Valiant Lions Downed by Streatham in Pre-Season Tussle

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After four and a half months of waiting, the Lee Valley Lions finally hit the ice for the first time since April, as they travelled south of the river to face NIHL South 1 side Streatham IHC in a challenge game. Streatham had strengthened significantly over the summer, with former EPL stars Adam Carr, Ryan Watt and Michael Farn all signing up for the new campaign, so the match was sure to be a stern test for head coach George Alley’s side.

The Lions were missing Simon Geldart, Ben Duffy, Lee Hounslow, Jordan Turner and Matt Brown, while netminder Brett Shepherd played for his parent club Streatham. New signings Robyn Maby and Michael Crosse featured for the Lions, as did a quintet of guest players drafted in from fellow NIHL South 2 side the Invicta Mustangs: Jake Luton, Lucy Gruber, Anthony Baskerville, Tom Dennis and Michael Stokes.

1st Period: Streatham took a while to shake off the off-season rust, and the Lions were able to contain them early on and prevent them from creating many clear cut chances. When the South Londoners did get shots on net, James Andrew was equal to the task, the Lions netminder making several stunning stops. Lions captain Nick Alley also forced Streatham netminder Matt Colclough into a save early on. As the period wore on, Streatham started to click and they finally managed to break the deadlock at 13:43, Aidan Doughty (unassisted) burying the puck past Andrew. With just over a minute to go before the intermission, Streatham doubled their advantage when Ryan Watt (18:59, unassisted) raced through on the breakaway to score. The Lions ended the period 2-0 down but could be proud of their rearguard action against a strong Streatham attack.

2nd Period: The Lions were caught napping at the start of period 2 as new Streatham captain Adam Carr (20:18, assisted Watt) sniped one past Andrew to make it 3-0. Streatham kept growing in confidence and the score was soon 5-0 with two goals within 34 seconds; with Doughty (25:26, assisted Carr and Watt) grabbing his second of the game and then the speedy Ryan Webb (26:00 assisted Jacob Ranson and Ben Paynter) backhanding one past Andrew. The Lions goalie continued to make some good stops but was powerless to stop another quick brace of goals as Doughty (36:12, assisted Carr and Watt) completed his hat trick and Carr (36:33, assisted Brendan Baird and Doughty) grabbed his second, with the goals coming just 21 seconds apart. And while Mustangs guest players Jake Luton and Anthony Baskerville linked up well and created a few chances for the Lions, they could not find a breakthrough and the East London side reached the second intermission trailing 7-0.

3rd Period: GB Women’s International netminder Robyn Maby relieved James Andrew in the Lions net to start the third period, with Streatham having already replaced Matt Colclough midway through period 2 with Brett Shepherd, who is on a two-way deal with the Lions this season. Both goalies made some good saves in the third period, with Maby showing her agility and quick reactions in net and Shepherd denying Nick Alley after good interplay with Ben Gillingham. Streatham continued to rack up the goals however, with the NIHL South 1 side now in full flow and looking dangerous on every attack. Brandon Miles (47:06, assisted Carr and Alex Sampford) made it eight before Webb (48:42, assisted Baird) scored perhaps the prettiest goal of the night as he dangled his way past the Lions defence and put the puck past Maby. Streatham hit double figures when Doughty (50:20, assisted Watt and Carr) scored on a quick counter attack to grab his fourth of the night; and the NIHL South 1 side raised the score to 11-0 when Miles (53:30, assisted Sampford) scored his second of the evening. With just six seconds left in the game, Carr (59:54, assisted Sampford) put the icing on the cake as the Streatham captain completed his hat trick as well as the scoring, with the South London side winning the game 12-0 against a Lions side that put up a valiant fight right to the end.

GAME STATS

Final Score: Streatham IHC 12-0 Lee Valley Lions

Period Scores: 2-0/5-0/5-0
Penalties: Streatham 4-2 Lee Valley
Scorers: Streatham – Adam Carr (3+4), Aidan Doughty (4+1), Ryan Watt (1+4), Alex Sampford (0+3), Brandon Miles (2+0), Ryan Webb (2+0), Brendan Baird (0+2), Ben Paynter (0+1), Jacob Ranson (0+1)
Goaltenders: Lee Valley – James Andrew (40:00 played, 48 shots/7 goals against), Robyn Maby (20:00 played, 13 shots/5 goals against)
Streatham – Matt Colclough (29:01 played, 5 shots/0 goals against), Brett Shepherd (30:59 played, 9 shots/0 goals against)

Man of the Match – James Andrew (Lee Valley), Aidan Doughty (Streatham)

The Lions kick off their NIHL South 2 campaign with a London derby away at the Haringey Huskies on Saturday 16th September, before the first home game of the season follows one day later against the Bracknell Hornets on Sunday 17th September.

You can keep up to date with the Lions on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #LeeValleyLions.

Lions Sign GB International Maby

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The Lee Valley Lions have added a third goaltender to their ranks with the addition of Great Britain Women’s International Robyn Maby.

Robyn, played for the Lions previously in 2009/10, alongside Guildford Lightning. The next season she went on to University, where she joined up with the Sheffield Shadows and earned her call up to GB. Before joining Lee Valley, Robyn was a junior at Haringey alongside current Lions Nick Alley & Chris Fox.

Recently Robyn has been living and working in China, but has been skating with the Lions in pre-season.

“After living abroad for the past three years it’s great to finally get back on the ice and be given the opportunity to lace up again for the Lions. Having a former goalie as a coach and who is enthusiastic about endorsing women in hockey is also an added bonus in my favour!

I look forward to the coming season, and being a part of the team.”

Head Coach George Alley on the newest addition to the club.

“I’ve known Robyn a long time. She’s a fantastic athlete and fiercely competitive which fits the character profile I want in this squad. She’ll be excellent competition for James (Andrew) & Brett (Shepherd).

“I’m keen to encourage more female players to integrate in the men’s leagues as there some very gifted players who are being overlooked.”

“More women’s players, particularly those in the GB set up should be given opportunities in the men’s leagues, and should be challenging themselves to step up in NIHL 2 at least! Lucy Gruber (Invicta Mustangs) & Abbie Sylvester (Chelmsford Warriors) did it last year, and Ruth Cattell was a regular here for some time.”

You Can view Robyn’s Stats in the link below.

Robyn Maby stats

Tickets are now on sale for our pre-season match on Sunday 3rd of September away to Streatham IHC. Face off is at 5:30pm in South London and tickets can be bought online at Streatham-Hockey.co.uk. Prices are £10 for adults & £6 for concessions.

You can keep up to date with the Lions over the summer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for signing news other announcements using the hashtag #LeeValleyLions.

Jordan Turner & James Joseph Return

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The Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce their next pair of signing’s with youngster Jordan Turner and, club appearance record holder James Joseph returning for the 2017/18 season.

Former junior Turner returns for his third stint as a senior player, having made his debut in 2013/14 as an Under 18. Last year Jordan’s season was limited to 7 games by a back injury and work commitments, but the 20 year old will be looking to appear more regularly this season. In 27 games Jordan has 5 points for the Lions.

“When George phoned and was keen to get me involved again this season I was extremely happy and excited to up my game and make an impact this season. The Lions are a great bunch of lads on and off the ice and I’m looking forward to working with them and George for the upcoming season.”

Club stalwart James Joseph has been playing at Lee Valley since the original Lions were roaming, and has played in every season since the team reformed in 2005. During last season he overtook Lions’ legends Steve James, Glen Moorhouse & dad Eddie to become to club’s record appearance holder. In 218 games, James has 25 points from the Lions’ blue line.

“I’m excited to be coming back this season. We learnt some valuable lessons last year and have built on those to really move forward as team that can challenge this coming season.
I’ve seen the guys move from strength to strength on the ice in short time we’ve been under coach George’s direction and it’s good to see the team keep doing so. We’ve been playing some great hockey recently and if we continue working hard as team I think we’ll perform well with the challenges new league structure is going to bring.”

With Pre-season underway, Head Coach George Alley was pleased to add more players to his squad.

“We’ve only got a few more weeks before we go to Streatham, so I’m glad more guys are throwing their names into the hat for this season.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with Jordan since he joined the Under 18’s team I coached in 2013. He’s very responsive to advice and has a work-rate that is irreplaceable, having players like Jordan keeps a lot of senior players sharp because his work ethic is so strong. If he can get a run of games under his belt I really think he will be far more effective for us than he has done previously.

James and I go way back. I started playing the year the original Lions had folded, but Eddie and Mike Smith (former Lions owner) continued to run junior sessions, James already had a couple of years under his belt at that point and he’s been around ever since, regardless of the team’s situation or league position. What’s rare in British Ice Hockey, and London in particular is loyalty for more than a few years because the city is so fluid. We don’t have many “locals” in the team who really understand what the club has been or have grown up here, James is key to that local core you have to have in any team”.

James Joseph Stats
Jordan Turner Stats 

Tickets are now on sale for our pre-season match on Sunday 3rd of September away to Streatham IHC. Face off is at 5:30pm in South London and tickets can be bought online at Streatham-Hockey.co.uk. Prices are £10 for adults & £6 for concessions.

You can keep up to date with the Lions over the summer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for signing news other announcements using the hashtag #LeeValleyLions.

Lions Bring in Shepherd & Re-Sign Robin Young

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The Lee Valley Lions are delighted to announce the signings of young goalie Brett Shepherd and experienced defence-man Robin Young for the upcoming season.

16 year old Brett joins on a two-way with London neighbours Streatham IHC, where he will split his time between Streatham’s Under 18’s, the Lions & the RedHawks this season. Last season Brett was given the opportunity to play behind Matt Colclough, whilst posting 89.2% for the club’s under 18’s and in 2015, Brett was selected to play for the South East Under 15’s.

Streatham Head Coach Jeremy Cornish spoke about the Lions’ new goalie.

“Brett is a young, up and coming goalie that I had the pleasure to get to know last season. He works extremely hard in training, challenges shooters and never gives up on a play. I look forward to seeing the progress he will make by training with us and getting action with Lee Valley this season.”

Defence-man Robin Young returns for his 3rd season as a Lion, joining originally in 2014/15. A former Chelmsford Chieftain & Romford Raider, Robin first debuted in senior hockey in 94/95, in the old BD1 against the original Lions. In his first two years as a Lion, Robin has 8 points in 33 league games from the blue line and will add vital experience this season.

“After seeing the Lions’ progress last year, I’m really excited to be coming back for another season at Lee Valley to take on the challenging new league format. Whilst family commitments may keep me from being available for every game, I hope I can still have an impact and perhaps pass on some of my experience to the younger players whenever possible.”

Head coach George Alley spoke about the new additions to the squad.

“With the market for new players being squeezed with the addition of the new clubs, I’m pleased we’ve been able to add some depth in goal, and Robin has been a key man in the dressing room the last couple of seasons.

I’ve been in talks with Jeremy about Brett’s availability and Streatham’s plans for him for a while. His junior coach at Streatham (Lions Legend Adam Goldstone) is eager for him to be exposed to the senior game as much as possible. Being only 16 he has very good composure and I’m excited about having a chance to work with him this season, and it’s vital that we have depth and competition for places, especially in goal.”

“Robin has a lot of experience in the British game and possesses great technical ability I hope we can utilise this season. He’s also a calm head ahead in the dressing room that will be crucial with the level of competition we’ll be facing this year.”

You can view both players’ stats in the links below.

Brett Shepherd Stats
Robin Young Stats

The Lions have a pre-season match on Sunday 3rd of September away to Streatham IHC. Face off is at 5:30pm in South London and tickets can be bought online at Streatham-Hockey.co.uk. Prices are £10 for adults & £6 for concessions.

You can keep up to date with the Lions over the summer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for signing news other announcements using the hashtag #LeeValleyLions.

Awoyemi & Gillingham Next to Return

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Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce the returns of Sam Awoyemi & Ben Gillingham for 2017/18.

Sam graduated from the club’s junior section, where he captained the Under 18’s under Lions’ coach George Alley as well as having a spell in the Slough junior setup. Sam improved

“I’m really looking forward to this next season and I’m excited to be back playing with a great group of people. I hope this year I can step up my game and contribute more to the team.”

Ben joined the Lions halfway through 2015/16 along with Matt Hepburn, Ollie Glover & Ross Sin-Hidge. Before joining Lee Valley, Ben was apart of the Guildford junior system. His season was hampered after suffering a fractured wrist but is looking to bounce back this season.

“Absolutely elated to be back playing for the lions this year. Last season was disappointing for me personally with injuries so I’m looking to hit the ground running this time round. Lee valley has the best changing room ethos of any team I’ve been involved with and everyone works hard for each other and the badge. Couldn’t see myself playing senior hockey anywhere else and especially looking forward to a few new away games this year.”

George Alley on the new signings.

“Both players had a tough time with injuries last year, Sam hurt his knee around Christmas and Ben Fractured his wrist quite early on in the season, when both players returned we’d forged a few combinations that made it difficult for them to get regular ice. 

I’ve worked with Sam for a few years and his improvement has been fantastic. He takes in every bit of information given to him and his technical play has come on so much, particularly his stick handling. The commitment he’s shown to improving himself away from the rink should be rewarded”

“Ben is very popular amongst the dressing room. He has boundless energy on the ice and given time, and an injury free season I’d like to see him really push on. He’s a nuisance to play against because he doesn’t stop working and I hope to see that vindicated with a few more points this season.”

You can view both players’ stats in the link below.

Sam Awoyemi Stats
Ben Gillingham Stats

The season officially starts on the 16th/17th of September, but if you want a preview of the season ahead, the Lions have a pre-season match on Sunday 3rd of September away to Streatham IHC. Face off is at 5:30pm in South London and tickets can be bought online at Streatham-Hockey.co.uk. Prices are £10 for adults & £6 for concessions.

You can keep up to date with the Lions over the summer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for signing news other announcements using the hashtag #LeeValleyLions.