Whitley Warriors can announce that both Scott Cooper and Jordan Boyle will be part of the clubs squad for the upcoming 2016/17 campaign. Both players were part of the Warriors set up last year under the guidance of player/coach David ‘Lobby’ Longstaff and his assistant coach Dave Holland.
Scott linked up with Whitley back in the summer of 2015 and has established himself as a crucial member of the roster who can operate in both forward and defensive positions. Scott is more than capable of picking up points when given the license to attack while he is also more than adept in protecting his team’s goal in defensive situations.
Unfortunately Scott suffered a serious injury towards the end of last term which kept him out of Warriors last few games. Scott shared his thoughts on his injury and how he has found getting back to fitness.
“My progress has been better than we all expected following my injury at the end of last season. I just want to say a massive thank you to all the fans & people who went out of their way to wish me well. Also thanks to all the lads on the team who have supported me every step of the way. I’m hoping to back to training at some point over the coming weeks in time for the start of the season but I won’t know how I feel for sure until I’m back on the ice. I obviously thought about stopping playing all together but it was always in the back of mind to come back if I felt I could.”
Scott then gave his thoughts on the 2016/17 season and if he has a preferred position in the team.
“I can’t wait to get started again with the team, we have unfinished business in the league with narrowly missing out on top spot and the playoffs but I think with that experience from last season it will help us this year.
“I still see myself as a forward in many ways as I’m still learning the ins and outs of being a D man but I’m happy to help the team out in anyway I can. Dave and Lobby where great last year in helping me progress as an all round player.”
Young goaltender Jordan Boyle will also be part of the Warriors squad next season. Jordan has been in around the senior team at Whitley since the 2012/3 season when he provided back up for Whitley’s senior netminder on a number of occasions. Jordan has since gone onto appear for Warriors in a number of games as well as gaining a great deal of experience from a spell with the Solway Sharks in the 2014/15 term when he started a significant number of games for the side from the Scottish borders.
It is thought that Jordan will provide cover for Warriors senior netminder Richie Lawson this season and given that fellow young goalie Mark Turnbull has opted to move to North America, Jordan could well see more first team opportunities come his way during the course of the season.