Bulldogs announce trials for 2023-23 NIHL North Two campaign

SIGN UP: The Bulldogs are looking for new players for the 2023-24 NIHL North Two season. Picture: Andy Bourke/Podium Prints.

BRADFORD BULLDOGS are looking to recruit for the 2023-24 NIHL North Two (Laidler) season and are holding two open trials in June as part of their search for new players.

After a rebuilding season in 2022-23 which followed a number of players moving up top North One or retiring, Andy Brown gave plenty of senior hockey experience to a number of Under-18s that had come through the club’s consistently successful junior programme.

More players will emerge from the juniors over the coming months, but the Bulldogs are also looking for players who are looking for a new hockey challenge and fancy helping the Bulldogs put together a successful campaign next time out.

BATTLING BULLDOGS: Connor Medley (left) and Josh Stockton were among the team’s top scorers last season. Picture: Andy Bourke/Podium Prints.

Head coach Andy Brown, who is also assistant coach for Great Britain Under-18s, said the club were keen to hear from anyone who already have recenty experience of NIHL One or Two hockey and looking for a change of scene, or younger players aged 16 or over looking to prove themselves at senior level.

Although 2022-23 league champions Hull Jets have moved up to North One following their success, the league will become even more competitive with two new teams joining in the shape of Billingham Buccaneers and Kingston Sharks.

“It’s an exciting time for this level of hockey in the north with lots happening,” said head coach Brown. “We wish Hull Jets all the best after opting to move up and I’m sure they’ll do well in North One.

“But with two new teams coming into the division, it’s going to be an interesting season in North Two.

“As ever, we’re always on the lookout for new players and while we have a thriving junior system from which we can call players through, we’re keen to hear from players who are looking for a fresh challenge in their hockey careers.

“It helps if they’ve got some experience at this level, or even the level above, but if they are keen, hungry and have a good work ethic, they could be just what we’re looking for.”