D-man Matty Cross signs up for Blackburn Hawks in 2023-24

MOVING UP: D-man Matty Cross has signed for Blackburn Hawks for the 2023-24 NIHL North One campaign. Picture: Podium Prints.

BRADFORD BULLDOGS’ defenceman Matty Cross has built on a positive two-way campaign in 2022-23 by signing with Blackburn Hawks.

The 18-year-old has progressed through the junior ranks with the Bulldogs over the past few years to become one of the club’s most exciting prospects, last year signing a two-year deal with the Hawks and then a subsequent two-way deal with NIHL National’s Sheffield Steeldogs where he also made a number of appearances.

Last season, Matty played the bulk of his hockey across the Pennines with the Hawks, making 31 regular season appearances and two more in the play-offs, contributing one goal and eight assists.

He also played four times with the Bulldogs in NIHL Two, as well as turning out on a number of occasions for the Under-18s.

On his deal with the Hawks, Matty said: “It was an easy decision for me. I have loved playing for the team this last season.

“The team camaraderie and the commitment from the owners and coaches in building for this coming season with Oz’s (head coach Dominic Osman) and Ollie’s (assistant coach Ollie Lomax) appointment is fantastic.

“There are some really experienced players joining us and I am looking forward to learning from them and further developing my game. I’m looking forward to seeing where this next season takes us as we have shown we can compete against the top three teams.”

He joins fellow former Bulldogs’ defenceman Bobby Streetly on the Hawks’ roster for next season - the 29-year-old having made the switch from NIHL National’s Hull Seahawks last week - and former Bulldogs’ forward Jacob Lutwyche, who returns for a third season with Blackburn in 2023-24.