Adam Wood. Photo by IceHockeyMedia.
Whitley Warriors are delighted to welcome back versatile player Adam Wood for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
With the ability to play as a forward or as a defenceman, 33-year-old Wood started his junior ice hockey career in Cardiff and after a season away from the sport, made his senior debut with the Devils’ ENL team in 2009, notching 6 goals, 4 assists and 173 penalty minutes in 16 league games in his first campaign.
After playing two more seasons for the Devils either side of a second break from ice hockey, Wood switched to Streatham in 2014 and collected 26 points in 34 league games. He then played a further five seasons for the side, fulfilling the role of alternate captain from 2016 to 2020 whilst recording a total of 23 goals, 33 assists and 410 PIMs.
In 2021 he moved north and joined the Warriors, notching 17 points in his first season in maroon and gold. He last played for Whitley in the Playoff Final against Solway Sharks in April last year and is ready to get back into the action.
“I’m really happy to be returning to the team for the remainder of the season,” Wood told us. “Hopefully I can add some experience to what is now a relatively young team. It’s going to be fun to get back on the ice with the boys, there’s a few new guys I don’t know yet but I’ve got some really good mates on the team and it’s definitely been odd not spending time with them every week.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone around the rink and hopefully we can see out the end of the year with some good results.”
Head Coach Tony Hand spoke about Wood’s return: “I’m delighted that Adam has agreed to sign for the remainder of the season. We chatted over the summer but at that point he did not feel he could commit to the team. After talking to him again it became clear he was very keen to return. Adam brings a wealth of experience to the team and I look forward to having him in the squad next weekend.”
Wood will wear the number 79 shirt, which is available for sponsorship immediately. He will return to the team next weekend just in time for two road games – the Northern Challenge Cup second leg at Edinburgh Capitals and a local derby at Billingham Stars.