Mark Turnbull. Photo by IceHockeyMedia.
Whitley Warriors are pleased to confirm the return of netminder Mark Turnbull to the club for the 2021-22 campaign.
26-year-old Turnbull played his junior ice hockey at Hillheads, icing for the Tomahawks and the Braves before making the step up to Whitley’s senior outfit in their 2013-14 season in which he recorded a save percentage of 92.8% in 3 league games.
Turnbull then played a further four seasons with the Warriors, though not consecutively due to the netminder’s decision to divide his time between the GMHL’s Wiarton Rock and Toronto Attack in Canada in his 2016-17 campaign.
In 2019, Turnbull signed for Whitley’s derby rivals Billingham where he shared netminding duties with fellow shot stoppers Mark Watson and Thomas Brown to support the Stars in both their league and cup campaigns.
Now returning to Whitley, Turnbull told us yesterday, “I don’t think my move away was ever intended to be a permanent thing. I really enjoyed my time at Billingham and I have nothing but good words, but I’ve played at Whitley since I was 7 or 8 years old and I have grown up with the majority of the team so I think it was only natural that I decided to come back.
“I think at the moment I am just grateful that we now have a plan in place for a season and that we can all get back into the rink,” the netminder, who will wear shirt #30 this season, added. “I’m really happy to be back. Like I said before, it was never a permanent move and I always knew I would be back. It’s been good to see everyone again. We have a strong team this year and hopefully we can all build on what was achieved last season.”
“We are delighted to welcome Mark back into the Warriors’ setup after a season at Billingham Stars,” General Manager Paul Matthews shared. “He has a great opportunity to fulfil his promise throughout this season.”
Welcome back to Whitley Warriors, Mark!