Lee Valley Lions Player Profile

Jim Graves # 69

Jim contacted me in December 2003 and asked if I could add him to the list of Player Profiles. I was happy to oblige, but Jim wasn't originally featured in a Clock End Times or match programme player profile feature! As such his answers have been provided in 2003 with his time with the Lions in mind! Thanks to Jim for his input.

Full Name: Jim Graves

Nicknames (if any): Gravesy (also affectionately known to Lions fans as The Wanderer)

Date of Birth: 21st May 1958

Place of Birth: Gimli, Manitoba, Canada

Town Where You Live: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Marital Status: Single

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 15 stone

Colour of Eyes: Brown

Occupation: Managing Director of a sports management company (Big Stick Management)

What Car Do You Own? Rover 75

What Car Would You Like To Own? No ambition

Which Teams Have You Played For? Ayr Bruins, Streatham Redskins, Richmond
Flyers, Bracknell Bees, Trafford Metros, Romford Raiders, Nottingham
Panthers, Castlereagh Knights and the Lions

What Honours Have You Achieved?

Ayr Bruins - Player of the Year (1974-1976)
Northern League's Rookie of the Year (1975)
Northern League's Top Goalie (1975-1977)
Ayr Bruins ( British Champions - 1976)
Streatham Redskins - Player of the Year (1990)
Lee Valley Lions - Player of the Year (1992)
Coached and managed Northern Ireland's first professional team, the Castlereagh Knights (1996-1997)
Managed Great Britain senior team in the Ukraine during International tournament (Dec 2002)

Favourite Rink: Enjoyed them all as each had its own character

Favourite British Player: Too many to mention, though Tony Hand and the Cooper brothers did excel

Favourite Import: Kurt Wickenheiser (played for the Lions, defected to Medway)

Favourite Food: Just depends on the mood. Never a fussy eater especially when you were sharing the table with your 3 brothers

Favourite Drink: Still water with a dash of lime for the quiet times, Jack Daniels and Coke for the good times

Favourite Music: Changes as I get older though country rock will always appeal

Favourite TV Programme: A good documentary

Favourite Film: The Sting

Favourite Actor/Actress: Billy Connolly - met him three times, a real gentleman. Sandra Bullock - comes across very naturally

Hobbies: Currently my business takes up a lot of that free time

Most Memorable Moment: Winning British Championship in 1976 at Streatham while with the Ayr Bruins

Worst Moment: Having to leave Bracknell halfway through the season

What is Your Ambition in Ice Hockey? To become more involved with the British Team programme

Do You Have Any Superstitions? With my playing days gone, not anymore

Who Would You Like to be Stranded on a Desert Island With? My partner, Arlene

What 3 Items Would You Put in a Box to be Opened in 100 Years? My first team hockey jacket from my Canadian Pee Wee days in Germany (1971), a programme from the first professional ice hockey tournament that I organised and managed for the Belfast Giants at the Odyssey Arena and a photograph of my entire company personnel from Big Stick Management who have supported me over the years