Local trio commit to Hull Pirates

Hull Pirates have signed three forwards, all of which have come through the ranks of the Hull junior system.

Aaron Lyons played his junior hockey in Hull and Sheffield before joining the Ontario Hockey Academy in 2015.

There he played a total of 86 games in the Midget and AAA league amassing a total of 48 points, 33 of these came last season with 13 goals and 20 assists.

Head coach Jason Hewitt said: “Aaron is a kid I’d heard good things about through guys on the team and others around Hull. He came down for a skate us and really impressed me, he’s got good size, skates well and has a heavy shot.

“I think if I get him around the right guys and with some coaching in certain areas, he’s going to be a real handful and a name to remember in the future. We’re very happy to have him and for him to have agreed to come to us.”

The signings are a timely boost with the season fast approaching, with the odds changing regular through Sportingbet on who will be the teams to watch in the new campaign.

Teenager Cain Taylor, 17, returns for a second season having been part of the Pirates roster in the EPIHL and has played all of his hockey in Hull to date.

Hewitt added: “No stranger to Pirates fans, Cain is an up and coming player who is still only 17!

“With this new league structure it’s a huge chance for these younger guys to get their chance to play and prove that they are worthy to be here. Speaking with Cain it is obvious that this is exactly what he wants to do and I am positive that he will shine.

“He has a good skill set and good awareness on the ice, with some fine tuning he should be a good player for us this year and should put up numbers.”

The third signing is Kieran Beach, 24, who makes the move from Hull Jets.

He has played the last seven seasons with the Jets in NIHL2 and last season returned 27 goals and 29 assists in 26 games.

Hewitt said: “Kieran is, again, another good player from Hull with a good reputation around here. He was also another player who was really impressive when he skated with us.

“He has great composure on the puck and is always looking to move his feet and get open for the next play.

“Kieran has good numbers at the lower levels, this is now his opportunity to prove that he can do it at this level. I firmly believe he has all of the attributes and drive to succeed in this league. He has what it takes.”