Sam Zajac

'PHENOMENAL YOUNG MAN': Greg Marshall (second left) with older brother Harrison (left), sister Francesca and younger brother, Brogan (right).

Knights stars to pay tribute in charity face-off

END OF AN ERA: Leeds Knights' James Archer will retire from playing this season. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Archer bows out having finally realised his Leeds ambitions

STICKING AROUND: Bailey Perre was quick to agree terms on a new deal keeping him at Leeds Knights for the 2023-24 NIHL National campaign. Picture: Oliver Portamento

Perre back for more of the same with Leeds Knights

MOVING ON: Adam Barnes fires home for Leeds Knights in the second leg of the NIHL National Cup final against Peterborough Phantoms. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Original 'Chief' Barnes makes Knights exit

BACK FOR MORE: Jordan Griffin returns for a third season with Leeds Knights, looking to build on an impressive 2022-23 with the team. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento

Knights ensure Griffin sticks around to help defend titles

Double bid: Leeds Knights head coach Ryan Aldrige takes his NIHL title-winners into the play-offs this weekend. (Picture: Oliver Portamento)

Leeds Knights chief Ryan Aldridge not taking play-off rivals for granted

HAIL TO THE CHIEFS: Sam Zajac (second right), celebrates NIHL National title success with (from left) Jason Thomas, Lewis Baldwin, Adam Barnes, Sam Gospel and Glenn Baldwin (far right).

Knights triumph four years in the making for first man in Zajac

WINNING SMILES: Matt Haywood, pictured above with import forward Zack Brooks, has proved an inspirational and leading figure for Leeds Knights in their winning of the NIHL National regular season league title. Oliver Portamento

Knights switch pays off big as Haywood ends long wait for trophy

TOUGH NIGHT: Leeds Knights' goaltender Sam Gospel was beaten six times as National Cup final opponents Peterborough enjoyed a first leg romp on home ice. Oliver Portamento

Knights suffer National Cup final first leg agony at hands of Phantoms

AIMING HIGH: Matt Haywood has played a significant role in making Leeds Knights a genuine NIHL National regular season title contender. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.

Haywood happy embracing pressure of Knights' league title bid

SOLID LINE: Jordan Griffin and Lewis Baldwin have proved worthy members of Leeds Knights' defensive unit this season. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.

Making case for defence is easy one for Knights' coach Aldridge

DECISIONS, DECISIONS: Defenceman Jordan Griffin could return to the Leeds Knights' line-up for the double-header weekend against Bristol Pitbulls. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.

Knights to make game-day calls on whether key defencemen face Pitbulls

READY FOR ACTION: Sam Zajac returned to the Leeds Knights line-up on Sunday. He is primed for a busy January ahead. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento

Zajac confident Knights can pass further big character tests in January

TREBLE TOP: Grant Cooper recorded a hat-trick in Sunday night's 7-2 win over Hull Seahawks. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento

Knights blow away Seahawks with second-period goal blast

BACK IN THE GAME: Lee Bonner had the deaired impact when he returned to the Sheffield Steeldogs' line-up last weekend after an injury-enforced lay-off. Picture courtesy of Peter Best/Steeldogs Media.

Bonner's return 'with a bang' is good news for Steeldogs

FAMILIAR FACE: Thomas Barry (left) holds off Adam Barnes, whilke playing for Sheffield Steeldogs against Leeds Chiefs back in 2019. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Knights make necessary defensive addition

YOUNG GUNS: Defensive trio Dylan Hehir (left), Josh Hodgkinson (second left) and Bailey Perre (second right) are making good progress in their first full seasons at NIHL National level. Picture: Oliver Portamento.

Gospel happy to make case for Knights' young defence

HIGH HOPES: Leeds Knights' defenceman Sam Zajac believes Yorkshire Cup games against Hull Seahawks and Sheffield Steeldogs will provide a suitable pre-season test. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.

Knights Zajac confident Yorkshire Cup will provide ideal tests

INCOMING: Centre Matt Haywood - pictured in action for Glasgow Clan against Cardiff Devils last season Picture courtesy of EIHL/Al Goold

Zajac backing Haywood to have positive impact at Knights

END OF AN ERA: Matt Haywood (right) battles with Sheffield Steelers' Evan Mosey while playing for Glasgow Clan last season Picture courtesy of EIHL/Al Goold

Haywood determined to make most of fresh start at Knights

Sam Zajac (left) is back for a second season at Leeds Knights Picture courtesy of Kat Medcroft/Swindon Wildcats

Leeds Knights: Key man Zajac keen to help Knights achieve full potential

SAM ZAJAC said it was an ‘easy decision’ to sign with Leeds Knights for another season – convinced the team is heading in the right direction under head coach Ryan Aldridge.

Phil Harrison

Kieran Brown enjoyed a 2+2 night for Leeds Knights in their 4-1 victory at Basingstoke Bison. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Leeds Knights close in on NIHL National rivals

TOUGH TEST: Leeds Knights' head coach, Dave Whistle Picture: James Hardisty

Tough test for Knights at Tigers as they look to close gap

MISSING OUT: Leeds Knights captain Sam Zajac - right - in action against Swindon during pre-season. Picture courtesy of Kat Medcroft/Swindon Wildcats

Knights handed timely Autumn Cup Final edge over Wildcats

YOUNG GUN: Defenceman Ben Solder has impressed for Leeds Knights in pre-season, including his ability to play forward when required. Picture: Andy Bourke.

Zajac backs young Knights to make positive impact

Matthew Davies, in action for Hull Pirates against Leeds Chiefs at Elland Road in February 2020. Picture: Dean Woolley.

Matty Davies gets back in the game at Leeds Knights with high aims

NEW START: Forward Kieran Brown is excited about finally getting his chance to play for Leeds' NIHL National team at Elland Road. Picture courtesy of Andy Bourke/Podium Prints.

Brown sees Leeds as perfect place for his game and confidence to blossom

NEW HOME: Steve Nell, the new owner Leeds' NIHL National ice hockey team. Picture: Steve Riding.

New Leeds ice hockey team owner Nell embraces fresh challenge

Bradford Bulldogs Under-11s and Under-13s listen to head coach Andy Brown, far right, during a practice session last year.

Why the Covid-19 pandemic raises concerns over junior ice hockey participation

DECISION TIME: If today's vote accepts the proposals for a single governing body for the ice hockey in the UK, all hockey would come under one roof. Picture: Dean Woolley.

Key vote set to determine way forward for ice hockey in UK

POSITIVE NEWS: Leeds Chiefs' player-coach, Sam Zajac. Picture: Dean Woolley.

Leeds Chiefs’ coach Zajac hails ‘great day’ as Tier 3 rinks given green light

OPTIMISTIC: Sheffield Steeldogs player-coach Ben Morgan, in action against Leeds Chiefs last season, is hoping fans back the behind-closed-doors Streaming Series. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss

Steeldogs coach Morgan hoping all British hockey fans back 'Streaming Series'

BEN MORGAN is confident everything possible has been done to make the behind-closed-doors ‘Streaming Series’ an attractive event for online viewing – now they just need fans to log on and give it their backing.

Phil Harrison

BRING IT ON: Sheffield Steeldogs' Ben O'Connor, seen in action last season for Sheffield Steelers, hopes the forthcoming 'Streaming Series' can help produce a shortened, regular season involving more NIHL National clubs. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley.

Ben O’Connor keen to ensure Steeldogs matches are attractive option

HIGH AMBITIONS: Defenceman Jordan Griffin, right, in action for Sheffield Steelers. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley.

Chiefs can help former Steelers defenceman Griffin realise his EIHL ambitions

Jordan Griffin in action for Sheffield Steeldogs against Milton Keynes Lightning last season. Picture: Tony Sargent.

Former Steelers D-man Jordan Griffin tipped to realise potential at Leeds Chiefs

Lewis Baldwin, in action for Leeds Chiefs against Sheffield Steeldogs at Ice Sheffield last season. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Lewis Baldwin determined for Leeds Chiefs to prove big point in NIHL National

SEE YOU SOON: Kieran Brown, in action for Sheffield Steeldogs against Leeds Chiefs at Ice Sheffield last season. Picture courtesy of Cerys Molloy.

Kieran Brown keen to realise potential for Leeds Chiefs and himself after exit f...

BIG ASSIST: Glenn Baldwin works the Leeds Chiefs' bench at Elland Road last season during the NIHL National clash against Sheffield Steeldogs. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss.

Bench work of Glenn Baldwin allows Leeds Chiefs and Sam Zajac to make progress

Leeds Chiefs' player-coach Sam Zajac Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss

Leeds Chiefs’ Sam Zajac sees hurdles for game to cross before new season can sta...

Leeds Chiefs player-coach Sam Zajac Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss.

Sam Zajac learning to let Leeds Chiefs evolve over time

BRING HIM BACK? Teenage winger Lewis Houston, left, was a welcome addition for Leeds Chiefs, proving a good linemate for Adam Barnes, right. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss.

Sam Zajac determined on getting the balance right at Leeds Chiefs

AHEAD OF THE GAME: Leeds Chiefs' player-coach Sam Zajac has wasted no time in building his roster ahead of the 2020-21 campaign. Picture: Dean Woolley.

Sam Zajac keen for Leeds Chiefs to get ahead of the game

PRIMED: Leeds Chiefs'player-coach Sam Zajac is confident his team will be ready for the first puck drop, whenever and wherever it comes along in 2020-21. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss

Preparation key as Leeds Chiefs target competitive edge in NIHL National

Leeds Chiefs'player-coach Sam Zajac battles with Hull Pirates' Sam Towner at elland Road last season. Picture: Dean Woolley.

Leeds Chiefs’ boss Sam Zajac keen on NIHL National season opener in Coventry

Leeds Chiefs' Andres Kopstals battles against Hull Pirates' Matty Davies at Elland Road last season. Picture: Dean Woolley.

First season as pro leaves Leeds Chiefs’ Andres Kopstals hungry for more

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’ netminder Sam Gospel intent on realising his Elite League ambition...

Lewis Houston, in action for Leeds Chiefs against Hull Pirates last season. Picture: Dean Woolley.

Lewis Houston tipped to have positive impact if back with Leeds Chiefs

PLANNING AHEAD: Leeds Chiefs' player-coach, Sam Zajac. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss.

No regrets for Sam Zajac as he plots bright future for Leeds Chiefs

Jan Danecek scored the shootout winner for Sheffield Steeldogs at leaders Telford Tigers on Saturday night. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss.

Hull Pirates rebound in 11-goal thriller as Sheffield Steeldogs suffer on the ro...

Sam Zajac of Leeds Chiefs during last week's game with Hull Pirates (Picture: Dean Woolley)

Crunch time for Leeds Chiefs as Sheffield Steelers look to preserve Elite League...

Sam Zajac, Leeds Chiefs' player-coach. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss.

Video – Leeds Chiefs aiming to end frustration against Hull Pirates

HISTORY MAKERS: Leeds Chiefs' Patrik Valcak, right, gets up close and personal with Sheffield Steeldogs' Vladimir Luka at the very first face-off at Elland Road. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Leeds Chiefs 1 Sheffield Steeldogs 4 - No dream home start for Chiefs as Steeldo...

BIG NIGHT: Leeds Chiefs' player-coach, Sam Zajac. Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie

Leeds Chiefs target positive home start to spearhead late playoff push

Sheffield Steeldogs' player-coach, Ben Morgan. Picture: Cerys Molloy.

Sheffield Steeldogs braced for tough opening night against first-time hosts Leed...

Leeds Chiefs' players celebrate their overtime win at leaders Telford Tigers. Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie.

Sam Zajac backs Leeds Chiefs to maintain new-found momentum

LEADING MAN: Sheffield Steeldogs' Alex Graham. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

NIHL National - Alex Graham proving star turn for Sheffield Steeldogs

Sam Zajac shows his frustration after Bracknelkl plunder another goal on Sunday night. Picture courtesy of Kevin Slyfield.

Leeds Chiefs stung by heavy defeat as Hull Pirates and Sheffield Steeldogs share...

Sheffield Steeldogs and Hull Pirates face each other at Ice Sheffield on Saturday (7.30pm) for a second time this season. Picture courtesy of Cerys Molloy.

Sheffield Steeldogs look to leapfrog rivals Hull Pirates as Leeds Chiefs target ...

Leeds Chiefs' player-coach, Sam Zajac. Picture courtesy of gw-images.com

Time on Leeds Chiefs side as they look to crank up pressure on NIHL National riv...

ON THE HUNT: Leeds Chiefs' player-coach, Sam Zajac. Picture: Chris Stratford

New faces sought to help boost Leeds Chiefs fading playoff bid