The Lookers of Yardley Solihull Barons are sad to announce the departure of Head Coach Darren Bellerby who felt unable to commit to the post for 2015-16 following a change of shift patterns at his work. Daz was very much a key figure in the establishment of the Barons in their current national league guise, most recently leading the squad to league and cup doubles in each of the last two seasons. We hope all Barons supporters will join with us to wish Daz all the very best for the future.
For 2015-16, Baron's chairman John Butler moved quickly and is delighted to announce that Hobs Moat favourite, Perry Doyle has been appointed as the Barons new Director of Hockey Operations. "When the opportunity arose, I spoke to Perry and he was extremely enthusiastic about the role and what he could offer. He has been with the Barons for a couple of years now, showing himself to be a key figure at the club and we are confident he will really grow into the extra responsibility of this new post."
Supporting Doyle at training sessions will be ex AHL, ECHL and UK Elite professional Joel Poirier. The former Washington Capitals draft pick brings significant experience into the Barons coaching set-up, while his spells coaching the GB under 20s teams should help develop the feeder route through from the new Barons U20 team led by Rob Blakemore.
Doyle, who in addition to the new role, will continue to be an imposing figure on the ice on game nights, is already looking forward to the new season. "It's going to be a step up for us but we will be putting out a good side. With the likes of Billingham and Whitley, we have got skilled sides who aren't afraid to mix things up physically so it'll be a season of really entertaining and competitive games."
The Barons have two home warm-up ties on the 23rd August against the Sheffield Senators and 30th August against the Widnes Wild. The league campaign should start the following weekend and we hope to be able to release a league fixture list within the next couple of weeks.
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