Matt first played for the Lions in the 2017-18 season, before playing for Romford Raiders 2 between 2018 and 2020. He then returned to the Lions in 2021, and he’s been in a Lee Valley jersey ever since.

He’s racked up over 125 games for the Lions in all competitions, and was club captain in the last two campaigns.

Lions head coach Simon Jones commented: “Matt has been a fixture in Lee Valley squads and brings invaluable experience having played at a higher level. He brings a calm assuredness to all situations and this translates to the team on and off the ice. After picking up one or two minor knocks last season I know Matt will be looking forward to an uninterrupted season to put his and the team’s best foot forward!”

Cole played 13 combined League and Eddie Joseph Memorial Cup games for the Lions last season when his Buccaneers commitments allowed, scoring eight goals and adding a further two assists for 10 points in a Lee Valley jersey. He also played 28 games for Romford in NIHL South 1, scoring six points.

Now he’s back for a second campaign at both clubs and will look to add to the above tallies.

Lions head coach Simon Jones had this to say: “I’m thrilled to have Cole on board again this season. He has huge experience, which given his age shows the quality that he has. Cole is great in the dressing room and sets a great example both on and off the ice. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Cole and I’m sure he will continue to be a standout player for us as well as for Romford in NIHL 1 South”.

Simon has been a Lions stalwart since 2015, first playing over 160 games for the club as a defenceman over eight seasons – the last five of those seasons as club captain – before taking over as Head Coach after retiring from on-ice action in 2024.

Simon had this to say about staying on at the club for another season: “I’m very pleased to be back as Head Coach of the Lions. It is no secret that the club means a lot to me, but in addition the potential for success is tremendous.

Last season was not as successful as expected but we did take steps forward on and off the ice and the platform remains in place for success.

I know that leaders within the team are excited to return and as always we have been working hard to add quality to the roster.

I’m looking forward to the start of pre-season and working with players, management and supporters to move forward again this season.

We are a community club and I look forward to representing Lee Valley this season.”

Daniel came through the Lee Valley junior system, graduating to the senior side in 2017.

Since then, he’s been a mainstay at the club with only a few short spells away in the last nine years.

The 6’9 blueliner is always popular with Lions supporters, and we’re looking forward to seeing that continue in the 2026-27 season.

Daniel had this to say about returning for another campaign: “Happy to be back for another season! Looking forward to getting back on the ice, seeing everyone again and hopefully making it a successful year for the club.”

Lewis came through the junior ranks at Invicta before making the switch to East London last summer, beginning the season as backup netminder but then rising to the role of starting goaltender during the campaign.

The 23-year-old started 16 combined league and Eddie Joseph Memorial Cup games for the club last season, the highlight being when he backstopped the Lions to back-to-back home wins over Oxford and Solent in February.

Lewis had this to say about returning to the Lions: “I really enjoyed last season and I’m thankful that the club wants me back for another year. I’m ready to build on that and give everything I’ve got. Playing for this team and our fans means everything to me, and I can’t wait to get back on the ice with the team. Bring on September!”