hockey.co.uk, and also on the gate priced at £10 for adults and £6 for concessions.

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.

Lions Bring Back Duffy and Sign Matt Brown

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The Lee Valley Lions announce their next signings for the 2017/18 season, with the return of winger Ben Duffy and the brand new signing of Matt Brown.

Bracknell trained Duffy, first joined in 2015 and was a hit with Nick Alley & Chris Fox, scoring 21 points from 17 games in his debut season on Lea Bridge Road.

Before joining the Lions he plied his trade with Basingstoke Buffalo, with whom the Lions will renew acquaintances this season.

In 37 games for Lee Valley, Ben has racked up 28 points in all competitions.

“I’m looking forward to another season with Lee Valley that promises a new set of challenges. I’ll be looking to bounce back from what was a disappointing season personally, having spent time away on other commitments, and contributing to a productive year for the team.”

Former Romford & Haringey player Matt Brown joins after years of tormenting the Lions with his performances. In 95 games with Lee Valley’s former rivals, Brown posted 105 points. In NIHL2, Matt has 150 points from 133 games in all competitions including 99 goals.

“I’m delighted to be signing with the Lee Valley, Lee Hounslow and Ross Sin Hidge (former teammates at Haringey), have praised the team saying what great lads they all are on and off the ice.

Over the years the team has progressed tremendously and I hope I can help to raise the bar.

This season will be a very tough but I’m sure if we all keep positive, work hard and do our jobs we will see the results pay off.”

George Alley spoke fondly of the new signings.

“Both players have a keen eye for goal and I’ve said before, where we struggled with goals last year, given the opponents we now face it’s key that we can add firepower where possible.”

“Ben didn’t have as strong a season as he would’ve liked but still scored some key goals at times. He has a knack for scoring when his mind is right. When we spoke about coming back, he was very focussed and keen to improve. He sets very high standards of himself on and off the ice and I think he’ll channel that focus in the right way this year”

“Matt has a proven scoring pedigree in this league, usually in key situations where his team needed him most, so to add someone who I hope will do that for us is hugely important. To use the old cliché, he really has an eye for goal and I look forward to working with Matt this season.”

You can view both players’ stats in the links below.

Ben Duffy stats
Matt Brown 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.