Whitley Warriors begin the 2017/18 season with 2 challenge games the 2nd of these fixtures a clash against the Combined Armed Forces on Sunday September 3rd will give fans the chance to see Warriors in action for the first time in the new campaign.
It is envisaged that Warriors new signing import forward Phil Edgar will take to the ice in the contest against the Armed Forces and the Canadian sharp shooter recently took some time out to chat about how he hopes his overall time in England will pan out.
“Regarding my move to Warriors I want to be a part of everything. Literally anything that is going on with the Warriors and the community surrounding the team I want to be a part of. Whether this means interacting with fans, working to help the team off the ice or even getting involved in Whitley programs I want to do it. In Canada after University hockey most guys hang up the skates. With this move I want to have a very long career and essentially build my life around UK hockey as best I can. I also have a significant amount of family who live in Newcastle including my Grandpa (Thomas White) who has been generous enough to house me while I get settled in. I also can’t wait to meet the boys on the team.
“When I knew I was interested in playing for the Warriors I tried to research the league as much as possible. There are not many Canadians in the league so it was hard to get a feel for the level of competition.
“I will need a job when I get to England and so if any of our sponsors are looking for employees or can help in any way that would be great. I am looking to stay in England long term so I will need to build a Career outside of hockey.”
Phil then went onto speak about the sides he has played for in the past before chatting about his time at University.
“The Kitchener Dutchmen was my first junior team that I ever played for. They are my local Junior B team in the town that I grew up in and I loved every second I played for them. I played with a lot of guys I grew up playing with so I really felt at home there. My coach Brad Lund also coached me for two years in my youth and taught me a great deal. I also played in the GOJHL which is a very good league. Essentially it is one step below the OHL and has had many players go to the NHL. Most guys either go from there to the states to play NCAA or D3 otherwise University hockey is the route most guys take in Canada after Junior.
“After my last year of Junior I joined the University of Waterloo and played for them. In the 2015/2016 season I was a rookie and only played a couple of games. I practiced with the team every day though while I was getting my University Education. When the 2016/2017 season came round I played one game at the beginning of the season, after that I decided to put hockey in the back seat to make sure that I finish my Education in the correct amount of time, I had to work pretty hard to get it my degree and this decision definitely made the difference. The only time I have not been playing full time hockey then is this past season. Even then I joined a part time local.”
Phil then shared the message he had for the hockey fans on North Tyneside.
“From speaking to David Longstaff, Jordan Barnes and Josh Maddock I have been told that Warriors fans are the best in the league! The numbers at each game is far more than I was expecting which I think is great. I am so excited to play in front of a group of fans who have shown such support for their home team. I dream about scoring and celebrating with the fans every night and I hope every game they come to watch I can perform well for them and they will take me in as one of their own. I intend on meeting all of them and promise this season will be an exciting one to watch, see you soon!”
The full interview with Phil will be published in Warriors first match night programme of the season when Whitley take on the Combined Armed Forces side which should be a superb start to the season for everyone connected with the Warriors organisation both on and off the ice.
If any individual or company would like to sponsor Phil or discuss the possibility of potential employment with him 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.
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