We are happy to announce the return of 28 year old forward Richard Harris. Rich was not a regular fixture in the line-up last season due to a move away from the area and additional work responsibilities. In that season he still managed to ice 12 times to support the team, picking up a goal and three assists. With a change in his circumstances, Harris was keen to return to the team now that he can be more available again.
The powerful forward made the step up from the NIHL South’s second tier in the 21/22 season, joining us in the October and becoming a dependable and reliable player throughout the remainder of that campaign. His strength and physical presence on the ice are a real asset and after a successful start he re-signed with us in 22/23 and picked up where he left off, finishing with another strong season under his belt and some important goals too. He appeared in 39 games for us that year culminating in him sitting in third place for highest points with 28 goals and 12 assists under his belt and a very respectable total of 40 points across all competitions.
As we have mentioned, a change in his work and personal life meant he wasn’t able to commit in the same way last season which caused some issues with consistency but with a change in circumstances we look forward to seeing a return to the form of previous seasons.
Harris is a former Invicta junior who then went on to excel at another sport – making his name in Rugby League with Medway Dragons before joining the London Broncos on professional terms. Unfortunately, an injury at just 21 halted his rugby career and Harris then went on to play for the Mustangs from 2017/18, becoming a prominent member of the side in a short space of time which ultimately led to his Mos debut in 2021.
On his return this year, Harris said “Following a frustrating year hockey-wise for myself last season, I’m determined to bring back the form that I’d shown in previous years. Work life & moving away from Kent last year meant that hockey had to take a back seat, whilst I had a lot of other commitments. Fortunately, things have settled nicely & I’m in a position where I can be much more available for the team. After speaking with Karl a number of times over the past few months, I’m excited to get back into the room with the boys & with the team that we’ve got. It’s going to be a huge season”.
After bringing back Harris, Head Coach Karl Lennon said “We all know what Rich is capable of when he can be fully available to the team. Of course, we could see that as a player he found it tough to dip in and out. Hockey is really not an easy sport to do that. You have to have some regularity in your ice time, but as and when I asked, he always tried his hardest to make himself available. That for me showed his commitment to the club. With the changes in his life, he was keen to get back on the horse. I know what he can bring to the table, both in the room and on the ice and I’m very happy to have him back with us”.
Harris will continue to wear the number 77 jersey when he returns to the ice this weekend. Welcome back Rich!
PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
Warm-up Jersey – For just £125 get your name or logo printed on the back of Richard Harris’ warm-up jersey. Sponsors are also named on our website and then presented with the jersey to keep at the end of the season.
Game jerseys – For just £175 get your name or logo printed on the back of Richard Harris’ home or away game jerseys. Want both? For just £300 get your name or logo on the back of each of Richard Harris’ game jerseys. Sponsors are also named on our website and are announced over the loudspeaker during player introductions at every home game and are presented with their jersey (one shirt) at the end of the season. Business sponsors also get their logo placed on our official website.
Contact Sarah Parrish by email at [email protected] for player sponsorship details or enquiries. Thank you!
