Leeds Knights coach Dave Whistle says it’s going to be a different experience for him to coach his own son after Brandon joined the club.
The 23-year-old seals his return to the NIHL National League after missing out on the Streaming Series and Spring Cup events in 2020/21.
And Whistle he won’t be ‘dad’ in the locker room when the serious business of the season begins in September.
“I think we’re a lucky team to get Brandon,” Whistle senior said. “I know he’s my son, so I’ve got to say something good.
“In all seriousness, he’s been a good player pretty much all his life, he’s a good team-mate, he’s pumped to get back here and he’s excited to get playing.
“He’s a pretty strong offensive player, makes good plays and has a good hockey IQ.
“I’m happy to have him here and hopefully the players are happy too. It’s a little bit weird coaching your own son and I’ve never coached my own son before to be honest, so this one is going to be maybe a small battle, not a big battle I hope.
“We’ll have a few chats before the year starts. I’m not ‘dad’ in here but he’ll know it, he’s a pretty mature kid and he’s just excited to get playing again and coming back over.”
Whistle junior arrives as a league winner after helping Telford Tigers to the inaugural National League title, which they won prior to the coronavirus lockdown in March 2020.
He put up 59 points in 37 games for the Tigers and helped them win the NIHL Cup title as well in what was a successful season despite the abrupt end to the campaign.
He also played for Sheffield Steelers in season 2018/19, where his brother, Jackson, now at Belfast Giants played as well.
Leeds Knights begin their NIHL campaign against Bees at home on Saturday 18th September.
- Swindon Wildcats added to their roster with the signing of veteran netminder Dean Skinns, who previously played at Milton Keynes Lightning in 2019/20.
