Neil Liddiard will begin his 8^th season with the Guildford Flames ice hockey club in September. Last term, the 6’0”, 200lb blue liner had 5 goals and 27 assists along with 120 penalty minutes for his part in Premier Cup winning campaign. In more than 400 games, the Swindon native has 39 goals, 179 points and sits 2^nd on the all time club penalty list with 771 minutes. 

 

He began his service to the Spectrum side in 2003-2004 when the team lifted the British National League playoff title. The 32 year old’s tenure with the club followed three seasons with Basingstoke Bison which in turn followed an identically timed stint with the Peterborough Pirates from 1997-1998 through 1999-2000. Prior to that, the product of Swindon’s junior set up also saw senior action with that city’s top team. 

 

Liddiard’s career is not short of either individual or team accomplishments. He is a former BNL All Star and has a pair of ‘Top British Defenceman’ awards to his credit. His initial playoff crown and the most recent Cup are in addition to a pair of English Premier League titles in the past 5 seasons along with another Cup success from the spring of 2007.  

 

From 1995 through 1997 Liddiard represented Great Britain at the World junior championships and then did the same thing with the senior side at the main event in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2005. In 22 senior international appearances, Liddiard has 2 goals and 3 assists. 

 

Flames Head coach Paul Dixon commented on Liddiard’s return:

 

“Few players are able to stay with a single club for such an expansive stretch of time and that alone says volumes about the contribution that he has made over the years. He is never going to be at the top of the statistical charts as far as offensive numbers go so he is often unrecognized for the things that he does bring to the table. He can play a physical game to match the needs required for any circumstances, he can play in special team situations and he is very team focused. We benefit from what is a broad playing experience both in terms of domestic and international play and we always know that Neil will turn up to begin the season in top physical condition for the grind ahead. We are pleased he will remain with the club and we look forward to his role in going after the team objectives we have set for 2009-2010.”

 

Photo attached of Neil Liddiard. Photo by Alan Bone.

 

For further information contact Kirk Humphreys on 01483 452244 ext 3 or kirk@guildfordflames.com

 

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