Wild’s rearguard given boost for new season
Despite this relatively small number of games played, Vales still managed to contribute crucial goals as he assisted the Wild in securing second place in the league and a place in the NiHL playoff final.
Wild head coach, Scott McKenzie, said: “Bringing back Pave was a nobrainer.
“He’s a solid, reliable D-man than adds to our offence who can out-skate most people on the ice.
“Pave doesn’t have an ego and is a great team player and is definitely someone you want to be playing for you, and not against you.”
Meanwhile, in another move to bloster their rearguard, the Wild have announced the signing of young defensive specialist Ryan Broster-Jones from local rivals Deeside Dragons.
Broster-Jones, who turned 20 last week, has added both depth and youth to the Wild’s roster.
Commenting on the signing, a delighted coach McKenzie said: “Ryan came to the trials and really impressed me with his temperament and attitude.
“He has good size, skates well and is looking to learn the game.
“We will work on his puck movement and his awareness in the build-up to the season but I feel like Ryan has the potential to become a real fan-favourite this season.
“We have run a development session for the last three weeks. Ryan has made every session – I think that tells us what kind of player we have signed.”
Broster-Jones featured mainly for the Deeside Dragons’ U20s team last season, captaining that side to a third place finish in the U20s Midlands Conference.
Racking up 10 goals and 11 assists in just 19 games as a defenceman is an impressive return in any league.
He also iced 18 games for the senior Deeside Dragons although he is quick to admit that he didn’t get as much gametime as he would have liked.
He said: “Last year I really grew into my role as a leader but don’t feel like I got my chance at the senior level.
“This year I am excited to be joining the Wild and help in the push to win the league.
“I have heard nothing but great things about the fans and my real focus is to learn and develop my game to help the team as much as I can.
“I can’t wait to get going and pull on the Wild jersey come August.”
Broster-Jones will wear the No81 jersey and Vales will be in the No26 uniform for the RTL Widnes Wild next season. The players’ home and away jerseys are available to Own & Loan. If you are interested please contact scott.mckenzie@widneswild.co.uk