Gospel keen to follow Bowns to higher level

LEEDS CHIEFS’ Sam Gospel says he wants to follow in the footsteps of fellow netminder Ben Bowns and become a first-choice goalie in the Elite League.

Gospel won many plaudits throughout last season when he played for the Chiefs in their inaugural campaign in NIHL National.

Sam Zajac’s team finished bottom after the season was brought to a premature close due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Gospel was one of the Chiefs’ shining lights in a debut campaign that was beset by off-ice issues, not least not having their own rink until the end of January.

It remains to be seen whether Gospel will return for a second season at Elland Road, with a number of factors affecting his decision, not least what role he will have to play at EIHL outfit Nottingham Panthers, who he continued to train with last season while playing for the Chiefs.

But a season as a No 1 goalie has done nothing but enhance the reputation of the 26-year-old, who still harbours ambitions of replicating the achievements of Rotherham-born Cardiff Devils and Great Britain goaltender Bowns.

“I don’t know Ben at all but, from the outside looking in, he’s done nothing but great things for himself and British goalies in general,” said Gospel. “You look at what he has achieved and it is definitely a target of mine – it should be for any British goalie.

“It’s definitely where I’d like to be – that’s why we all play the sport. You are in it to get to the top of your potential really and this season has only helped me develop more in order to get there.

“I’ve benefitted so much from my time at Leeds.”