Frustrated Kieran Brown still hopeful of icing for Leeds Chiefs this season

Forward Kieran Brown says he still hopes to pull on a Leeds Chiefs jersey this season – despite signing a short-term deal to play in the Spring Cup with NIHL National rivals Telford Tigers.
Kieran Brown, in action for Sheffield Steeldogs last season against Swindon. Picture courtesy of Steeldogs Media.Kieran Brown, in action for Sheffield Steeldogs last season against Swindon. Picture courtesy of Steeldogs Media.
Kieran Brown, in action for Sheffield Steeldogs last season against Swindon. Picture courtesy of Steeldogs Media.

The five-team, behind-closed-doors competition starts this weekend when Swindon Wildcats and Sheffield Steeldogs play back-to-back matches, while Telford get their campaign underway next week with a home-and-away double-header against Romford-based Raiders IHC.

Leeds, along with Peterborough Phantoms, Milton Keynes Lightning and Basingstoke Bison – all teams based at rinks owned by Planet Ice – are not competing in the tournament, along with Hull Pirates whose rink is set for a major refurbishment.

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But there is still a chance the Chiefs may see some competitive action this season, with a subsequent, two-month league campaign having been proposed to follow on from the Spring Cup, with all 10 NIHL National teams invited.

Kieran Brown, pictured during his Sheffield Steelers' days. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley.Kieran Brown, pictured during his Sheffield Steelers' days. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley.
Kieran Brown, pictured during his Sheffield Steelers' days. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley.

And Brown, who has signed a seven-week deal with Telford, is hoping Leeds can be involved.

“I was really looking forward to playing for Leeds this season,” said Brown, who came through the junior system at Bradford Bulldogs. “It’s close to my home in Bradford and is a new team for me, so it’s been very frustrating.

“But hopefully we can get something going in April and May because there is talk of all 10 teams being involved in some kind of league. Fingers crossed on that.

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“I’m just desperate to get playing again. I’m so excited. I can’t wait to get back to some kind of normality.

Defenceman Sam Jones, who signed to play for Sheffield Steelers in the 2020-21 season, has joined Kieran Brown at Telford Tigers. Picture courtesy of Jillian McFarlane'Flyers Images.Defenceman Sam Jones, who signed to play for Sheffield Steelers in the 2020-21 season, has joined Kieran Brown at Telford Tigers. Picture courtesy of Jillian McFarlane'Flyers Images.
Defenceman Sam Jones, who signed to play for Sheffield Steelers in the 2020-21 season, has joined Kieran Brown at Telford Tigers. Picture courtesy of Jillian McFarlane'Flyers Images.

“You get into a routine and I’ve missed that, the practise sessions and having games at weekends. That side of things has been really tough, but I’m sure it has for everyone.

“I’ve missed it, the team spirit in the locker room, everything – we’ve all taken it for granted for so long and then it has just been taken away.”

On the signing of Brown, who so far is the only Chiefs’ player to find a Spring Cup roster spot, Telford head coach Tom Watkins said: “Kieran adds scoring punch. He’s an explosive player who has an excellent scoring touch.”

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