Leeds Knights: Jamie Chilcott gets back in the game to add defensive depth to Knights

LEEDS KNIGHTS have added some defensive depth to their roster with the signing of former Hull Pirates captain, Jamie Chilcott.
Jamie Chilcott, in action for Hull Pirates against Milton Keynes during the 2019-20 NIHL National season. Picture courtesy of Tony Sargent.Jamie Chilcott, in action for Hull Pirates against Milton Keynes during the 2019-20 NIHL National season. Picture courtesy of Tony Sargent.
Jamie Chilcott, in action for Hull Pirates against Milton Keynes during the 2019-20 NIHL National season. Picture courtesy of Tony Sargent.

The 28-year-old has been training with the Knights in recent weeks and will play alongside former Pirates’ team-mates Matty Davies and Jordan Fisher once again when he makes his debut in Sunday’s home game against Basingstoke Bison (5.15pm).

Like the rest of his new team, Chilcott will get to meet new interim coach Ryan Aldridge at practice at Elland Road on Thursday night, following Wednesday’s shock exit of former head coach, Dave Whistle.

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Jamie Chilcott, in action for Hull against Telford Tigers during the 2019-20 NIHL National season. Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie/Telford Tigers Photos.Jamie Chilcott, in action for Hull against Telford Tigers during the 2019-20 NIHL National season. Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie/Telford Tigers Photos.
Jamie Chilcott, in action for Hull against Telford Tigers during the 2019-20 NIHL National season. Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie/Telford Tigers Photos.
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“I’ve spoken to Steve and the intention is to be around for the rest of the season,,” said Chilcott. “I’m coming in now for that play-off push, if you like. Looking at the league table, it’s quite a tight league and nobody is really running away with it.

“Maybe Telford have got an edge over everyone else this past weekend, but they are certainly not out of reach. The top five teams are all quite close. It will need a good run from us to close the gape, but it’s certainly achievable.

“If we can get a good push for the next two-three months, get as far up the table as we can and see where that gets us - then get a good run-in for the play-offs.

“I know they’ve been a bit short of bodies in some of the games and so I saw it as a pretty good opportunity for it to work both ways - get back on the ice myself after so long out and help the team out at the same time.

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“I am excited after so long out, to be honest. I’ve just jumped on training with the lads recently and it has sort of gone from there - I can’t wait to get back playing again.”

Hull-born Chilcott returns to compete on the ice for the first time since March 2020 with bags of experience, spending two seasons in the Elite League with Hull Stingrays before the team’s demise.

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He remained in the EIHL with Manchester Storm the following season before returning to his hometown to join Hull Pirates, the team that replaced the Stingrays and began life in the now-defunct English Premier League.

He then spent four full seasons with the Pirates, the last three as captain, leading Jason Hewitt’s team to a memorable treble in 2018-2019 before the pandemic forced an early conclusion to the inaugural NIHL National season which followed, Hull finishing fifth.

“We’re thrilled Jamie has decided to join us in Leeds, he’s a big strong defenceman and will be an important player for us in the second half of the season,” said Knights’ owner Steve Nell.

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