Whitley Warriors are delighted to announce that experienced forward Dean Holland will ice for the 2024-25 season.
36-year-old former captain Holland brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously played at both EPL and Elite League level.
Dean first embarked on his ice hockey career at Sunderland before progressing quickly to divide his ice time between Newcastle Vipers’ EIHL, ENL and Under 19s sides in 2006 which was followed by a call-up to Team GB’s Under 20s outfit at the World Junior Championships in his 2007-08 campaign. Remaining with the Vipers until the team’s demise in 2011, Holland continued to ice in the Elite League and the EPL for Dundee Stars and Telford Tigers respectively. A return to Hillheads in his 2011-12 season saw Holland record 24 goals and 16 assists in 22 league games but a move to Guildford Flames drew the forward back to the EPL for a further two seasons where he was crowned EPL champion in both league and cup competitions.
Dean told us, “I’m looking forward to be coming back – this time for the full season with hopefully some better times ahead. I think if we maintain lots of last years roster and add a few more faces we should give the top teams good games!”
“Dean made a huge impact when he decided to return last season,” said Head Coach Tony Hand. “The prospect of having him for the full season pleases me. Dean is a big influence on and off the ice and can put up the type of numbers we will need this season to be competitive.”
Welcome back Dean!