The Whitley Warriors roster is starting to take shape ahead of the 2015/16 season and it was officially confirmed this week that forwards Shaun Kippin and Daniel Good will take to the ice in maroon & gold again.
Shaun took an enforced year off from hockey last season due to a shoulder operation, but having proved his fitness, the former captain can't wait to return to the Warriors.
Shaun Kippin: “I’m delighted to be back, I had to take last season out due to shoulder surgery, but I always hoped to return and finish my career with the Warriors. I’m looking forward to getting back on the ice with the team and trying to win some silverware again, we have a great opportunity this season. I watched Lobby (David Longstaff) play as a youngster and always looked up to him as one of the best Brits in the country. Aims for this season are silverware, I think we will have one of the best teams in the league on paper but we need to prove that out on the ice.”
I may be slightly biased, as I know Shaun quite well, but this is really great news for Whitley, to get him back on the team. This is equally as important as the news recently that David Longstaff was joining as player-coach. Shaun is one of the most hardest working players I have seen play for the Warriors in over 20 years. The former captain brings experience along with his usual enthusiasm, goal-scoring prowess and great on-ice leadership. With so many young players on the roster last season, Shaun will provide a great role model for them to learn from.
One of Shaun's closest friends, Daniel Good, is also returning. Daniel was an ever-present in the line-up last year, scoring 26 points along the way. But is looking to put a disappointing season behind him.
Daniel Good: “I’ve resigned simply because I enjoy playing. Last season was disappointing for more reasons than one so I want to play better and get more out of it this campaign. Lobby (David Longstaff) coming in brings a real energy and everyone will be massively motivated, I think it will be like a new team. With his experience and personality it’ll be really exciting to see how things will pan out with him as the coach. Also to have him as a player as well is such a bonus. I’m looking forward to pre season and to see which players have been brought in and re-signed.”
Goaltender Richie Lawson will also return having made 15 appearances last season, whilst posting a save percentage of 90 and a 4.07 GAA.
With the signings of Shaun and Daniel, along with that of David Longstaff, it means there is certainly move skill depth to the line-up. All three can conceivably play center, and as we have seen recently from the NHL teams that are stacked at center, such as the Los Angeles Kings, they have reaped the benefits. Richie Lawson is one of the most talented goalies in the league, and although the Blackburn Hawks will take some stopping again next season, there is every reason to believe the Warriors are ready to regain their crown.
Further roster additions are due to be announced in the coming weeks as we count down to one of the most exciting seasons in the Warriors recent history.
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