Whitley Warriors are delighted to announce the re-signing of respected defenceman Adam Wood.
Although spending most of his ice time on the blue line, 35-year-old Wood also has the ability to cause trouble for opposition netminders. He started his junior ice hockey career in Cardiff and after a season away from the sport, made his senior debut with the Devils’ ENL team in 2009, notching 6 goals, 4 assists and 173 penalty minutes in 16 league games in his first campaign.
After playing two more seasons for the Devils either side of a second break from ice hockey, Wood switched to Streatham in 2014 and collected 26 points in 34 league games. He then played a further five seasons for the side, fulfilling the role of alternate captain from 2016 to 2020 whilst recording a total of 23 goals, 33 assists and 410 PIMs.
In 2021 he moved north and joined Whitley Warriors, notching 17 points in his first season in the Maroon and Gold. He announced his retirement just before the Playoff Final against Solway Sharks in April in 2023 but was persuaded to step back on the ice the following season and has remained there since, captaining the Warriors last season while totalling 23 points and 100 penalty minutes.
“I’m delighted to be back again, last season was a really enjoyable year with lots of positives to carry into this season,” Wood said. “I’m excited to see what some of the team can bring now that they have a full season of senior hockey under their belts.
“I’m also looking forward to getting out in front of some of those big crowds again, the support last year was unrivalled. I hope everyone enjoys their summer, see you all in September!”
“It’s great to have Adam back,” Head Coach Tony Hand said. “He can lead from the front this year and set a great example for the team, and in particular the younger guys in the room and on ice.”
Welcome back Woody!