Whitley Warriors are pleased to announce that Head Coach Simon Leach has been able secure the services of forwards Dean Holland, Martin Crammond and Harry Harley alongside defenceman Dan Harris for the 2014/15 campaign that will get under way this autumn.
Dean Holland who last played for Warriors in the opening weeks of the 2012/13 campaign has opted to move back to the NIHL North and ice for Warriors having spent the majority of the last 2 seasons in the English Premier League with the Guildford Flames. Dean has enjoyed much success during his time in Surrey and he was able to contribute a total of 10 points last season as Guildford qualified for the end of season play offs in the EPL set up.
Another forward who has been confirmed on Whitley’s roster for the up coming campaign is Martin Crammond (son of Whitley’s manager John) who has been part of the Warriors senior set up since 2007. Martin had a hugely successful 2013/14 season as he was able to contribute a total of 15 points in competitive games as well as establishing himself as one of the top penalty killers on the Whitley roster.
Joining Martin and Dean in the Warriors squad is Harry Harley who re-joined Whitley mid way through the 2013/14 season when he opted to leave his role with the Peterborough Phantoms in the English Premier League to return to his roots on North Tyneside. Harry played in a total of 8 Moralee Conference match ups for Warriors and averaged better than a point per game form which saw the skilful youngster trouble many NIHL North defences.
Whitley Coach Simon Leach has also been able to add a defencemen to his roster with the signing of Dan Harris. Dan Harris returned to the Warriors squad in the summer of 2013 having spent the previous 2 seasons icing in the EPL for the Basingstoke Bison and the Milton Keynes Lightning respectively. Dan quickly resettled into life back at Whitley Bay though and he was one of Warriors top defencemen last term contributing 4 goals and a further 11 assists from his slot on the blue line.
Warriors Coach Simon Leach shared his views on his latest additions to Warriors squad and how the Whitley roster on a whole is shaping up ahead of the 2014/15 season.
“We are delighted that we are able to announce this quartet of players. Dan Harris was definitely one of our stand out defencemen last year. He is now a very experienced, dependable d man and has an all round solid game and we will look for Dan to once again be one of our top performers next term.
“Harry Harley, joined us on deadline day from Peterborough in 2013/14. Harry has had a great impact since his return to Hillheads scoring some vital goals for us. His ability to play both as a forward and in defence gives us good options when it comes to our special teams. His talent is unquestionable and we will certainly be looking to him to carry improving and playing a major part in the future of the Warriors.
“Martin Crammond is a superb all round team player with an excellent attitude to match situations. He is a very consistent performer who will play wherever for the good of the team. Strong on the penalty kill and a very disciplined player who has also chipped in with goals at crucial times. Another important part of the jigsaw and we are very happy to have him back on board.
“Dean (Holland) has agreed to join the club for the upcoming season after a spell with the Guilford Flames in the EPL. Dean will bring a good variety of play to our team. He can score goals, create opportunities for his team mates and also brings a physical element to the team which is certainly something we missed at times last season. We are hoping he brings all of the experience he gained whilst playing in Guildford to our group going forward. The club would like to welcome Dean back into the Warriors fold.
“Things are really starting to take shape and the coaching staff are happy with the work that has been carried out so far.”
Dean Holland gave his thoughts on becoming a Warrior again.
“It’s great to be coming back to play for Whitley and Simon Leach. Simon is a great coach and he knows the game like the back of his hand. He is putting a great team together and we will be pushing to bring championships back to Whitley. Warriors have a great dressing room with super players. It will be great to be back in the room with all the boys.”
Martin Crammond and Harry Harley also gave their thoughts on re-signing for Warriors.
Martin – “I am looking forward to the up and coming season because I feel we can better ourselves from the 2013/14 season. This will be an exciting challenge for us all and I feel Simon (Leach) has the ability to push us in the right direction.
“I enjoy working with Simon as I feel he has the correct drive and ambition needed to coach a team like the Whitley Warriors.
Harry – “I liked what I saw last year with how Simon ran things at Whitley so it was an easy decision for me to sign for the coming season. Simon is a good coach who knows what he is talking about so hopefully we will able to finish higher up the table and do some damage in the play offs this coming year.”
Warriors now have a total of 7 players confirmed for next season and with more signings anticipated in the coming weeks fans are advised to keep a close eye on the clubs website www.whitleywarriors.net.