Photo by IceHockeyMedia
Whitley Warriors are delighted to announce that d man Josh Maddock and skilful forward Ben Richards have both agreed to remain part of the David Longstaff’s squad for the 2017/18 campaign. Both players came through the junior ranks at Hillheads and have been part of the senior set up for a number of years now.
Josh had a superb season for Whitley last term providing crucial experience and guile in the back line. The 24 year old admirably played through a number of injuries last term to ensure Warriors could ice their best possible side. Josh appeared in 26 games during the course of the season picking up 4 assists and 16 penalty minutes.
Despite being only 20 Ben has been part of the Warriors set up since the 2012/3 campaign when he burst into senior hockey. Ben’s best season statistically was back in 2013/14 when he was able to tally 15 points in the 21 games he appeared in. The youngster displayed some fine form last season which saw him tally 8 points in the games he played alongside picking up a number of man of the match awards for accomplished displays out on the ice in the maroon and gold of his team.
Josh and Ben both spoke about the aspects of the coming season they were looking forward to and how they thought Warriors squad was shaping up.
Josh – “I’m looking forward to playing against some really tough opposition and having a real fight on our hands each and every week. I think the squad is shaping up nicely I think the addition of Adam (Finlinson) is a great signing.”
Ben – I’m just looking forward to playing and training again, obviously with the league changing the games will be a lot more competitive. With regards to how the teams shaping up I think signing Adam Finlinson is a really good signing, he’s skilful and can score goals, having Kyle Ross back will benefit us as well as he’s great for our offence.”
Both players then spoke about what they were looking to improve upon this season, any games they’re looking forward to and any ambitions they had for 2017/18.
Josh – “I’m just looking to add a few more goals to my game this year. I always look forward to the Billingham games as I love the atmosphere when we play them. As for ambitions, I think we just have to look to compete every single game and make Whitley a hard place to visit for the opposition.”
Ben – “For me I’d say I’m looking to improving my fitness as games will be a lot different to last year and I want to contribute to the team as much as I can. I always look forward to playing Billingham, but I think playing against the new teams in the league should be good as well. Personally I just want to do my bit for the team in whatever form that is every game. As an organisation just do the best we can with what we’ve got, take each game as they come and hopefully surprise a few people along the way!”
If any individual or company would like to sponsor Josh, Ben or any of the other members of the Warriors set up they are invited to make contact through the contact page on Warriors website and then they can be put in touch with the player himself or Warriors General Manager/Assistant Coach Dave Holland.