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!”

Antonio put up 4 goals and 8 assists in 8 league games for the Lions last season having joined part-way through the campaign, and also added 3 assists in his solitary Eddie Joseph Memorial Cup game.

This gave him a total of 15 points in 9 games for an average of 1.67 points per game.

Now he’s back in Lions colours for the full 2026-27 season and we can’t wait to see what he does for us on the ice.

Antonio commented: “I am excited about the upcoming season. There is a lot that we can accomplish for the fans and for ourselves. I look forward to seeing where hard work can take us.”

We are looking for eager people willing to help in any of the following areas:
Goal judge
Timekeeper
DJ
Physio

Or if you can strengthen the pride in other ways, please also get in touch.

In return for helping the club out, you’ll get free entry to every home game, and a great view of the game too.

If you’re interested or have any questions, don’t hesitate to fire us an email at leevalleylionsmanager@gmail.com – we can’t wait to hear from you!