ICE HOCKEY: A QUARTET of new signings has completed the off season work for Solihull Barons as they prepare for their first pre-season game against The Dragons this Sunday.
Boasting a new look side for the 2017/18 season, Solihull have confirmed 24-year-old Luke Brittle will ice this season after enjoying stints in the EPL and National League last year with the Telford Tigers.
Brittle posted 26 points in last season’s Moralee campaign after spending time in Spain during the 2014/15 season and racked up 76 points from 24 games when icing for Blackburn Hawks.
Joining Luke is his older brother, Daniel Brittle.
Daniel was also part of the Telford set-up last season and spent six years with the Blackburn Hawks prior to that, where he combined duties in goal with assistant coaching.
Meanwhile returning to the Barons are physical forward Stephen Heape, defenceman Jacob Smith, and blue liner Phil Knight.
Heape re-signs after combining roles with Barons’ U20s squad and NL Barons. He will be hoping to shake off a few injury niggles this season though which hampered his progress last year.
Smith signs on after two years skating with the senior and Under 20s squad while Knight will take up defensive duties having been with the Barons, Knights, and Kings since 2001.
The signing news comes ahead of the club’s first training session of the season, which fans can attend for free of charge.
Taking place this Saturday, August 19, the event will allow fans to watch the Barons in action before hitting the ice themselves to join the players for an post training session skate.
Opportunities to purchase season tickets for the upcoming campaign will also be available.
The training session starts at 4.15pm.
Elsewhere the new look Barons roster will welcome The Dragons this Sunday for a pre-season friendly.
With a new coach and new players in place, the Barons will be looking to build on two successive seasons where they made the NIHL1 playoffs.
The Dragons had the edge over last years third placed Barons with two wins, a loss, and a draw in the 16/17 Moralee Conference.
Despite the positive league run, Barons defeated Dragons 10-1 during pre-season this time 12 months ago.
Both teams will be looking to get rid of their summer rust before the 36 game league season starts in September.
Face off at Hobs Moat Road will be at 6pm.
Picture: Steve Crampton.
