Tag: London

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.

Lions End Season With Slough Win

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The end of the season was upon us and the Lions travelled to Slough, knowing that victory for either side would result in the other team finishing bottom of the league. Lee Valley hadn’t lost against their opponents all season, but the Jets in their tiny temporary rink had hit a purple patch with big wins over Haringey, Chelmsford and a surprising draw with champions Peterborough.

Lions welcomed back James Andrew from illness but were missing Oskar Horter, Ronnie O’Connor, Lee Hounslow, James Gosling, Ben Duffy and Daniel Tamasauskas. 

1st Period: Although the conditions were against the Lions, they were first to score when a penalty to Slough’s Timo Lindgren allowed Nick Alley (PP goal 3:02, assist Sin-Hidge) to score off a face off in the Slough zone. Lions were controlling the play but with Nick Alley in the penalty box, it was the Jets who equalised through Chris Hocquigny (PP goal 8:09, assists Lindgren, Darmanin). The game was being played in the Jets’ zone but the home team were dangerous on the counter, James Andrew and Matthew Smital were both making important saves to keep the game tied at 1-1 at the end of the period.

2nd Period: Both sides were creating chances but Lions were dominating the possession at this point but Smital was keeping the Jets in the match. The lack of goals started to get to the Lions and with the small rink creating more opportunities for hits, both teams took three penalties each in the first 10 minutes. Neither side could capitalise on their powerplays, and the period ended with both teams scrapping in frustration. The score still 1-1.

3rd Period: Like the first period, the Lions got off to a quick start and Nick Alley (43:40, assist Aiken) ripped a wrist shot in off the crossbar to take the lead, but Slough equalised only 30 seconds later through Jamie Chandler (44:10, assist Martin-Digby). Both teams were going back and forth but both goalies were holding strong, but space finally opened up when Sam Awoyemi and Slough’s Charlie Dobbins both sat for Roughing. Slough called a timeout but with both sides at 4-on-4, James Hepburn (51:42, assist Matt Hepburn) got the Lions’ third goal. The action was mostly in the Jets’ zone but Smital continued to keep the hosts in the game, with two minutes left Lee Valley called a timeout and stemmed any chance Slough had of equalising, closing the game out for their 6th win of the season.

GAME STATS

Final Score: Slough Jets 2-3 Lee Valley Lions

Period Score: 1-1/0-0/1-2
Shots: Slough 43-63 Lee Valley (14-22/11-20/18-21)
Penalties: Slough 20-24 Lee Valley
Scorers: Lee Valley –  Nick Alley (2+0), James Hepburn (1+0), Ross Sin-Hidge, Henry Aiken & Matt Hepburn (0+1)
Slough – Jamie Chandler & Chris Hocquigny (1+0), Nathan Darmanin, Timo Lindgren & Luke Martin-Digby (0+1)
Goaltenders: Lee Valley – James Andrew 43 shots/2 goals, 95.35%
Slough – Matthew Smital 63 shots/3 goals, 95.24%

Man of the Match: Simon Geldart

With the season now finished, the Lee Valley Lions would like to thank the players and those who have supported us throughout the season.

You can keep up to date with the Lions over the summer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for signing news other announcements.

Thank you again for following us this season and we’ll see you in September.

#LeeValleyLions

Lions End Peterborough Series With Double Loss

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Following the previous week’s trip to new champions Peterborough Islanders, the Lions were looking to bounce back from the 8-3 loss that saw the hosts secure the title. Lee Valley now faced a double header, first visiting Mallard Road on Saturday before returning to Lee Valley for the first time in 4 games to play the same opponent.

SATURDAY

The Lions arrived in the Fens with almost double the players from the previous week. Returning to the team were James & Matt Hepburn, Ben Gillingham, Sam Awoyemi, Chris Fox & Henry Aiken.

1st Period: Lee Valley held off the initial pressure from the hosts but were undone with a loose pass in their opponent’s end allowed Daniel Cetvertak (6:41, assists Conor Pollard, Nathan Pollard), but the Lions responded within two minutes with a tic-tac-toe goal from Ross Sin-Hidge (8:14, assists Alley, Aiken) to tie the game. Peterborough had the edge over the visitors but found James Andrew in fine form, however they broke through again through Jack Escott (17:13, assist Wilson) closing the period at 2-1.

2nd Period: The Islanders retained the majority of possession but were knocked back by a string of outrageous glove saves from Andrew. Lions began to work their way back into the game, but also couldn’t take their chances, despite a couple of powerplay chances. As the period wore on, Lee Valley finally got an equaliser when Ollie (35:00, assists Hounslow, Matt Hepburn) bundled the puck through Dan Lane, leaving the game finely poised at 2-2.

3rd Period: Both teams traded goals early on, first Peterborough’s Nathan Pollard (44:17, assists White, Wallis) put the Islanders in front, before a penalty to Connor Hunter was capitalised on shortly after. Matt Hepburn (PP goal 46:49, assist Glover) forcing home the equaliser. Both teams were going back and forth at this point but it was Peterborough who pounced on a poor turnover on another Lions powerplay, Connor Hunter (SH goal 52:33, assists Bavin, Lane) breaking away to score before Daniel Cetvertak (53:56, assists Conor Pollard, Nathan Pollard) was allowed to skate out of the Lions’ corner to round Andrew to make it 5-3. Lee Valley had a powerplay to close the game but despite good puck possession and pulling their goalie for an extra player, they were unable to find the tying goals.

GAME STATS

Final Score: Peterborough Islanders 5-3 Lee Valley Lions

Period Scores: 2-1/0-1/3-1
Shots: Peterborough 53-31 Lee Valley (18-10/20-10/15-11)
Penalties: Peterborough 18-8 Lee Valley
Scorers: Lee Valley – Ollie Glover & Matt Hepburn (1+1), Ross Sin-Hidge (1+0), Nick Alley, Henry Aiken & Lee Hounslow (0+1)
Peterborough – Nathan Pollard (1+2), Daniel Cetvertak (2+0), Conor Pollard (0+2), Jack Escott & Connor Hunter (1+0), James White, Craig Wallis, Dan Lane, Kenny Bavin & Joe Wilson (0+1)
Goaltenders: Lee Valley – James Andrew 53 shots/5 goals, 90.57%
Peterborough – Dan Lane 31 shots/3 goals, 90.32%

Man of the Match: James Andrew

SUNDAY 

For the return match in East London, Lee Valley welcomed back Simon Geldart, James Joseph, Oskar Horter and gave a debut to Under 18’s defenceman Daniel Tamasauskas, Whilst Robin Young was unavailable for selection.

1st Period: The game didn’t get off to the same pace that both teams played at the previous evening and it took a while for the visitors to find their groove, eventually though they took the lead through Craig Wallis (9:01, assists Long, Stokes), and from there the Islanders got rolling. Setting up well and moving the puck quickly but unable to score, they did double their lead on the powerplay through Nathan Pollard (PP goal 15:07, assist Conor Pollard) but didn’t take their chances, giving the Lions a lifeline heading into the second.

2nd Period: Lee Valley started this stanza at a faster pace that has served them well throughout the season and had a better grip on the game as a result. They were rewarded when Lee Hounslow (34:42, assist Jones) got the puck at neutral ice and rounded two Islanders for a great individual goal. The Lions took their eyes off the ball though and Peterborough doubled their lead again through Sam Barlow (35:22, assists Raynor, Wallis) to close the period at 3-1 to the league winners.

3rd Period: Both sides needed the next goal to determine the swing of momentum but it was Lee Valley’s miss-control on their powerplay that allowed Kenny Bavin (SH goal 46:20, assist Cetvertak) to capitalise on a turnover. And when the referee didn’t blow the whistle when a puck was stuck under James Andrew, Connor Hunter (50:39, assist Romeo) poked the puck from underneath the Lions’ goalie to score Peterborough’s fifth.

GAME STATS

Final Score: Lee Valley Lions 1-5 Peterborough Islanders

Period Scores: 0-2/1-1/0-2
Shots: Lee Valley 32-53 Peterborough (8-25/12-13/12-15)
Penalties: Lee Valley 10-8 Peterborough
Goaltenders: Lee Valley Lions – James Andrew 53 shots/5 goals, 90.57%
Peterborough – Dan Lane 32 shots/1 goal 96.88%

Man of the Match: Henry Aiken

Up next the Lions travel to former champions Chelmsford Warriors in a fixture initially scheduled for Saturday 18/03. This game will now be played this Sunday 19/03.

You can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions for up to date news and live scores.

Eight Man Lions Fall to New Champions Peterborough

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Lee Valley travelled to Peterborough to face an Islanders team who had gone unbeaten all season and could seal the league winners’ title with a win on the day.

Lions arrived short benched and were hit when three players couldn’t make it to the game due to problems on their travels. The 8 players who did make it were Nick Alley, Lee Hounslow, Simon Jones, Robin Young, Ollie Glover, Ben Duffy, James Andrew and coming back to help the team at short notice from university was Matt Eggen.

1st Period: With fresh legs, Lee Valley managed to get a couple of chances on goal and kept Peterborough’s chances to a minimum but soon the Islanders had the lead when scrappy play in the Lions’ zone allowed Sam Barlow (6:07, unassisted) before Connor Stokes (7:12, assists Sansby, Wallis) quickly added a second. Despite the early setback the visitors knuckled down and kept the full strength Islanders at bay, whilst going close on the few occasions. However, Peterborough added two more before the break, first James Pentecost (15:24, assists Herring, McDonald) tripled their lead before Kenny Bavin (16:39, assist Brammall) finished the period’s scoring.

2nd Period: After a much needed breather the Lions were under the kosh again from the hosts but James Andrew was doing well to stifle any rebounds as the held off a Powerplay in the process. Eventually though the Lions’ resistance was broken after Robin Young was called for Hooking, Connor Stokes (PP goal 29:19, assist Lane) adding the Islander’s fifth before Young was penalised again for Interference and Kenny Bavin (PP goal 30:41, assists Herring, Yardley) was on hand score again. Lions were finally rewarded for their efforts when Lee Hounslow (33:17, assists Duffy, Glover) score a slick finish for his first goal in a Lions’ shirt. Peterborough put the result beyond doubt when first Clint Herring (37:50, assists Pentecost, Long) then Nathan Pollard (38:42, assists Wallis, Yardley) scored to close the period at 8-1 to the champions elect.

3rd Period: Despite the exhaustive effort of playing with such a short bench, Lee Valley were determined in their efforts to keep the game respectable and continued to plug away in defence, they also created a couple of chances but saw their efforts go wide or saved by Dan Lane. Peterborough maintained their dominance, controlling possession and keeping the Lions pinned in their own zone, making it difficult for the visitors to get much needed line changes. It was Lee Valley however who scored first when Lee Hounslow’s (49:28, assist Young) long range shot was deflected through Lane’s legs. To the surprise of the home crowd, it was the Lions who got the next goal when Ollie Glover intercepted a pass across the zone, and found the energy to race up ice and set up Ben Duffy (54:01, assist Glover) on the break. George Alley then called a timeout to give his players a well earned breather before they closed out the period without conceding, leaving the Islanders to celebrate winning the league title with five games to spare.

Game Stats

Final Score: Peterborough Islanders 8-3 Lee Valley Lions (Peterborough are crowned NIHL 2 South East Champions)

Period Scores: 4-0/4-1/0-2
Shots: Peterborough 67-19 (21-7/25-7/21-5)
Penalties in Minutes: Peterborough 8-8 Lee Valley
Scorers: Lee Valley – Lee Hounslow (2+0), Ben Duffy (1+1), Oliver Glover (0+2), Robin Young (0+1)
Peterborough – Clint Herring (1+2), Connor Stokes & Kenny Bavin (2+0), James Pentecost (1+1), Craig Wallis & Shaun Yardley (0+2) Nathan Pollard & Sam Barlow (1+0), Jack Sansby, Rob McDonald, Nathan Long, Dan Lane & Jon Brammall (0+1)
Goaltenders: Lee Valley – James Andrew 67 shots/8goals 88.06%
Peterborough – Dan Lane 19 shots/3 goals 84.21%

Although the league has now been decided, the Lions and Peterborough will reacquaint themselves immediately with a double header this weekend. First, the Lions travel up the A1 this Saturday (11/03) before the return game at Lee Valley Ice Centre on Sunday, our last home game of the season.

Face off in Peterborough on Saturday is at 5:00pm.

The return game at Lea Bridge Road starts at 5:30pm on Sunday.

Ticket and travel information can be found in the Game Day section of our website.

You can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions for up to date news and live scores.