Gospel happy to be a 'guiding light' after summer of change at Knights

FOR some time now, Sam Gospel has been one of the more experienced voices in the Leeds Knights locker room.

- by Phil Harrison

It is a role which fits comfortably with the 31-year-old netminder, one of just three players aged over 30 that helped the Knights secure a third NIHL National league title in 2024-25.

With veteran centre Matty Haywood having now retired - 33-year-old forward Matt Bissonnette being the other 'veteran' - there is a likelihood that even more importance will fall upon the shoulders of Gospel, providing that leadership presence.

Either way, given the 'rebuild' nature of this summer being undertaken by head coach Ryan Aldridge - key imports Noah McMullin and Matt Barron have returned home to Canada, while long-serving centre Ethan Hehir has made the switch to Hull Seahawks - Gospel will be integral to any continuation of the team's remarkable run of success.

That pressure, that responsibility is one Gospel takes seriously and one he relishes.