Whitley Warriors Head Coach Simon Leach has been able to secure the services of Daniel Murdy, Ben Richards and Mark Good for the 2013/14 campaign. Both Richards and Mark Good were part of Whitley’s roster last term while Daniel Murdy re-joins the club from the NIHL North Division 1 Champions the Solway Sharks.
Daniel Murdy spent a large part of last season out of action through injury however he was still able to contribute 6 points for the Sharks despite only being able to ice for them on 9 occasions. Looking back through Daniel’s career his best season to date points-wise was back in 2007/8 when he averaged better than a point per game (24 points in 22 games) for Warriors. The Tynemouth-born forward has a wealth of ENL/NIHL experience to call upon as he has also taken to the ice in the colours of the Northern Stars in the Northern section of the league and for the Wightlink Raiders in the South.
Mark Good operated on Warriors’ principle forward unit for large parts of last season linking up well with his brother Daniel and Jamie Tinsley on many occasions. Mark picked up an impressive tally of 26 points which included 12 goals over the course of the campaign.
The 2012/13 season was Ben Richards debut year in the senior Whitley set up, the promising youngster appeared in 17 games netting one goal and picking up 2 assists for Warriors. Ben also picked up a Man of the Match award on one of his first appearances for Whitley.
Warriors Coach Simon Leach shared his views on Whitley’s latest 3 signings
“Ben’s a young lad that’s come through the ranks and hopefully he’ll find himself getting a lot of ice time this year.
“We want to try and bring some young guys into the team. He’s got a lot of potential and part of my job is to make sure he realises that potential.
“Dan Murdy was at Solway last year where he picked up an injury, he expressed an interest to come back to the club so we’ve decided to bring him on board.
“He’s a smart hockey player but he has been out a while so we’ll give him a little time, he adds to our strength in depth.
“Mark Good is also going to be back he’s an experienced player so we are happy to have him on board as he can contribute offensively.”
Warriors 2013/14 roster to date
Coach – Simon Leach
Coaching Staff – Darren Taylor and Dave Holland
Netminder – Richie Lawson, Joe Harley and Mark Turnbull
Defence – Rob Wilson, Tommy Ralph, Josh Maddock, Daniel Harris, Nathan Ryder and Ross Hanlon
Forwards – Adam Reynolds, Karl Culley, Jamie Tinsley, DJ Good, Martin Crammond, Callum Watson, Christian Johnson, Jordan Barnes, Daniel Murdy, Ben Richards and Mark Good
Warriors’ first social event of the 2013/14 campaign took place on Sunday evening at the Hillheads Ice Rink Bar where supporters, players and club officials all took part in the Warriors pub quiz. Everyone in attendance had an enjoyable night and the official supporters club, The 5th Line, are planning to host many more fun events during the course of the coming season.