Leeds Chiefs’ netminder Sam Gospel intent on realising his Elite League ambitions

DON'T STOP ME NOW: Sam Gospel, in action for Leeds Chiefs against Hull Pirates in their NIHL National clash last season. Picture: Dean Woolley.

LEEDS CHIEFS’ Sam Gospel says he wants to follow in the footsteps of fellow netminder Ben Bowns and become a first-choice goalie in the Elite League.

Gospel won many plaudits throughout last season when he played for the Chiefs in their inaugural campaign in NIHL National.

Sam Zajac’s team finished bottom in a season brought to a premature close due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Gospel was one of the Chiefs’ main shining lights in a debut campaign beset by off-ice issues, not least the team not having their own rink until the end of January.

It remains to be seen whether Gospel will return for a second season at Elland Road, with a number of factors affecting his decision, not least what role he will have to play at EIHL outfit Nottingham Panthers, who he continued to train with last season while playing for the Chiefs.

Sam Gospel was a standout performer in NIHL National for Leeds Chiefs
last season.
Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie — Sam Gospel was a standout performer in NIHL National for Leeds Chiefs last season. Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie | Freelance

But a full season as a No 1 goalie has done nothing but enhance the reputation of the 26-year-old, who harbours ambitions of replicating the achievements of Rotherham-born Cardiff Devils and Great Britain star Bowns.

“I don’t know Ben at all but, from the outside looking in, he’s done nothing but great things for himself and British goalies in general,” said Gospel. “You look at what he has achieved and it is definitely a target of mine – it should be for any British goalie.

“It’s definitely where I’d like to be – that’s why we all play the sport, to try and realise your potential.”

Bowns, 29, is a rarity in the EIHL in that he was again the only British-born first-choice goalie in the UK game’s top-flight last season.

LEADING LIGHT: Ben Bowns has shown what can be achieved by British goalies in the Elite League and on the international stage. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley.

Having come through the Sheffield junior system he spent time with the Sheffield Steeldogs before getting his top-flight chance with the Hull Stingrays.

Two seasons there saw him gain the chance to be first-choice at Cardiff Devils in 2014, where he has remained ever since, back-stopping Andrew Lord’s team to two regular season league titles and three Challenge Cups.

He also blossomed on the international stage, becoming Great Britain’s No 1 in 2014 and being a pivotal member of Pete Russell’s team when it earned a return to the world elite for the first time in 25 years in 2018 – and then stayed there.

Gospel, who has seen limited opportunities in the EIHL with Nottingham, where he came through the junior system, was widely-regarded as the best goaltender in NIHL National last season, facing more shots than any of his rivals and posting a save percentage of 88.91 per cent. Understandably, his time with the Chiefs has only enhanced his self-belief.

KEEP IT UP: Sam Gospel in action for Leeds Chiefs last season. Picture: Dean Woolley.

“This season has only helped me develop more in order to get to where I want to be,” said Gospel. “I’ve benefited so much from my time at Leeds.

“I faced a hell of a lot of rubber this season, had a hell of a lot of opportunities and it is just another stepping stone to get to where I want to be. I’ve really enjoyed it.

“It was always going to be a shot in the dark coming to a brand new team, but it has paid off hugely. Everyone has an end goal and where they want to get to. You’ve just got to find the right route to ensure you get there and make sure you enjoy it along the way.”