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.