Whitley Warriors can today announce their first signings for the 2018-19 season – and where better to start than the netminders? The new season gets underway in September and helping to keep the puck out of the net are Richie Lawson and Jordan Boyle.
Richie has been a fan favourite since signing for Warriors in 2011 and is regarded as one of the best netminders in the league. Last season he recorded a 90.29% save average from 1381 minutes on the ice. Richie first iced for Sunderland Arrows in 2001 and over the years has played for Newcastle Vipers and Basingstoke Bison in the EIHL.
Richie said, “I’m pleased to be signing again – sorry fans…bring your sunglasses to protect your eyes from the flashing red light! Looking forward to getting back on the ice soon to shake off the summer rust.
“It’s going to be difficult to compete with some of the top big budget teams, but we’ll certainly put up a fight… there’s rarely an easy night for visiting teams to the wigwam. Really enjoying the off season, not going to lie… it’s nice to have your weekends free when you work a busy day job on top of hockey! Look forward to lacing the skates back up though!”
Jordan first iced for Warriors in the 2012-13 season and is now entering his fourth consecutive season in the maroon and gold, having spent 2014-15 at Solway Sharks.
Jordan said today he is really looking forward to the season starting again. “I thought we had a really good season and when I got asked by Lobby [David Longstaff] if I wanted to sign again, it was an easy desicion.
“I knew I needed to get a lot fitter for the upcoming season because that was my down point from last season so I am training really hard through the off season to try and get my fitness level up.”
Welcome back Richie and Jordan!