Solihull's Paul Stanley is denied by keeper Josh Crane. Photo by Steve Crampton.
Whitley Warriors are happy to announce the addition of shot stopper Joshua Crane to their netminding setup for the 2021-22 campaign.
After playing for Solihull Barons in the Under 16s league between 2009 and 2013, Crane switched to Coventry Blaze’s junior setup, dividing his ice time between the Under 16s and Under 18s teams and primarily icing for the latter in the following two seasons to register a save percentage of 91.5% in 17 league games in their 2015-16 campaign.
Crane then made his senior debut for NIHL 2’s Coventry Blaze in their 2016-17 season as well as making 18 appearances in the Under 20s league during which he recorded his best save percentage to date with 94.1%. In 2017, the netminder stepped up to NIHL 1 to gain experience with Milton Keynes Thunder whilst also featuring on 8 occasions for Coventry in NIHL 2, icing in the Under 20s league and being available to play for EIHL sides Milton Keynes Lightning and Edinburgh Capitals.
Whilst a return to Coventry followed, Crane, who will wear shirt #32 this season, most recently iced in NIHL North 1 for Nottingham Lions, playing 14 league games and recording a save percentage of 85.9%.
On signing for Whitley, Crane told us yesterday, “I am really excited to play for the Warriors. I know how hard it is to come to Whitley Bay and play against the Warriors so I’m looking forward to being on the other side and making it difficult for other teams to come here.”
“Signing Josh gives David and I great options with having three strong goalies on the roster now,” General Manager Paul Matthews shared. “With Josh moving up to Newcastle in the next few weeks, we hope he settles and I believe he will do really well for the Warriors.”
Welcome to Whitley Warriors, Josh!