Whitley Warriors can today announce that defencemen Liam Smedley and Josh Maddock are set to return for the new season.
Josh, 25, enters his tenth season as a Warrior having come through the junior system at Whitley Bay. He spoke of signing up for another season: “I’m happy to be back, the team showed last year that when we turn up we can hold our own against any team in the league.
“It’s going to be a tough season this year but I’m sure the boys will rise to the challenge.”
20-year-old Liam iced for Newcastle Vipers, Northern Stars and Billingham Stars junior clubs before moving to the Whitley junior set up in 2013-14. He made his senior debut in 2014-15 and is a valuable member of the team as he goes into his fifth year in maroon and gold.
“I can’t wait to get started again,” Liam said this week. “It’s good to have the time off but there’s nothing better than getting back on the ice. I’m expecting a bit of a different year with my girlfriend and I expecting a baby but hopefully that doesn’t affect too much hockey because I don’t enjoy missing games. I’m hoping we can progress on last season and try to aim for a playoff spot.”
Welcome back Liam and Josh!