Dan Pye and Richie Lawson ensure Stars' Michael Elder's shot stays out of the net.
Whitley Warriors are pleased to announce that long serving forward Martin Crammond and the uncompromising d man Dan Pye will be part of the clubs roster for the 2017/18 campaign in NIHL North Division 1. Warriors squad for the new season is now nicely taking shape with a number of last year’s roster signed up plus the addition of forwards Kyle Ross and Adam Finlinson.
Martin Crammond has been part of the Warriors set up for over a decade now and the 27 year old can adapt to play in a number of different positions depending on the needs of his team. Martin best season points wide was back in 2010/11 when he was able to tally 16 points during the regular ENL season with another 2 points coming in the Northern League.
This will be Dan Pye’s 4 season as part of the Warriors organisation before joining up Whitley he played in NIHL South and the Elite League, those experiences could be beneficial with new sides coming into NIHL North this term. Dan gives his all everytime he is out on the ice for Warriors and he has established himself as one of the best stay at home defencemen in the division during his time icing in the maroon and gold of Warriors.
Martin chatted about the aspects of the new season he was looking forward and how he maintained his fitness during the close season.
“I’m looking forward to the competition this year, again it’s going to be tough however with our league now being the second tier (in British Ice Hockey) I’m looking forward to seeing how the league has progressed. It’s going to be an enjoyable year ahead. Fitness wise I’m always active, whether it’s going for a run or doing some sessions in the gym, (this year more than ever) however getting back on the ice is a different experience all together, I’m looking forward to preseason to see if it all comes together.”
Martin then went onto speak about the new look to NIHL North and which games he would be looking out for once the fixtures get released.
“I guess it’s going to be consistency with regard to the challenges ahead. The former EPL teams will still hold onto good solid players who do nothing but play hockey, whereas the Warriors work full time and find time for hockey. It’ll be interesting to see how that effects the season, but I speak for myself and say I am looking forward to the season ahead, this will be a season which creates a lot of unknowns and ones which the Warriors will have to overcome!!
“I’ll be honest, the Billingham games are still number one on the calendar when the fixtures come out, there’s no better experience than a local derby in front of home fans!!”
Warriors popular number 18 then went onto speak about ambitions for the coming season.
“Personal ambitions are to again help out where I can with the Warriors, I’d like to contribute more to my offensive play than I did last season however I want a solid year and hopefully to end it all with making the playoffs as a team, showing the league what a team with passion in abundance can achieve.
“Also I’ve Just realised this will be my 13th season with the Warriors, which is crazy! Also I think I’m 8th in the Warriors all time regular season games played!!”
If any individual or company would like to sponsor Martin, Dan 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.