Whitley Warriors can confirm that netminders Richie Lawson and Mark Turnbull will both be icing for the club next season. Both goalies were part of Warriors set up last term as the team successfully qualified for the end of season play offs up in Dumfries, Scotland.
Richie Lawson has been the clubs senior netminder for almost 3 seasons now and securing his services for the upcoming season is a great boost to the cause Warriors cause as Richie has proven himself to be one of the top goalies in NIHL North over the last few years with some eye catching displays in between the pipes.
Richie posted some impressive statistics in the 2013/14 season as he was able to save over 91% of the shots that came his way and average 3.73 goals against per game. His impressive form also saw him claim a number of Man of the Match accolades for his displays in goal.
Competing alongside Richie for a goaltending spot on the roster will be young netminder Mark Turnbull who made his senior debut last season and went onto to appear in a number of important games for the club. The youngster will no doubt want to see more ice time this term as he looks to develop his career in the NIHL North set up.
Mark stats at senior level are also impressive as the teenage goalie has appeared in 3 competitive games for Warriors and has a save percentage narrowly above 92% from his limited appearances at senior level to date. Mark also made a guest appearance for the Billingham Stars in a challenge game against Warriors late in the campaign which saw the youngster make a string of fine saves against his own team mates.
Richie Lawson spoke about how he has found it to play for Warriors Coach Simon Leach and his own ambitions for the next campaign.
“Simon’s passion for the game and for the Warriors is 2nd to none and he expects that from his players. Simon has made his intentions clear and that is to bring honours back to Hillheads.
“I’m itching to get started again next season as last season left a bitter taste in my mouth. The day I stop wanting to lift silverware is the day I stop playing so the decision to re-sign was therefore an easy one for me.
“My personal goals are to improve my save percentage to 92.5% and my goals against average to 2 goals per game.”
Warriors fans are reminded to check the clubs website each week as news on further signings and the club in general will be posted on a regular basis on Warrior Wednesdays.