Defenceman Dec Balmer makes stunning return to Hull Seahawks

Planet Ice NIHL National Division side Hull Seahawks have confirmed the return of Dec Balmer on a deal until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old defenceman spent the last two completed seasons in East Yorkshire with the Seahawks, making 105 appearances in total.

Balmer previously featured for Swindon Wildcats in the NIHL as well as Manchester Storm in the Elite League. He has also been capped by Great Britain at U20 level.

Unfinished business for Balmer

#𝟵𝟰 𝗗𝗘𝗖 𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗠𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗦! 😍

The Hull Reckitt Seahawks are delighted to announce that defenceman #94 Dec Balmer sponsored by Lincolnshire Carpet Warehouse will return to the Seahawks until the end of the season and WILL ice tomorrow night back on home ice against… pic.twitter.com/2WatbfpeMC

— Hull Reckitt Seahawks (@hullseahawks) December 28, 2024

Last season, Balmer posted a career-best 54 goal contributions, scoring eight and assisting 46 in his 52 appearances.

He helped the Seahawks reach the NIHL National Cup final, where they were defeated by MK Lightning, as well as a top-four finish in the National Division.

Balmer, who left the club following the conclusion of last season, made his return during Sunday’s Yorkshire derby victory over Sheffield Steeldogs.

‘The backbone of this team’

Discussing Balmer’s return, Hull Seahawks head coach Matty Davies said: “Dec is someone that I never wanted to lose.

“He’s honestly the first person that I want to sign every year. He’s been the backbone of this team for the last two years and someone I’ve heavily relied on for a massive amount of our games.

“It took a little bit of persuading, but he’s someone that we really need right now.

“Every team wants a Dec Balmer. He’s so important to what we are, a real player in this league [and] the best D-man British-wise.

“To get someone like that back in at this stage, you honestly couldn’t get anyone better.”

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