Author: Laurence Thorn

We’re happy to announce two more names on our roster for the upcoming season, with the return of defenceman Sam Jackson and the new addition of forward Sam Wills.

The former Chelmsford, Haringey, and Streatham d-man Sam Jackson joined the Lions last season, however work commitments kept him to just eight appearances in a Lee Valley jersey.

He is back for more this season to add quality and speed to the Lions blueline, and will wear the #4 jersey.

Lions head coach Simon Jones on Sam J’s return: “Sam Jackson joined last season and is back this year and we are hoping he will have an even bigger impact as work commitments kept him away from the team last season. Sam has bags of ability and I’m looking forward to working with him more this season.”

29-year-old forward Sam Wills came through Streatham’s junior system before making a handful of appearances for Streatham in NIHL1 during the 2013-14 season.

He’s been out of league hockey for quite some time, and joins the Lions this season where he’ll wear the #52 jersey.

Lions head coach Simon Jones on the addition of Sam W: “Sam Wills came along to a trial this summer and his quality was clear, even having been away from league hockey for a while. Sam is a smart player that works hard and I am confident he will be a key contributor this season.”

We can now confirm our goaltending trio for the upcoming season, with returnee Blaise Pearce and newcomer Shaddai Twumasi joining the already-announced Lewis Carter in net.

A former Haringey junior, 19-year-old Blaise Pearce first signed for us in 2024 and now enters his third season with the club.

His ice time has been limited so far due to injuries but we’re looking forward to seeing him make strides forward in his development this season.

Lions head coach Simon Jones on re-signing our #31: “Blaise had an injury-disrupted season last year and his development was impacted as a result. I am looking forward to seeing him put in the effort every week to continue to develop into a solid performer.”

17-year-old Shaddai Twumasi is a current Haringey junior, who also iced for 11 minutes in an NIHL National game for Milton Keynes Lightning last season, allowing no goals in that appearance.

He will continue to ice for Haringey juniors this year whilst also appearing for the Lions on a two-way deal, where he’ll wear the #1 jersey.

Lions head coach Simon Jones on adding Shaddai to the squad: “I saw Shaddai play last season when watching a few of our younger players in the U19s league and his quality was clear. He has lots of ability and potential and this is underpinned by his calmness in all situations. Definitely one to watch for the future and I am glad that we get to work with him this season around his junior commitments.”

We can today confirm our player leadership group for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

Lee Hounslow will be captain for the season. Lee goes into his second consecutive season in a Lions uniform, and third overall.

Matt Hamilton will be the first assistant captain. For Matt, it’s his sixth consecutive season in a Lions jersey, and his seventh at the club overall.

Antonio Espinosa will be the second assistant captain. Antonio joined us midway through last season but has already become a leader for the team on and off the ice.

Josh Freeman and Daniel Tamasauskas are alternate captains, and will step up if any of the above players are absent. Josh heads into his fourth season with the club, while it’s Dan’s ninth season with us.

Congratulations to all the players selected for these leadership roles!

We’re delighted to welcome sponsor BarberSmiths, whose logo will be present on the front of our jerseys this season.

BarberSmiths are one of London’s leading barbershop brands, with five stores across the city. They’re all about the highest quality, helping every client leave looking and feeling their best.

BarberSmiths are proud to support Lee Valley Lions as a club sponsor, saying: “We’re delighted to see our logo featured on the new jerseys and excited to be part of the club’s journey. Here’s to an exciting season ahead!”

More information at https://www.barbersmiths.co.uk/

The Lee Valley Lions are proud to announce that Core Arts will be the club’s official charity for the 2026/27 season. This season we looked at various local charities to set up a partnership with, and the team voted for Core Arts.

Core Arts is a leading mental health creative education centre. Since 1992, Core Arts has been providing best practice and best value in Mental Health care in London.

Their mission is to support and promote recovery, social inclusion and mental wellbeing through the arts and enhance service user experience.

More information at https://www.corearts.co.uk

The team will carry their logo on the shirts as well as do several fundraising activities at game days as we look to work with and support the charity.