The veteran enforcer known by everyone as 'Rocket' due to his explosive speed across the ice, came out of retirement this year so that his son Owen, could see his Dad in action, but he may just end the season getting his hands on some silverware.
'I am over the moon with the way this season has gone, although it has been tough at times, especially when you're aching all over on a Monday morning, but I love the crowd, they have been great with me and it makes me so happy hearing them chant my name, it makes it all worth while.'
'Owen has loved it too, he was one of the reasons for me coming back to play, and it means the world to him to be able to watch his dad be a part of this team. He is excited to be going to the playoffs too.'
'It would be great if we can end the season with a trophy, I think we deserve to after the season we have had. I believe we can win it if we come together as a team and we play good physical hockey. It would be fantastic if we win.'
After last season's disappointment of having to go through a relegation playoff with Widnes Wild, Whitley have been revolutionised this year, under the coaching of former Great Britain international, David Longstaff. Yarrow, believes his long time friend has worked wonders to turn a struggling side into a winning one.
'I wasn't around last season so cant really comment on that team, but I think Lobby has done a great job, he has been able to get the best out of people with his own style. He pays attention to every detail, it is almost like he has got eyes in the back of his head sometimes,' he joked. 'but he has done really well. He has helped every player on this team, I think Kyle Ross for example has come on great with Lobby's guidance, Harry Harley too, who is an unbelievable player. He has got the team to really gel together well.'
A tough match-up with the Solihull Barons at the semi-final stage is what stands in the way of a potential championship final encounter with Division winners Blackburn Hawks, and Yarrow knows just how tough it will be to overcome the Birmingham-based team.
'It wont be easy, Solihull are a good team. he said. They beat us last month, but we had nothing to play for, we were not taking any chances with injuries etc. We eased off towards the end of the season and I think we have done the right thing as far as that is concerned.'
The Barons are a strong outfit with Tom Soar scoring goals for fun. The Winger who has spent time with the Elite League Nottingham Panthers this season will be a difficult opponent to stop. Despite the Warriors finishing with a 3-0-1 record against the West Midlands side, they know they have to be at their best if they are to make the final on Sunday, but Yarrow is confident Whitley have what it takes to bring some silverware back to Tyneside:
'Both teams will be taking it seriously and there won't be a repeat of the Perry Doyle and Andre fights, there is too much on the line for that to happen.'
'We know we cant be complacent, we have to be mentally right before we go down there and if we are, then we can smash it.' he said.
Of course if Whitley do overcome the Barons they will likely have to face the Blackburn Hawks, who are still smarting from their English Cup defeat against Billingham Stars last weekend. The Teesside outfit ruined the Hawks chance of a treble for the season, but with the Division title already in the bag, the Lancashire side are sure to want to add the Play-off championship too.
'If we do get through we will likely play Blackburn, and we will need to play a totally different game against them, making sure we don't give them time on the puck.' Yarrow said.
Rocket has a strong bond with the Whitley fans. The Hillheads faithful love his all-action displays knowing that whenever he is on the ice he brings some form of entertainment. It is those same fans the veteran forward wants to land the trophy for as much as he does for himself.
'The fans and players both deserve a trophy and I really think we have a chance of winning it, but we have got to clear that first hurdle [against Solihull], if we can do that then who knows?' he said.
'No one can live with our physical strength, we have a tough team with 3-4 players who can drop the gloves if need be, so we really have nothing to fear. Andre [Payette] gives the lads a huge psychological edge, just his presence on the ice gives us all a lift. I don't think it's any coincidence that every game he hasn't played in this season we have lost. We are a physical team but we also have fast skaters and are technically very strong too.' he added.
With this season about to enter the home straight, thoughts are already starting to turn towards plans for next season and Rocket thinks this team can only get better.
'These lads can only go from strength to strength. It's not just one person that has done a good job, the whole team has contributed.'
I also asked him if he will be a part of next season's plans:
'I hope so, hopefully I can do it again next season. I am really happy with the
way the fans have been with me this year, they have been great, it feels like I have gone back in time to my younger days.'
'I've been away from the area this past decade, so not had the opportunity to watch the team for several years. I have been informed the crowds were falling during that time though, so its great to have the amount of people coming to the rink every week like we have seen this year.'
Rocket ended the interview by pointing out just how appreciative he is of having been given the chance to play again this year, and what an honour it has been to line up alongside his old childhood friend David Longstaff:
'I have absolutely loved every minute of it and want to take this opportunity to thank Lobby and the rest of the coaching/management team for giving me this chance. I don't think I have disappointed him.'
'I would love to win some silverware, especially alongside Lobby, we go back years and it was him that actually, first gave me the 'Rocket' nickname.'
'I would love to play on for another year, and am in good physical shape right now, but we will have to see.' he said.
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