New boy Charlie: I’m so excited to play for Wild
WIDNES Wild’s new signing Charlie Ratcliffe said the prospect of working under head coach Mike Clancy was a key factor in his decision to join the club from Altrincham Aces.
Ratcliffe, the Wild’s third young new recruit ahead of the 2019/20 Laidler Division season, said: “I am very excited to be asked to play for Widnes this coming season - they’re a great team with amazing fans.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my first season of playing senior hockey with the Altrincham Aces, however, I have known Mike for quite some time as he was one of the coaches I met through the Endeavour organisation.
“I believe that working under Mike, I can develop and excel, and that I can play at the highest level possible.”
The 18-year-old is the third young player to join the Wild this summer – along with MJ Clancy and Sam Anderson – and his arrival is a clear indication of the club’s aim to encourage young talent under new head coach Clancy.
Clancy said: “I am delighted Charlie has agreed to join us at the Wild organisation.
“He is a very exciting young talent who is willing to learn, work hard and progress wanting to play at the highest level possible, whilst achieving academically.
“Charlie is the start of the youth prospects pathway where we start to develop young athletes allowing education to play a big part.
“I expect Charlie to work hard and know the ice time rewards will follow. I’m looking forward to him becoming an integral part of the team this season.”
Charlie made 12 appearances for Altrincham Aces in the Laidler Division last season, picking up one goal and three assists in his first season of senior NIHL hockey and he was voted Young Player Of the Season for the Aces.
He also played for the Manchester ● ● Storm Under 18 team last season – along with Sam Anderson – where he scored 9+8 in 11 games.
Charlie previously played junior hockey for the Bradford Bulldogs and Blackpool Seagulls teams at U18, U16 and U15 level.