ICE HOCKEY
WIDNES Wild have announced the signing of defenceman Tom Brierley for the forthcoming NIHL season.
Brierley was a member of the Hull Jets side that won the Laidler Division title in the 2019/20 season and also played university ice hockey for the
Hull Ice Hogs team for four seasons.
Tom learnt his junior hockey at Grimsby playing for the local Dynamos and Blackhawks team and also with the Kingston (Upon Hull) Crunch.
He made his ENL debut for the Kingston Jets (as the Hull Jets were then called) in the 2005/06 season and also made couple of appearances for the Grimsby Buffaloes.
Talking about his move to the Wild, Tom said: “I’m excited to get started, it’s a great opportunity to test myself in a higher league. Hopefully I can contribute throughout the year and see the success that Widnes have found continue. The club has a great set-up and foundation which I’m sure will pay off as we get into the season.”
Widnes Wild player coach Richard Haggar said of Brierley: “Tom is a guy who any coach would love to have in and around the team. He gives 110% week in week out, has the right attitude, leaves everything on the ice and works hard every session. He had an excellent season last year and continues to push himself to get better and better. It’s a step up from D2 for him but he will no doubt take it in his stride this year.”
● Widnes Wild are holding a special event for season ticket holders in the café area at the Planet Ice rink in Widnes on Thursday, August 26 from 7pm.
Supporters who have already ordered their season tickets for the 2021/22 NIHL season will be able to select their seat for the new campaign and anybody else who wishes to will be able to apply and pay for theirs on the night.
There will be an opportunity for season ticket holders to meet and greet the Wild players and to remain and watch the training session afterwards.
Player coach Richard Haggar and General Manager Wez Spurrett will be in attendance to answer any questions.
In view of the ongoing Covid situation, all visitors are requested to wear masks off-ice inside the rink and to practice social distancing as much as possible. Any unclaimed “own and loan” shirts from the 2019/20 and Spring 2021 seasons can also be collected at this event.
More information about purchasing season tickets can be found under FANZONE at www.widneswild.co.uk
● The Widnes Wild women’s team’s game against Whitley Bay – scheduled for this Saturday – has been cancelled. The Wild women will next be in action next Saturday (August 28) when they take on the Bracknell Firebees in a preseason challenge match at Planet Ice Widnes – 4.15pm off.