Last season's leading scorer (30 points), Dean Holland, was amongst those returning for the 2015-16 campaign. Dean started his career a decade ago playing in the English National League with the old Sunderland Chiefs. He went on to make his name with the Newcastle Vipers, splitting his time between their ENL team and the Elite League outfit. It was while he was with the latter he developed a reputation for dropping the gloves and fighting much larger and more illustrious opponents from Canada. Recording 205 PIM in 220 games played between 2006-11. With the demise of the Elite League Vipers, Dean moved along the Coast Road to Hillheads in 2011 and bagged 40 points in just 22 games for Whitley and earning 52 PIM. Dean split his time with Manchester Phoenix, Dundee Stars & Telford Tigers during his time with the Warriors, before leaving just five games into the 2012-13 season to link up with current Whitley player-coach David Longstaff at the Guildford Flames. Dean returned to Whitley last summer having enjoyed two productive seasons in the EPL, and having him on the team for next season is another huge deal. Dean gives further depth at Center, although he can also line up on the Right Wing, as well as being an important member of the Power Play and Penalty Kill units.
Dean Holland: “With Lobby (David Longstaff) coming in the club have made a statement to the rest of the league that we plan to challenge for titles and relegation playoffs are not acceptable. Lobby knows the game like the back of his hand. He’s played in top leagues in the world and he has so much bring to the Warriors. I know Lobby pretty well I started playing my senior hockey at Newcastle when he was there and then moved to Guildford with him and now we are both back at Whitley Bay. We want to make Whitley Bay a place where nobody wants to come again.”
Jamie Tinsley: “I’m really looking forward to another year with the Warriors. I’ve played with Lobby before and him coming back is a great thing for the team, the players and the fans. I’m excited to see some new and old players back for next season!”
Scott Cooper arrived last summer and went onto establish himself as a versatile and dependable player. Starting out as a forward, he would end it playing on the blue line. On several occasions he played through the pain barrier, and despite being injured helped out the depleted defense.
Scott Cooper: “I’m really excited for the new season with all the changes that have taken place and I’m looking forward to working with Lobby (David Longstaff) on a day to day basis. Ambitions for the team first of all will be to make the playoffs and then we can go from there. On a personal note I would like to really establish myself as a d man now I have a full season in the position under my belt.”
Like Cooper, Harry Harley is also back from last season, and has been an ever-present in the Maroon & Gold since making his debut in 2011. He is a good two-player who can skate as a Forward or a Defenseman. His most productive season came during his sophomore year of 2012-13. Traditionally it is when players will struggle for form before bouncing back, but Harley was able to net 22 points during that time.
Harry Harley: “When I heard that Lobby was going to be the coach I knew straight away that I wanted to sign back. I’ve seen Lobby play and he can bring a lot of hockey knowledge to the Warriors. I am looking forward to playing under him next year. We will definitely be a strong force in the league next year and we will be challenging for silverware.”
David Longstaff has been able to re-sign all three goaltenders from last season. Following news recently that Richie Lawson was coming back, youngsters Mark Turnbull and Jordan Boyle have followed suit. Turnbull made his Whitley debut during the 2013/14 season when he made three appearances, but last season saw him play more regularly along with Lawson, posting a 90 save percentage.
Mark Turnbull: “Over the past two seasons I have really enjoyed my hockey. There is always a great atmosphere within the team and I think the disappointment of playing in the relegation playoffs has only made us stronger as a whole and I definitely believe we will be competing for the top spot this season. Lobby has made some great signings already and I can’t wait to get back on the ice and to start the new season.”
Jordan Boyle spent the majority of last season with the Dumfries-based Solway Sharks, after they were short of options for Gary Russell's back-up. Boyle began the season with Whitley but moved North of the Border when the opportunity arose to stand in for Russell on a number of occasions, including the EPL cup games against higher league opposition.
Jordan Boyle: “I am really looking forward to having Lobby as my new coach and can’t wait for the season to start. It was a very good experience for me at Solway last season and getting a lot of ice time was very good for my overall game. I feel I have improved my reading of the game now I have played regularly at senior level. Hopefully we can bring some silverware back into Hillheads for the loyal fans Warriors have.”
Heres how the 2015-16 roster is taking shape:
Goaltenders - Lawson, Turnbull, Boyle
Defense - Cooper, Harley
Forwards - Longstaff, Kippin, D.Good, Holland, Tinsley
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