WHITLEY WARRIORS (ENL)

Member Name: Nemesis_252

Product:	ENL
Date:	19/06/02 (428 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Entertaining, Cheap

Disadvantages: Long break in summer, EPL will not allow access

Before we begin, I must point out that although above shows several teams playing in the ENL, although many are actually playing in other leagues. The Warriors are currently competing in the ENHL.

http://www.whitleywarriors.com

The Whitley Warriors. The once great British Ice Hockey team playing out of the Hillheads Ice Rink in Whitley Bay, Northumberland.

I say once great, because although now playing in what is effectively a recreational league, in the past they have been fighting for huge national honours. The demise of hockey in general in this country in the early 90’s was a major part of the WW downfall, but over the last few seasons’ huge steps have been made to boost the team back where we belong.

Having been tarnished with a reputation of a dirty team many are anxious, but it is simply a case of work hard, play hard for most the lads in the team.

Since the team changes regularly (at least once a year), I’ll try not to spend too much time referring to individual players. However, a few names must be mentioned from recent times as they are responsible for us being back our way up. The most influential player I have encountered at Hillheads was the forward Simon Leach. Although not the fastest player in the rink, he has always had a razor sharp instinct for goal, and understood the game better than most. Him, coupled with Stephen Wall (The best keeper in our league, in my opinion) was a great pleasure to watch. Of course there have been countless others and I could probably name them all, but these three stand out together with our current two forwards, Carter and Kully.

After winning the playoff last season (00/01) and winning the league, playoff and cup this season (01/02) [which incidentally is winning everything], the WW and Ice Rink management have looked towards advancing into a superior league. This would bring more quality hockey, more fans, and better quality officials (No offenc
e to them, but the ones in the ENHL are a joke). Having had our application rejected both of the last two years, we remain in the ENHL, but are constantly wanting to move up to the EPL.

Moving to the EPL we would however, need a sponsor. And so far, even though we consistently achieve a crowd of over 1000 that higher leagued teams are jealous of (and that figure WOULD rise if we were to move up) a sponsor is still unfound. If you’re interested, please email me, or use the web address above to access the site.

Until then, we remain in the ENHL. This new season (02/03) we have been granted access to the higher cup, and will be playing EPL teams in the national cup, but remain playing our league games in the ENHL.

The WW are known throughout the country as being an entertaining team, and I can vouch for that 100%. I never miss a game, and the four months during the summer when I can only watch the sport on Channel 5, I constantly pine for the season to begin.

If you’ve never seen a hockey match before, or if you’re an avid follower, you WILL enjoy yourself at one of our matches. If you get the change, I seriously recommend that you come along.

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