Justin Grant has asked for his release from the Lions so that he can concentrate on rec hockey. We thank Justin for his contributions over the past two seasons and wish him well.

We welcome our newest signing, 18-year-old Nick Breigoos. Nick plays right wing and his former teams include Milton Keynes and Chelmsford, although he started off at Lee Valley and was last with Haringey. Nick’s already got off to a great start, scoring the Lions’ first goal against Chelmsford on Saturday.

Lee Valley Lions have strengthened their squad with a number of new signings. Originating from South Africa is David Piper, a forward. Joining him up front is Nick Alley, brother of goalie George. Nick was previously with the Haringey Greyhounds and has already stamped his mark by scoring an impressive 3+1 in his debut for the Lions. The final coup is the signing of ex-London Racer, JJ McGrath.

I’ve put a selection of photos from the 2006/07 awards night up on the site.

View the photos

The winners of this year’s awards were:

Rookie of the Year: Stas Prokofiev
Most Improved Player: Michael Ranby
Defenceman of the Year: Romanas Fedotovas
Top Points-Scorer: Ben Williams
Coach’s Player of the Year: Scott Beeson
Players’ Player of the Year: Andy Watt

Congratulations to everyone who won an award and a big thank you to all those whose hard work went into a successful evening.

“Nicky Braithwaite has been released from the Lions. It was not a decision taken lightly. Nicky informed me he cannot work under the current coach and told me he has decided he no longer wishes to play at LVL under Serhiy. If it comes to choosing whether a player should go or a coach should go then in this instance there is simply no choice and Nicky must accept responsibility for his very large part in the decision. I wish Nicky well in the future and thank him for his time with the Lions” – Deryk Beeson, Lions’ Manager.

The Lee Valley Lions would like to welcome our latest new signing, Andrew Holdaway. Andrew joins us as a forward from Milton Keynes Hurricanes (also the former club of Andy Watt and Ben Williams).

We have at last heard from Rob Courtman. He is alive but not particularly well, having suffered all sorts of health problems and calamities over the Christmas and New Year period. Rob’s getting back on his feet now (literally) and will be back in action against Gosport on Sunday. Nice to have you back, mate.

We are pleased to announce that we have the services of Stas Prokofiev in time for tomorrow’s away game against Romford Spitfires. Stas is a promising young player who’s previously played at both Lee Valley and Slough at junior level. Welcome on board, Stas.

By mutual agreement the Lee Valley Lions and Mark Saunders have agreed to part company.

“It is sad that we have lost Mark’s services but we wish him all the very best with his future hockey” – Deryk Beeson, Manager.

Paul O’Neill arranged for the local press to capture the moment when property lawyers, Fridays, handed over £500 in team sponsorship. Paul was on hand, as was James Hatfull, Deryk Beeson and Simon Seaton of Fridays. The papers sent along their own photographers for the event, but I was also there to take a few snaps for the site.

Thanks to everyone for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend yesterday.

Following trials we are pleased to announce the signing of another new player, Justin Grant. Justin joins the Lions from Streatham and will play in defence.