NIHL Signing News

NIHL News

Billingham Stars have again added to their roster with the re-signing of defenceman Andy Finn and netminder James Flavell.

Set for an eighth consecutive season on Billingham’s blue line, ‘D’ man Finn missed out on much of the Stars’ 2017-18 campaign due to work commitments but he was still able to chip in with two goals and six assists in eighteen league games last season to support his team’s offensive efforts. Having first played ice hockey in Billingham, Finn went on to enjoy three seasons with Sheffield’s junior setup before playing a season with Swindon Wildcats in the EPL. Finn then returned to the North East to play for the Northern Stars prior to their merger with Billingham and he has remained on Teesside ever since. As one of the team’s most experienced players, Finn is another strong addition to Billingham’s roster and he will surely look to contribute as much as he possibly can when the season gets underway in September. 

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Likewise, netminder Flavell will also prepare for an eighth successive campaign with the Stars after recording a save percentage of 88% over the course of twenty three league games during a difficult season for the Teessiders. Flavell made his debut for the Bombers during their 2004-05 campaign and remained with the club for a further three seasons before switching to local rivals Whitley Warriors in 2009 during the refurbishment of The Forum. Contributing to the Warriors’ back-to-back title wins, Flavell then returned to his hometown club to find himself crowned an ENL champion for a third consecutive season. Achieving a save percentage of over 90% for four consecutive campaigns prior to the Stars most recent outing in NIHL North, and accomplishing the best save percentage in the league during Billingham’s 2014-15 campaign, Flavell is undoubtedly one of the best netminders in Division One and his return will be certainly be welcomed by all those at the club.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

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