Whitley Warriors are delighted to welcome forward Ben Richards back to the roster after taking a break from hockey.
Richards came through the ranks of Whitley Bay Junior Ice Hockey Club before breaking into the senior team in 2012-13 and played for Great Britain Under-18 in 2013-14. A firm fan favourite, he was voted into the top three of Hillheads Player of the Year in 2017-18 and was widely regarded as a talent in the roster. Ben will wear the #94 shirt this season.
Ben, now 28, stepped away from hockey at the end of the championship-winning 2019-20 season. “I’ve taken some time off to build my family, but we are in a good place now and I’m ready to get back out there,” he said. “I am buzzing to be back. I’ve been keeping an eye on the boys the last few seasons and I’ve missed being a part of it.”
“I was pleased when I heard that Ben wanted to resume playing,” Head Coach Tony Hand told us. “I had a long chat with him and I think he will add real quality to the squad.”
Welcome back Ben!