Home of the Lee Valley Lions Ice Hockey Team
Paul O’Neill arranged for the local press to capture the moment when property lawyers, Fridays, handed over £500 in team sponsorship. Paul was on hand, as was James Hatfull, Deryk Beeson and Simon Seaton of Fridays. The papers sent along their own photographers for the event, but I was also there to take a few snaps for the site.
Thanks to everyone for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend yesterday.
Today I’ve uploaded a number of articles in PDF format, both about the current team and the original Lions.
The match report from last week’s game against Peterborough has been published in the Hackney Gazette with a photo of Paul O’Neill. They managed to say that Paul is the skipper (despite the visible A on his shirt?!) and that we played on Sunday!
Many thanks go to Sam Alcock who has kindly provided me with a number of articles about the Lions of the 90s that were published in British Engine’s staff newsletter. Steve James had his critics, but if you read the articles you’ll get just a small idea of just how much time and hard work he spent on the club. The British Engine articles are on the Lions in Print page of the History section (halfway down the page).
Deryk’s e-mailed me with his comments on Saturday’s satisfying first home win against Romford Spitfires:
“Another milestone reached, our first home victory as the re-formed Lions. Whereas I was, as usual, apprehensive before the game started the mood in the dressing room meant there was only ever going to be one result and it did not involve points for the Spitfires!
“At the beginning of the season we were referred to as the “wooden spoon team” and the “hapless Lions.” Well know this: we have tightened up our act. We are disciplined, motivated, focused and we act and play as a
team. The worm has turned. We are Lee Valley, we are the Lions and WE ARE BACK!”
Rousing words indeed, Deryk!
Fridays Property Lawyers have provided generous sponsorship to the Lee Valley Lions this season. Fridays are a dynamic firm of lawyers who specialise in conveyancing. They understand the frustrations experienced by people moving home and address this by employing exceptional staff and the latest technology. If you’re thinking of buying or selling your home, do contact Fridays – their ad is shown to the left on the home page. Our thanks go to Fridays for their generosity (and to Paul O’Neill for his help in getting Fridays on board).
The match report from last night’s game against Oxford is now on the site. The report has been sent to the local papers with a selection of photos, so anyone who scored yesterday could be in either the Hackney Gazette or Leyton Guardian (these papers are sold locally to the rink).
Deryk also has some words to say about last night’s performance:
“So the rabbit finally comes out of the hat! Around the league many will be scratching their heads and asking how did that happen? The answer is simple – show me any team that has been knocked down week in, week out, yet gets back up, dusts themselves down and still comes back for more of the same and I will show you a winning team! There is no trick. The rabbit was always there.
“We are truly fortunate to have the formidable services of Serhiy Smolenko whose belief in the team has remained unshakeable. We also have the dedicated services of Ian Prince, Sue Ranby, Julianne Bonner and others. These people are Lee Valley through and through and I am delighted that their loyalty and our supporters’ loyalty, has been rewarded. Today though, more than anyone else, is a day for the players. I am simply delighted for them and today we enjoy our victory. On Tuesday evening however work resumes during training and despite the win the screw will be tightened at 8.15 sharp!
“Saturday beckons and the Spitfires come to the Den. We must be ready for them. Now is not the time to ease off. The Spitfires have just come away from a severe beating at the hands of Solent and Gosport and they will be hungry for points. We underestimate them at our peril. Our fight-back continues. Our gaze is now well and truly upon the Spitfires and we will be ready and waiting!
“If you have not been to a game recently do not miss this one. It will be a cracker.”