Whitley Warriors are delighted to announce the signing of import defenceman Patriks Grigors for the 2024-25 season.
Grigors, 23, is the younger brother of former Warrior Rihards and will be best known to Warriors supporters for his three seasons with Billingham Stars.
Grigors started his hockey career with Daugavpils’ and Jelgava’s junior teams before making his way to Murrayfield in 2017 and icing for Edinburgh Capitals’ SNL side. As the Edinburgh hockey setup changed from Edinburgh Capitals to Murrayfield Racers, Grigors moved with them, where he iced with brother Rihards and new Warriors defenceman Ethan Reid.
He moved to Billingham Stars in 2021, playing a physical game that resulted in multiple suspensions. Ironically, it was against Warriors in last season’s playoff semi final that Grigors picked up his latest suspension. He will be able to ice for Whitley from October.
Originally set to return to Edinburgh Capitals, Grigors has had a change of mind and will wear the #62 shirt for the upcoming season in Maroon and Gold.
“I am pleased to be joining the Warriors,” Grigors said. “I’ve always enjoyed playing at Whitley Bay and the atmosphere is always good, now I hope they will be cheering for me and not against me! I have worked Tony and Willie before and they know what I can bring to the team and I can’t wait to get started.”
Head Coach Tony Hand said: “I’ve worked with Patriks before when he was younger. I know what he can bring and what he can add to our defence. I’ve spoken to him a few times and he knows what I am looking for and I believe he will be a good addition to the squad.”
Welcome to Whitley Warriors, Patriks!