Tag: Ice Hockey

James Andrew Returns, Tamasauskas Makes Senior Bow

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The Lee Valley Lions are delighted to announce the return of last year’s most improved player, goaltender James Andrew and young defenceman Daniel Tamasauskas.

Peterborough native Andrew joined the Lions from London University Dragons last season initially as cover, but ended up playing the whole season with the team. A former Peterborough junior, James took a 10 year break from the sport before taking it up again with the Dragons where he first met coach George Alley.

In his first full season in senior ice hockey, James finished with a save percentage 89.01% and finished in the league’s Top 10 goalies.

“It was an honour to be awarded most improved player last season, we had a tough start, but we found our stride and began proving our worth in the latter half of the season against some tough opponents – I almost felt it was over too soon!

I’m excited to be back between the pipes for the Lions next season. I can’t wait to get back out there and show my gratitude to George and the team for their support and patience. The competition will be tougher this season, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

18 year old, Lithuanian born Daniel takes his first steps into senior hockey, stepping up from the Under 18’s, whom he captained to the league title last season. Having made his debut against Peterborough at home late last season, the 6’7 defenceman made an impression on the team and coach in his window of opportunity with some physical and hard working performances.

“I am extremely happy and excited to be playing for the Lions. Training up with the team last season and playing the last 3 games I really felt like the guys took me under their wing helping me develop my game on the ice, I feel privileged to be playing for the Lions. I’m looking forward to playing with my new teammates next season and having a successful season with the new league structure.”

Coach George Alley had this to say about his latest signings.

“Having these two players return is key to our building for the future. Both players made their debuts in difficult circumstances and both of them came out of it with flying colours, as well as praise and compliment from their teammates. 

“James was only supposed to play the first month of last season, but ended up seeing out the year with us.

He was new to league hockey and even though it took him a few games to adjust, he proved himself to be a very good goalie in that league and his improvement was phenomenal over the course of the season.

With new teams in the league, the quality of the shots he’ll face will go up again but I think he’s more than capable of adapting, and in the long run thriving as we take on what will be a huge challenge.”

“Daniel stepped up when we had a few injuries last season, he made his debut having already played a game in Swindon with the 18’s the same day, which shows how eager he was to take his chance. I’d worked with Daniel in the Under 18’s a couple of seasons before, and I was pleasantly surprised with how well he adapted to men’s hockey.

He’s a very hard working player and with time, I think he’ll grow into a very important part of the team.”

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

James Andrew stats
Daniel Tamasauskas 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.

Hidge & Glover Sign Up for Third Seasons

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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.

Geldart & Former Junior Crosse Re-Join Lions

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The Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce their next pair of signings for 2017/18, with Simon Geldart and former Lion and Lee Valley junior Michael Crosse returning to Lea Bridge Road.

Joint Coaches Player of the Year Geldart, joins for his 3rd season in East London after signing half-way through the 2015/16 season from the Northumbria University Kings. The Billingham trained player was an instant hit with his physical style of play. His first full season in a Lions shirt saw him score 12 points from 22 games, taking him to 16 points from 29 games in total.

“I am proud to be back playing for the Lions for the 3rd consecutive season and was ecstatic when I got the call. I’m most looking forward to the new league structure and the opportunity to play teams I’ve not played before, in rinks I’ve never played in. With the dressing room full of players who want to improve individually and with George’s coaching I look forward to a good competitive season.”

Former junior player Michael Crosse returns to Lee Valley after completing his studies at Southampton University, where he played for the Spitfires in the BUIHA league. The 22 year old was a part of the first Lee Valley junior team to gain promotion to Under 18’s Division 1 in 2011. From there he kept the 18’s in the league with 30 points from 16 games, whilst also making his Lions debut, he then spent 2012/13 with the Lions, scoring 9 points from 16 games, before going to university.

“I am very happy to be back at Lee Valley and delighted to sign for the Lions. I have great memories playing throughout the junior system, and I’m looking forward to playing with my new teammates and hope for a successful season with Lee Valley.

I am enjoying myself already with the open sessions at the moment and would like to thank George and Eddie for welcoming me back.”
Coach George Alley spoke about the latest signings.
“I’m so pleased to have these two players on board. Despite their different backgrounds, both players have a very deep understanding what it means to be a part of this team.
Simon is one of the big personalities in the dressing room and like Simon Jones, showed himself to be a great leader when the team faced difficult situations last season. He is very uncompromising in his approach and will put himself in any situation for the team’s benefit. You don’t have many players willing to do these sort of things at our level and we’re very lucky to have someone like Simon around.
I hope Michael will surprise people this season, even though he’s had a lot of time away from the game. He’s a very intelligent player who’s shown during the open skates that he still has great awareness, particularly in the opponent’s zone. If he can adapt to the physicality of the league I believe he can really contribute to the club’s progression. I’m looking forward to challenging him to improve throughout the season”.
You can view both players’ stats in the links below.
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.

Jones & Hounslow Next to Re-Join Lions

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The Lee Valley Lions are very happy to announce the returns of Simon Jones and Lee Hounslow for the upcoming season. 

Joint coach’s player of the year Jones had a break-out second season in 2016/17, scoring 13 points from the blue line and cementing his place in the Lions’ top 4 defensive pairings having joined the Lions in 2015/16 after 10 years away from the game, before that he was a product of the Chelmsford & Slough junior systems before stepping away from the game.

Simon is looking forward to coming back this season.

“I am delighted to be playing for the Lions again in the 2017-18 season. We have a great dressing room full of players that want to better themselves and help push the team to the next level, as well as supporting each other to create a great team atmosphere. I am looking forward to putting in the hard work on and off the ice ready for the season ahead so that we continue to get better after making great strides last season with George as coach. I also hope to build upon the performances I put in last year and continue to personally improve in order to help the team.”

Centre Hounslow joined the Lions in December and was an instant hit, scoring 7 points from 8 games whilst creating scoring opportunities in abundance. Before taking a break from ice hockey following a serious back injury, Lee had spells with Chelmsford Warriors & Haringey Racers. Away from the ice Lee is also an accomplished roller hockey player.

“I’m very excited to be playing for the Lions again this season. Although I only played half the season last year, my time with the Lions has been very enjoyable, the team spirit and camaraderie is second to none and I can’t wait to get the new season underway. It’s going to be a very competitive league this year and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

With the league strengthening, coach George Alley was keen to get back two of his senior players back.

“I’m so happy to have these two back, both added a great deal to the team and form the core that I’m looking to build from.”

“Simon emerged not only as the most reliable member of the team, both with his points and commitment but he also showed himself to be one of the pivotal leaders in the dressing room. He embodies calm and is selective with his words, but when he does speak, the team listens and that’s the sign of a top leader”

“Lee came to us when we only had one win under our belts, and although we lost on his debut, it’s fair to say he was a major part of our improved performances as the season went on. The fact that he wanted to come back because of the players is a testament to team, as I’ve little doubt other clubs would have been after him this season.” 

You can view both Simon & Lee’s stats in the links below.

Simon Jones stats
Lee Hounslow 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.

Alley and Fox First to Return

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The Lee Valley Lions are delighted to announce the returns of Captain Nick Alley, and Chris Fox for the 2017/18 season.

Club talisman Alley returns for his 5th straight season in Lee Valley colours (his 7th overall) after he finished in the league’s top 10 points scorers for the second season in a row.

His 29 points in league and cup saw the Hackney born player go one place (8th) behind Czech legend Jaroslav Lycka (7th) in the club’s all time scorers on 154 points in all competitions.

“Since the end of last season it was always my plan to re-sign. Since I’ve been back at the club I feel it’s improved each year – something I’m excited to see continue.

There are the added unknowns with the league structure but it is going to be a great experience for everyone playing against the teams with higher league experience. We are only going to learn and improve from that, and that’s something I wanted to be a part of.”

Former Haringey & Slough junior Fox also returns for his 5th straight season as a Lion. In his stint in East London, Chris has scored 65 points in 67 games (league & cup) since joining halfway through the 2012-13 season.

Before joining the Lions he was a member of Streatham IHC and the now defunct Haringey Greyhounds after finishing his junior career with Slough.

Chris had this to say on his return to Lee Valley.

“I am delighted to be back with Lee Valley for next season. As a team I felt we got stronger and stronger throughout the season and started to really mesh together. With the realignment of the leagues, it is going to be a great opportunity to test ourselves against quality opposition each week and see how good we really are!“

Coach George Alley believes both players will continue to play an integral part for the Lions this season.

“With the league strengthening this year, it’s important to keep your best players on board and in these two I think we’ve started well. Goal scoring was an issue, so to bring back two of our main sources for points was of major importance, especially with the quality of opposition going up a level this season

It goes without saying what Nick has done for the team since he took over as captain, and Foxy showed that despite being in several combination changes he could still put up points and make a nuisance of himself for opponents”

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

Nick Alley stats
Chris Fox 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.