Lee Valley Lions

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

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

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

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

Lee Valley are pleased to announce the return of defensive trio James Joseph, Robin Young & Simon Jones.

Club stalwart James, who along with coach George Alley re-formed the Lions in 2005 and has played in every season since, making a total of 199 appearances in a Lions’ shirt. Only 9 games short of his father, Lions legend Eddie Joseph, and 17 short of the club record held by Steve James.

“James and I have known each other since we started playing over 20 years ago,” said coach, George Alley.

“He’s very much a part of the furniture and has been with the team ever since we reformed in 2005. He’s very dependable and really adds to the camaraderie we have in the dressing room. If anyone understands the values and history of the club, it’s James”.

Former Chelmsford Chieftains, Romford Raiders & Altrincham Aces player Robin Young returns for his 2nd season with Lee Valley. Despite taking a long break from competitive hockey, Robin brings a lot of experience having played in the old British Leagues with Romford & Chelmsford.

“Robin  is very skilful and has a big shot that I think we can put to use this year”.

“I’m looking forward to working with Robin, to maximise his skill set and improve his contribution to the squad”.

Simon Jones returns for his second season in a Lions’ jersey. Like Robin Young, Simon took time away from competitive hockey before joining Lee Valley last season. But the former Slough and Chelmsford Junior settled well into the squad.

“I know Simon has worked hard off the ice this summer, he was very keen to come back and prove a point after his first year with us. When I covered the team in January, Simon was very receptive to any advice from teammates or myself. He really improved in that time which is why I was keen to have him back this season.”

You can view James, Robin & Simon’s stats in the links below.

James Joseph Stats
Robin Young Stats
Simon Jones Stats

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