Whitley Warriors player/coach David Longstaff has continued to build his side’s roster for the 2015/16 season this week as Scott Cooper, Harry Harley and Mark Turnbull have all agreed to ice for Warriors next term. All 3 players were part of the Warriors set up last season under previous head coach Simon Leach.
Warriors now have 10 players confirmed on their roster for next term and given the new season is still around 3 months away Whitley look set to go into the 2015/16 campaign as well prepared as any side in the NIHL North set up.
Scott Cooper linked up with Warriors in the summer of 2014 and went onto establish himself a key member of Warriors squad during the last campaign. Scott demonstrated his commitment to Warriors cause on a number of occasions when he took to the ice carrying injuries in the later part of the campaign when Whitley were short of defencemen.
Scott shared his thoughts on the upcoming campaign.
“I’m really excited for the new season with all the changes that have taken place and I’m looking forward to working with Lobby (David Longstaff) on a day to day basis.
“Ambitions for the team first of all will be to make the playoffs and then we can go from there. On a personal note I would like to really establish myself as a d man now I have a full season in the position under my belt.”
Joining Cooper on the Warriors roster is Harry Harley, Harry first iced for Warriors back in the 2011/12 season and the 20 year old has gone onto appear for Whitley in every campaign since. Harry’s best season statistically was in 2012/13 when he was able to contribute 22 points to Warriors cause. Harry’s versatility gives Warriors coaching staff a great deal of tactical flexibility as the youngster is equally at home in attack or defence.
Harry spoke about signing for Warriors next season and also gave his views on how the 2015/16 season may progress.
“When I heard that Lobby was going to be the coach I knew straight away that I wanted to sign back. I’ve seen Lobby play and he can bring a lot of hockey knowledge to the Warriors. I am looking forward to playing under him next year.
“We will definitely be a strong force in the league next year and we will be challenging for silverware.”
Young netminder Mark Turnbull has also agreed to ice for Warriors next season. Mark first appeared for Whitley at senior level back in the 2013/14 season when he appeared in 3 match ups however last season saw the youngster sharing goaltending duties with Richie Lawson for the majority of the campaign. Mark impressed during the 14 appearances he made for Warriors last year as his save percentage was around the 90% mark while his goals against per game average of around 4 goals per match up was also favourable.
Mark chatted about his career with Warriors to date and also his hopes for the coming season.
“Over the past two seasons I have really enjoyed my hockey. There is always a great atmosphere within the team and I think the disappointment of playing in the relegation playoffs has only made us stronger as a whole and I definitely believe we will be competing for the top spot this season.
“Lobby has made some great signings already and I can’t wait to get back on the ice and to start the new season.”
Warriors will announce further signings next week as Coach Longstaff continues to build Warriors roster for his first campaign in charge of the team in NIHL North Division 1.