ICE HOCKEY

LEE VALLEY Lions have made a number of changes to the squad in preparation for the upcoming ice hockey season.

The Leyton-based men's team held trials throughout the summer and have recruited four new players, although fans' favourites Paul O'Neill, Scott Pollack and Alistair Band have all left the club, along with Milton Keynes-based Andrew Holdaway.

O'Neill has migrated to Spain with his family, while Band has chosen to remain in Canada and Pollack has returned to his native New York.

As a result, Chris Wilson, Ashley Curtin, Ashlee Cave and Guildford youngster Freddie Timble have been brought in after impressing during a series of trials.

The Lions' faithful will be boosted by the news that popular names Michael Jacobs, Stas Prokofiev and Michael Ranby have been retained for the new season, while Lithuanians Romanas Fedtovas and Ruslanas Jegovoras and goal guards George Alley and Andrew Boot will also be donning the Lions shirt this year.

The team's opponents this year include Swindon, the Isle of Wight and the Invicta Mustangs and teams will play each other twice at home and twice away in what promises to be a gruelling and exciting season.

The Lions first league match will be against Vectis Tigers on September 13 at 5.30pm.

Full details can be found on the club's website at leevalleylions.co.uk