CHELMSFORD Chieftains ice hockey coach Dean Birrell has been busy assembling his team for the new season, bringing back some old faces and welcoming some new ones to the Riverside club.
Among those returning is exciting prospect Blaho Novak,17, who has certainly proved with his aggressive style of play that he battles beyond his years.
Birrell said “Blaho has a lot of critics about his style of play, particularly from opposition fans and players, but he is a player I’d want as part of my roster and I am sure most other clubs in the UK would want him too.
“Some of his actions are a bit close to the mark at times, but he is still a young lad and growing up. He will no doubt continue his development throughout the course of next season and I am very much looking forward to being a part of his development.
Last season's most improved player Alex Staples has also re-signed for the 2010-11. During the last campaign Staples broke through from being a rotational defenceman to an integral part of the blue line unit.
Birrell said: "I spoke with Alex in November time about how he felt things were progressing during the season and he told me he was biding his time and waiting for his chance, but would continue to work hard until he got that chance.
“I started to use him more and more and my faith in him wasn't misplaced as he really came on leaps and bounds.
“He listens to everything you tell him and always takes note on the bench of what's going on around him and is learning all the time. When he agreed to come back, I was very pleased as I know that if he continues to develop as he has done, he will become an excellent player. At his age, 17, there are not many better defencemen in the league".
Staples will be sharing a defensive role with Danny Wright (right) who has agreed to return to the Chieftains for another season. The experienced defenceman has been a Chieftain for a number of seasons, apart from a short spell at the Romford Raiders who have recently joined the Chieftains in ENL1.
Wright was very influential in defence last season, as well as scoring some excellent goals at vital moments to help the team pick up some big wins.
Birrell said: “There is no doubt in my mind that Danny was one of the better D men in the league last season and we're delighted to bring him back for another season. Players like Danny that can be an influence at either end of the ice are hard to come by and having him back for more is excellent. On top of that I don't think match nights would be the same without his smiling face at the Riverside and his popularity with the fans is very high."
Joining from the Romford Raiders is forward Matt Turner. The 21 year old has signed with the Chieftains after a bright season for the Raiders in the English Premier League. Turner first made his name as a Chelmsford junior player, before moving to Romford, but has now decided it is time to return to the Riverside, delighting Birell who said: “Matt is an exciting player with lots of energy and workrate and he is also a very capable player in and around the net. I believe he will be an excellent fit for the Chieftains this season as we look to push to the next level and go for silverware”.
Also re-signing is young forward Ross Brears. Brears is another of ‘The Invincibles’ from the unbeaten Division Two season in 2008-09 and was also a prominent member of the team that secured fourth place and were moments away from the playoff final in the season just gone.
Brears (right) is popular with the fans for his 100% effort game in, game out and his intensity.
Birrell said:“Ross is the kind of player a coach dreams of. He knows how to make a pass, score a goal, get under a players skin and won’t give up. He is a key signing and he is growing in maturity year on year and is developing into a very capable and solid ice hockey player”.
Brears said: “It’s good to be back for another season with the guys, after having a great season last year. I'm sure we can push it that one step further. I personally want to have another good season with the Chieftains and with the good players we have already it is achievable.
“It’s good to be playing for the fans again who are always good support home and away. I hope you enjoy the season as much as we will. And I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the fans for voting me as their player of the season last year”.
Alex Green has also re-signed. Green returned to ice hockey last summer after taking a year out to pursue other interests, but came back to the side after impressing in the summer trials.
The 23 year old is a product of the Chieftains junior set up and first made his debut for the Chieftains as a 17year old when the club were in the English Premier League. Since then he has iced for rivals Romford Raiders, prior to taking a season out and then came back to the sport last season.
Birrell said: "Alex is a good player and showed last term what he is capable of. He works hard every night and although isn't the flashiest of players, he does the simple things well and makes things happen for the Chieftains in defence when the team is under pressure. I am very pleased to have him sign again for next season as every club needs the type of player that you don't always notice on the ice, but you sure as heck miss them when they are not".