Sam Gospel quick to sign up with Leeds chief Steve Nell for new era

Sam Gospel admits he needed little persuading when he was offered the chance to return to Leeds as their No 1 netminder.
By Phil Harrison
Published 30th Apr 2021, 07:05 GMT
Updated 30th Apr 2021, 08:40 GMT
BACK FOR MORE: Sam Gospel, in action for Leeds Chiefs during the team's debut 2019-20 NIHL National season. Picture: Dean Woolley.BACK FOR MORE: Sam Gospel, in action for Leeds Chiefs during the team's debut 2019-20 NIHL National season. Picture: Dean Woolley.
BACK FOR MORE: Sam Gospel, in action for Leeds Chiefs during the team's debut 2019-20 NIHL National season. Picture: Dean Woolley.

The 27-year-old is new team owner Steve Nell’s first signing ahead of the 2021-22 regular NIHL National season which it is hoped can start in September.

The 2020-21 campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, although a handful of second tier teams did manage to compete in two behind-closed-doors competitions, October’s three-team Streaming Series being followed by the five-team Spring Cup which finished at the end of March.

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Easy decision for Sam Gospel as he signs up for Leeds NIHL National return
BACK STOPPING: Leeds netminder Sam Gospel Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie.BACK STOPPING: Leeds netminder Sam Gospel Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie.
BACK STOPPING: Leeds netminder Sam Gospel Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie.
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Gospel couldn’t get any ice time in either competition, but has been able to renew his love for the game after being chosen by Manchester Storm head coach Ryan Finnerty for the Elite Series. He has been back on the ice on a daily basis for the first time in over 12 months and got impressed when getting the start in the 4-3 defeat to Coventry Blaze in the group stages.

Gospel has plenty of fond memories from the Chiefs’ debut season in 2019-20, enough to convince him to come back for more.

“I loved playing for Leeds and I want to be a part of a group that we can build into something successful and special by improving on the good team that we already had last time out,” said Gospel.

“This time we will be able to start off on a level playing field with the other nine teams by having a proper pre-season, something we didn’t get last time around. It will be exciting to see the kind of team Steve and the new coach put together.”

Steve Nell, new owner of Leeds' NIHL National team. Picture: Steve Riding.Steve Nell, new owner of Leeds' NIHL National team. Picture: Steve Riding.
Steve Nell, new owner of Leeds' NIHL National team. Picture: Steve Riding.
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MORE – Chiefs’ name consigned to history as Nell opts for new identity

Nell, who took over ownership of the team last Friday from Elland Road rink owners Planet Ice, said Gospel was one of his top priorities in terms of player signings.

“Sam is a great lad and obviously a great goalie,” said Nell. “We needed to get him on board quickly before somebody else signed him for next season, which they would have done. He’s a big piece of our roster for next season.”

MORE – Zajac not returning as Leeds coach but hopes to return as player

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Related topics:Sam GospelSteve NellLeeds

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