Barons fans will be delighted to hear of the return of both power forward Matt Maurice and experienced d-man Kieran Papps as Phil Lee continues to flesh out his 22-23 roster.
Matt Maurice was very much missed on the Barons lines last season, having had to drop out quarter way through as a result of injury. Now back to full fitness, Maurice is ready to return and blend his high level skills with significant strength and movement on the puck. With Matt having originally joined the Barons in 2016-17, there was therefore never any question in the mind of Phil Lee to extend Maurice’s contract and bring back the popular number 15 for another season
“Matt is a really skilful forward that also comes with an element of toughness. He has the ability to place defencemen and goaltenders under pressure and score freely. I know Matt is keen to return to playing at Hobs Moat again after his untimely and unfortunate layoff during the earlier part of last season. I am delighted to have Matt back as he gives us added toughness and energy to the team. Welcome back Matt.
For any hockey player, sitting out of the game for any length of time brews a pressing desire to get back on the ice and start contributing once more and with Matt this is very much the case :
‘I’m glad to have been asked to return to the Barons after having the majority of last season off due to injury, this season is going to be a big one for the team and I feel that we are going to be adding some silverware to the trophy cabinet.
With Kieran Papps the Barons have a highly experienced and secure defenceman to call on when pressure is at its greatest. Having joined Solihull originally back in 2013-14, Papps played for the Barons for 4 years before a break away from the competitive game. Returning to play last season Kieran initially iced with Coventry NIHL before transferring over to the Barons.
Bringing a consistency to play that is essential in any defensive unit Phil Lee was very content to offer Papps a place on the 22-23 Barons teamsheet.
”Kieran joined the team part way through last season, and I was happy to invite him back. Kieran is a steady stay at home defenceman, calm on the puck and will play a vital part in bolstering the defensive unit. Kieran is a great team player with the right attitude. It will be good to team up with Kieran again after having played and coached him during my last playing season with the Barons. I look forward to welcoming him back.
From the perspective of Papps, getting back with the Barons right from day 1 of the new year is one he is relishing :
”I’m so excited to be coming back to the Barons for the coming season!
I only came for half of last season after not playing for a few year. So to be back at the Barons for the start of the season is great!
It’s a fresh start with a brand new coach in Leepy!
I’m looking forward to get going again and playing in front of the amazing Barons fans!
The roster is filling up so keep following us as we continue to add to the lines of your 2022-23 Barons.
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