Lee Valley Lions have announced the re-signings of forwards Sam Awoyemi and Ben Gillingham for the 2017/18 season.

East London Advertiser: Ben Gillingham re-signs for Lee Valley Lions (Pic: Kim Jones)Ben Gillingham re-signs for Lee Valley Lions (Pic: Kim Jones) (Image: Archant)

The club welcome back former Lee Valley junor Awoyemi for his third season in the green and blue and the youngster is ‘excited’ to step-up his game.

The 19-year-old said: “I’m really looking forward to this next season and I’m excited to be back playing with a great group of people.

“I hope this year I can step up my game and contribute more to the team.”

Gillingham also returns to the club, after originally joining during the 2015/16 season a long with Matt Hepburn, Ollie Glover and Ross Sin-Hidge half-way through the campaign.

The former Guildford junior’s season was hampered after suffering a fractured wrist and he is looking to bounce back this season.

“Absolutely elated to be back playing for the lions this year,” the 26-year-old said.

“Last season was disappointing for me personally with injuries so I’m looking to hit the ground running this time round.

“Lee Valley has the best changing room ethos of any team I’ve been involved with and everyone works hard for each other and the badge.

“Couldn’t see myself playing senior hockey anywhere else and especially looking forward to a few new away games this year.”

Coach George Alley added: “Both players had a tough time with injuries last year, Sam hurt his knee around Christmas and Ben Fractured his wrist quite early on in the season, when both players returned we’d forged a few combinations that made it difficult for them to get regular ice.

“I’ve worked with Sam for a few years and his improvement has been fantastic.

“He takes in every bit of information given to him and his technical play has come on so much, particularly his stick handling.

“The commitment he’s shown to improving himself away from the rink should be rewarded.

“Ben is very popular amongst the dressing room.

“He has boundless energy on the ice and given time, and an injury free season I’d like to see him really push on. “He’s a nuisance to play against because he doesn’t stop working and I hope to see that vindicated with a few more points this season.”