The Solway Sharks are pleased to announce the return of Bolton born, treble winning defenceman, Richard Bentham for the 2022-23 season.

Bentham returns to the Sharks after being part of the treble winning team from last season and playing his part with 4 goals and 24 assists in 27 games and his experience was vital at the business end of the season.

The 32-year-old, right-handed defenceman has spent most of his time down south with Blackburn before playing EPL with Manchester Phoenix as well as spells with Peterborough, Wightlink and most recently Leeds before moving back to the Sharks. He has also played for the Northern Conference from U11 to U17 at the EIHA conference tournament as well as representing GB in 2 U18 World Championships.

Bentham is a puck handling defenceman who sees the ice well and can make things happen, can shoot the puck and chip in with points and this quickly established him as a favourite with the fans over the past few spells here. He is a player who makes a good pass and plays the game with his head up to read the game well and helps us on the PP and we are delighted he is back for another season at the Sharks.

On his return to the club, Bentham commented “I am delighted to be back as a Shark as I really enjoyed last season’s treble and being part of this group of players. Solway feels like home for me now and being able to use my experience and help the team is something that motivates me to enjoy more success. I started helping with the kids last season and that allowed me to realise just how much I enjoy playing hockey and want to help the young guys make an impact on the team long term and hopefully learn from my experience in the game. I enjoy working with the staff here and know the expected standards of this club and I am back to make sure we continue to win trophies. It was special to be able to share the success with my son last season and can’t wait to get back on the ice and replicate our success”.

Sharks Head Coach Martin Grubb added “Dickie is a player who gives us experience on the blue line and options on the PP and he fits in as a leader in our dressing room. He skates well, can make plays, and play in all 3 zones and he is a great guy to have around, and he wanted to be here and continue enjoying his hockey, so it made sense to bring him back. We are happy to welcome Dickie back and having him back with us for another year will make our team stronger and you could see as the season progressed that he was influencing games more and more and his winning mentality helped players around him get over the line. His game has matured over the years, and he is now shot blocking and doing whatever his team needs him to do to win and that experience is something we look forward to having back in our group”.

Bentham will wear the number 91 jersey that has become familiar for him for the upcoming season and his jerseys are available to own and loan now. Please email sharkssecretary@aol.com to discuss the owned and loaned packages available.

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