Two more defencemen have re-signed for the 2026-27 season, as both Josh Freeman and Nick Gonzalez will be part of the Lions once again.

Our #3 Josh Freeman heads into his fourth season with the club, having signed in the summer of 2023 when the new Lee Valley Ice Centre opened.

The former Telford and Nottingham junior is a popular member of the roster, and showed his versatility last season when he filled in as a forward on many occasions when required.

Lions head coach Simon Jones on Josh’s return: “Josh has emerged as a leader on and off the ice in the last 18 months and I am delighted to have him back this season. Alongside an excellent pedigree from the Telford junior system Josh, is extremely coachable and has a team-first mentality, demonstrated by the various roles he filled last season. I’m looking forward to him being a key contributor in every sense this season.”

Meanwhile former Lee Valley junior, #85 Nick Gonzalez, heads into his third senior campaign with the Lions having signed in the summer of 2024.

Alongside forward Antonio Espinosa, Nick forms the Lions’ Colombian contingent, and has pulled on the yellow jersey of the Colombia national team on several occasions already in his young career.

Coach Simon Jones on Nick coming back for another season: “I’m very pleased to have Nick back with the team this season. Nick’s game has come on leaps and bounds over the last two seasons and this season will be a key year for his development into a consistent performer. Nick made many difference-making plays last year and I look forward to many more of them this year.”