Widnes go Wild with a double signing
BY HARRY DUNNETT
WIDNES Wild made a double signing on Monday to bolster their squad ahead of the 2021/22 season – as well as announcing that popular Lee Kemp will be returning for his 6th season at the club.
The first announcement of the day was that the club have signed former Hull Pirates defenceman Tom Sutbley.
He has already played 250 games at senior level despite being just 22, the majority of which have come with the Hull Pirates. The defenceman was part of the Hull Pirates side that won the NIHL Morale Division treble, winning the league, cup and play-off title in the 2018/19 season.
Speaking to Widnes’ club media, Sutbley was looking forward to getting back to playing after a long break due to the pandemic. He said: “It’s been a long lay-off from hockey but I’m really excited to get going in Widnes. Once the news from Hull came out, Richy reached out and it seemed like a really good fit for me. I can’t wait to get started and win some games with the Wild.”
Wild’s player coach Richard Haggar said: “Tom needs no introduction. Once I found out the Hull Pirates were no longer entering a team, I wanted to bring Tom in straight away and was lucky enough that he was available, understood our goals and aims, which he wanted to be a part of.
“He brings skill, experience and dedication to the team. At 22 he’s still young, level-headed and an exciting talent who will help the team develop on and off the ice our first full season in D1.”
The second piece of news was that longterm servant of the club Kemp would be extending his stay for at least another season.
The 33-year-old defenceman – nicknamed – ‘Sheriff’ has played 182 games overall for Wild, scoring 10+45 and achieving 371 penalty minutes.
On the club website, Haggar was delighted to see that the experienced Kemp is returning for another season. He said:
“Kempy is another who has been around Widnes for a while now and heading in to his 6th season. He’s another leader around the team and is a gentle giant who turns up, week in week out, and makes everyone welcome”
Kemp said: “I’m delighted to be playing for the Wild for another season, this will be my 6th full season and I feel the team is growing each time.
“I am looking forward to being back with the lads and making a challenge for the title.”