Whitley Warriors forward Karl Culley has announced his retirement from ice hockey after a successful and lengthy career in the British game. Karl played the majority of his hockey for Warriors at Hillheads but he has also taken to the ice in the colours of Sunderland Chiefs, Billingham Stars and Newcastle Vipers during his playing career.
The 35-year-old winger has been a prolific goal scorer throughout his time out on the ice. His stand-out season statistically was back in the 2001/2 season when Karl was able to tally 67 points in just 17 contests which included a huge haul of 31 goals in regular season games.
Other notable campaigns for Karl included the 2009/10 and 2010/11 terms when Karl formed a lethal partnership with Adam Reynolds in one of the best Warriors sides of recent times. Karl spoke of the best moments of his Whitley career and what the future holds for him.
“My proudest achievements were to be the only captain to lift every trophy in one season (2001/02) for Warriors. Also being the fourth all-time top scorer in the Warriors scoring charts with nearly 700 points and being the Brit who net the most goals in one game (9 strikes) and I’m also proud of every trophy we’ve won over the years.
“I’ve enjoyed every single moment I’ve been a Warrior and I’ve played alongside some fantastic players. I just wanted to end playing on a personal high as I’ve always strived to be up there with the top goal scorers and points scorers and to finish in the top ten scorers this year after missing 3 games through injury was very pleasing so I’m happy to call it a day while still being able to compete at a good level.
“I’m probably going to stay involved with the team as Simon [Leach] has asked me to work with the forwards in training.”
Culley’s friend and former linemate Adam Reynolds also spoke about his admiration for Karl.
“He’s a true Whitley Warriors legend. His point’s contribution has been amazing during his career and I had the pleasure of playing with him for 3 seasons and enjoyed it thoroughly. I always knew where Karl was going to be on the ice and vice versa as we developed a great understanding.
“He’s been a great team mate and an even better friend. Enjoy your retirement #7.”
Karl of course will no longer be icing for Warriors this coming season however three further Whitley signings will be announced this Wednesday on the first Warriors Wednesday.
Throughout the close season Warriors Wednesdays will see the club release information on next’s year squad, the NIHL North league set up and any other relevant Whitley information on a weekly basis to keep the fans up to date with just what is going on at Hillheads over the summer months.