Rihards Grigors carries the puck. Photo by IceHockeyMedia.
Whitley Warriors are sad to announce that Latvian defenceman Rihards Grigors will not be patrolling the Hillheads blue line next season.
Rihards has been a solid part of the Warriors’ defence for the last three years but the constant travel between Edinburgh and Whitley Bay has taken its toll on other aspects of his life.
“I have loved my time in Whitley Bay, though I have found the travel to be difficult particularly as I have a young family,” Rihards said.
“I had decided to leave last year but once Tony and Willie got the jobs I said to them I would stay on for one more season. Pressures of work and my family have meant I could not continue on.
“I have had my best season with the Warriors and I would like to thank the fans for giving me the Hillheads Player of the Year award this year. I will miss playing for the Warriors and will even miss the long drives with Willie and Tony!
General Manager Willie Dunn spoke about Rihards’ departure from Whitley Warriors. “I have known Rihards for a number of years and I was very pleased when he agreed to come back last year but we knew it would be for one season due to work and family commitments.
“Rihards has always given 100% for the team and would stick up for his team mates and chip in with goals and assists. I was delighted that the fans choose him as their player of the year and he goes with the best wishes of all at the club and, I am sure, all the fans at Whitley Bay.”
All the best for the future Rihards!
