Lewis Houston lands ready to hit the ice running for Leeds Chiefs

THE “bundle of energy” that is teenage forward Lewis Houston is an ideal and - not surprisingly timely - addition to the Leeds Chiefs roster, says player-coach Sam Zajac.
NEW ARRIVAL: Lewis Houston is hoping to make a successful switch after signing for Leeds Chiefs. Picture courtesy of Colin Lawson.NEW ARRIVAL: Lewis Houston is hoping to make a successful switch after signing for Leeds Chiefs. Picture courtesy of Colin Lawson.
NEW ARRIVAL: Lewis Houston is hoping to make a successful switch after signing for Leeds Chiefs. Picture courtesy of Colin Lawson.

The 18-year-old will be thrown right in at the deep end when the Chiefs head to Hampshire for this weekend’s double header against Basingstoke Bison, the second encounter being classed as a home game due to the Elland Road rink still being under construction.

But Houston - who first held talks with Zajac in the summer - makes the switch from Solway Sharks in the tier below with an impressive resume which has Zajac hopeful of him making the desired impact.

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“He’s a great skater and while he’s not big in stature, he plays a physical game, a heavy game and he’s a little bundle of energy - he will be a great addition to our team,” said Zajac.

Sam Zajac Leeds Chiefs player-coach. 
Picture: Chris StratfordSam Zajac Leeds Chiefs player-coach. 
Picture: Chris Stratford
Sam Zajac Leeds Chiefs player-coach. Picture: Chris Stratford

“He’s going to cover a lot of ice for us, he’ll get a lot of looks on the top two lines, and he’ll get some power play time if he impresses.”

Houston has ran up impressive numbers this season at Solway, posting 28 points, including 18 goals, in just 17 games, 10 of which have been in NIHL North One, the rest in the SNL.

Houston joins former Sharks team-mates Lewis Baldwin, Joe Coulter, Richard Bentham and Steven Moore on the Chiefs’ roster.