Lions Drop First Game to Wildcats

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The wet weather outside signalled that summer was over, and that ice hockey was well and truly back.

29372793772_28f57303f2_zLee Valley Lions begun their season, with a visit from Division 2 South West side Swindon in the NIHL 2 Cup. The Lions featured many of last season’s side, but also a debut for new goalie James Andrew and returns for James Hepburn & Jordan Turner after a year out. Swindon arrived in East London short benched, but boasting the experienced Graeme Bird and Loris Taylor amongst their ranks. Also making his 200th appearance for the Lions was long serving defenceman James Joseph.

1st Period: The Lions started the game quickly, but Simon Geldart was penalised for holding. Lee Valley killed the penalty, and followed up by getting a couple of shots in on Graeme Bird in the Swindon net, but the shots were infrequent and Lee Valley were unable to follow up on the rebounds.

Meanwhile Swindon slowed the pace of the game well and controlled the puck when they did get into the Lions’ zone. Eventually Swindon capitalised on a poor face off from the Lions and Adam Coakley knocked in fom brother Andrew Coakley’s rebound (06:26, assist Andrew Coakley).
Little under three minutes later, another poor face off in their own zone saw Stuart Widdows unmarked (09:03, assist Taylor).

Lee Valley upped the work rate again and after being frustrated by Bird, Nick Alley (17:45, unassisted) finally broke through the reduce the score the 2-1, which is how the period ended.

2nd Period: Lee Valley needed a strong response and started the period at a faster pace, with both teams raising the physicality. Sam Awoyemi and James Hepburn both made big hits in defensive positions, and the Lions started to reduce the shots on Andrew’s goal. Lee Valley still couldn’t make any clear cut chances though and with that the period ended scoreless, with the score still at 2-1 to Swindon.

3rd Period: The third period continued with the pace of the 2nd, but Lee Valley started to give away more turnovers in neutral ice and Swindon started to gain more control and settle in the Lions’ own zone. James Andrew continued to make big saves until a turnover on Lee Valley’s blue line allowed Jordan Smith (48:50, unassisted) to skate in 1-on-0 against Andrew, roofing the puck to double Swindon’s lead.

Lions continued to struggle to get out of their own zone and as they tried to get back into the game, Nick Alley mis-timed a hit at neutral ice, receiving a tripping penalty. Swindon were quick to capitalise through Jordan Smith (58:34, assist Taylor), making it 4-1 before Matt Hepburn (58:34, assist Ben Gillingham) quickly fired back to pull it back to 4-2.

George Alley decided to gamble in an effort to salvage a draw and pulled James Andrew for the extra skater, but the Lions couldn’t maintain control of the puck and a scrappy turnover allowed Adam Coakley (59:46 empty net goal, unassisted) to chip into the empty net, sealing the game at 5-2.

Game Stats
Final Score: Lee Valley 2-5 Swindon
Period Scores: 1-2/0-0/1-3
Shots on Goal: Lee Valley 21-47 Swindon
Penalties in Minutes: Lee Valley 6-8 Swindon
Scoring: Lee Valley: Nick Alley & Matt Hepburn (1+0), Ben Gillingham (0+1)
Swindon: Adam Coakley & Jordan Smith (2+0), Loris Taylor (0+2), Stuart Widdows (1+0), Andrew Coakley (0+1)
Goaltending Stats: James Andrew (Lions) 46 shots/4 goals 91.3%, Empty Net 1 shot/1 goal
Graeme Bird (Swindon) 21 shots/2 goals 90.48%

Lee Valley Lions return to league action next Saturday (10/09) at home to Slough Jets, for information about tickets and travel to to Lee Valley Ice Centre, go to the Game Day section of our website.

You can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions

Glover, Awoyemi & Hidge Sign On

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Our final group of signings before our first game of season are three more returnees.

Coming back for their second seasons in Lions jerseys are ultility player Oliver Glover, former Lee Valley junior Samuel Awoyemi and forward Ross Sin-Hidge.

Oliver returns after joining late last season from local rivals Haringey Racers. Before then he came through the Nottingham junior system, and then played for Nottingham Mavericks in the British University League. Oliver

For Lee Valley junior Samuel is another former player of coach George Alley, where they worked together in the club’s under 18’s. Samuel was the team’s captain before stepping up to the Lions.

Ross Sin-Hidge also joined from Haringey at the same time as Oliver Glover. Former Haringey junior Ross, spent two seasons with the North London outfit before moving down the River Lea. Unfortunately Ross was only able to play 5 games in green before suffering a season ending knee injury.

Coach George Alley had this to say about the new signings.

“Ollie came to us as a forward last year but when I covered the team in January, he offered to play D when we were short of players and did great job. He is very reliable and knowing I can utilise him as a forward and as a defenceman is very reassuring.”

“Samuel had a tough time breaking into the team last season, but will get more opportunities this year. He’s a quick learner and his work rate is infectious. Everyone on the team enjoys playing with Sam and will go out of their way to help him develop this season.”

“Ross’ season got cut short because of injury but he keeps himself in very good shape so he’s come back quickly. His roller skills are showcased in that he has very quick hands, he’s got a great shot on him as well. If Ross gets through a full season I’m confident he’ll be very effective for us.”

“We’ve now got more than three lines of players available to play. So competition for places is going to be strong, particularly in the coming weeks. I’m looking to add a couple more players before September finishes as well, so we’ve got plenty of depth in the team”

You can view Oliver, Samuel & Ross’ stats in the links below.

Oliver Glover Stats
Samuel Awoyemi Stats
Ross Sin-Hidge Stats

The Lions begin their season with the visit of Swindon NIHL Wildcats this Saturday (03/09/2016). Face off for the game is at 5:30pm and you can find more information on our  Tickets & Location section.

Remember, you can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions

Lions Sign Goalie James Andrew

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The Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce the signing of Goalie James Andrew.

James has made the step up from the University of London Dragons, with whom he won the BUIHA South Division in 2014-15.

A former Peterborough junior, James took time away from the game before taking up the sport again whilst studying in London, where head coach George Alley first saw him play.

“The Dragons were usually on the ice after juniors finished training, and James asked me to stick around to do some goalie work with him. At the time he was a bit rough around the edges”

“Since then I hadn’t seen him play until he starting skating with us over the summer, and the improvements he’s made since I first met him have been remarkable.”

“He’s very agile and his puck tracking is very good, especially given that he’d taken a lot of time away from the sport.”

“I really think James will do well for us this year and I’m looking forward to having him on board.”

You can view James’ stats in the link below.

James Andrew Stats

Remember, you can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions

Gosling, Gillingham Back for More

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The Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce the return of long serving defenceman James Gosling, and forward Ben Gillingham.

Former Invicta player James first joined the Lions in 2010-2011 and has now played 107 times for the team, scoring 25 points from the blue line.

Ben Gillingham returns for his second season in a green & white jersey after joining late in the 2015/16 campaign after coming through the Bracknell & Guildford junior set ups. As an Under 18 he was a teammate of fellow Lions Nick Alley & Matt Hepburn.

Coach George Alley had this to say about the signings.

“I’m glad to have Goose (Gosling) back this season as I know how reliable he is on D and that he will do anything for the team.”

“He’s also very popular with the other players so I’m happy we’ve added to the core of good people in the dressing room.”

“Ben is a very hard working forward who I know can contribute a lot more points this season.”

“I think getting a full season under his belt will be good for Ben and the team, he brings a lot of energy & effort which I know will rub off on the guys.”

You can view James & Ben’s stats in the links below.

James Gosling Stats
Ben Gillingham Stats

Remember, you can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions

Another Four Lions Return

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Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce the returns of defensive pair Henry Aiken & Joe Weare, Jordan Turner & Simon Geldart.

Henry will start his second season on the Lions’ blue line, where Joe and Jordan both return after a year out from the sport.

In his first season with the Lions, Aiken notched up 5 points whilst being one of the team’s most consistent performers in defence. A former Guildford junior, Henry brings a confidence that belies his young age to the Lions’ defence.

Former Streatham IHC player Joe returns for his second stint in a Lions jersey, having first played for the team in the 2014/15 season. The former Romford and Chelmsford junior has also represented South East Conference before making his senior debut with Slough Harrier Hawks.

Jordan first joined the club’s Under 18’s (then coached by George Alley) in the 13/14 season after making the move over from Chelmsford juniors, and was given his senior debut that year against Basingstoke.

In 2014/15 Jordan spent a full season with the team before taking a year off to concentrate on work and University.

Billingham trained Simon Geldart, returns after joining the Lions in January this year. He came through the North East club’s junior setup, then going on to play for Northumbria University before moving to London

Coach George Alley had this to say about the signings.

“I was very keen to get Henry back this season as I know he will be one of the important cogs for the team.”

“He’s extremely tough but also strong on the puck without being flash about it. I’m confident that Henry will be one of our strongest performers this season”.

“Joe had a year out last season, but he’s been a regular at our open skates this summer and showed great enthusiasm to come back. I hope that enthusiasm will translate well in his gameplay”

“He has experience in NIHL 1, and it’s good to have players who can bring that level of experience to the team.”

“I’m delighted to have Jordan back in the team as his work ethic is second to none. It was that hard work that made him a very popular player in his first senior season and I know the team is happy to have him back this year”.

“Simon joined when I covered the team in January and was an instant hit with the dressing room. He’s extremely hard working and started to find his rhythm once he’d settled into the side. He adapts well to anything that’s asked of him which is a great quality to have.”

You can view Henry, Joe, Jordan & Simon’s stats in the links below.

Henry Aiken Stats
Joe Weare Stats
Jordan Turner Stats
Simon Geldart Stats

Remember, you can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions