Nostalgia – Lee Valley Lions

Geoff Williams’ funeral

Julianne — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 09:06:59 +0000

Fans of the Lions from the 1980s will recall the team’s first captain, Geoff Williams, who sadly passed away recently. We have received the following information from Geoff’s family in relation to his funeral, for anyone who would like to attend:

We as a family have been overwhelmed by the messages and offers of support. We are truly grateful. Geoff’s funeral will be held on Monday, 29th September at 2:30pm at:

Sutton Coldfield Crematorium

Tamworth Road

Sutton Coldfield

B75 6LG

The service will be followed by a wake, which will take place at:

Walmley Cricket and Sports Club

Eldon Dr

Walmley

Sutton Coldfield

B76 1LT

It is a 15-minute drive between the crematorium and the cricket club. Parking available. All are welcome to join us in remembering and celebrating his life. We kindly request traditional funeral attire and flowers from immediate family only.

For contact information for Geoff’s family, please get in touch.

NHL.com article on the Eddie Joseph Memorial Cup

Julianne — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 17:12:30 +0000

Eddie Joseph © Julianne Bonner

NHL.com has a fantastic article written about Mr Lee Valley, Eddie Joseph, and the Memorial Cup that’s being held in recognition of everything he did for the Lions. You can read it here:

https://www.nhl.com/news/eddie-joseph-memorial-cup-honoring-england-league-pioneer

RIP Bob Mitura

Julianne — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 23:07:05 +0000

We are saddened to hear that former Lee Valley Czech netminder, Bob Mitura, passed away on 10 January, having lost his battle against prostate cancer. Bob played for the Lions in the late 80s alongside the likes of fellow Czech Jaroslav Lycka and the legendary Doug McEwen. The club sends its condolences to Bob’s friends and family for their loss.

Lee Valley Ice Centre closes its doors

Julianne — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 09:54:28 +0000

After the best part of 40 years, Lee Valley Ice Centre closes its doors for the final time this weekend. The rink will be demolished and rebuilt into a much larger venue, featuring two ice pads, cafe, gym, exercise studios and community spaces. It is anticipated that the new centre will be completed by October 2022. You can find out more about the plans here and you can keep updated with news on their Twitter page.

The Lions are currently looking at options for continuing with a team while that happens and any updates on this will be posted here.

In the meantime, we say a very fond farewell to the Den and the countless amazing memories it has created for so many people.

Interview with ex-Lion Marko Pieniniemi

Julianne — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 18:20:48 +0000

Fans of the original Lions from the 80s/90s will be very familiar with the Finns we had on the team. One of the last was Marko Pieniniemi and you can read all about his hockey career in this article published by Mark Easton.