NIHL 1 TRANSFER SINCE THE END OF JULY 2025.

NIHL 1 TRANSFERS

If you thought summer was a sleepy time for hockey, think again! The NIHL 1 transfer window since the end of July 2025 has been anything but quiet. Teams across the league have been hard at work mixing things up, bringing in new talent, and saying goodbye to a few familiar faces. Let’s dive into some of the most exciting moves and stories from the past few weeks.

It’s been a busy stretch, with players from all over jumping ship, finding new clubs, or finally landing that big move they’ve been hoping for. Whether it’s seasoned veterans switching up their scenery or youngsters stepping up from the junior ranks, the buzz is real.

Who’s Been Making Waves?

• Coventry NIHL Blaze have been on a mission, picking up Jordan Bloom (straight from free agency!) and Daniel Retter from Telford Tigers 2. Looks like they’re gunning for a serious run this season.

• The Altrincham Aces are packing a punch too, adding Alexander Burns from Oxford Vikings and Corey Swift from Deeside Dragons 2. New faces, new firepower—watch out for them.

• You can’t ignore the Slough Spitfires either. They’ve basically opened the doors to a small army: Edward Zavoi, Joshua Marsden, Ben Williams, Tyler Sheard, Felix and Samuel Hemmings-Maher, Scott Anda, Charlie Ottowell, Himrun Ross, and more. That’s a lot of chemistry to build, but if it clicks, they’ll be a force!

• Guildford Phoenix have brought in Charlie Bell and Joe Stephenson, and Oscar Minton’s come over from Guildford Firekings to take on goalie duties. Solid moves all around.

• Sheffield Titans? They’ve got Thomas Humphries and Joshua Rawsthorne joining the crew—grit, skill, and a real boost for their line-up.

• Romford Buccaneers are hoping Alasdair Barrow from Milton Keynes Thunder will give them that extra edge this year.

• Don’t overlook Billingham Buccaneers, who’ve snagged Ryan Wardell for the job between the pipes. New season, new hope!

A bunch of young guns are making the leap from junior hockey to the senior scene. Coventry Blaze U19’s Owen Chester is now with the big squad, and Oxford Stars U19 2’s Edward Zavoi is joining the Spitfires. It’s always fun watching new talent try to make their mark.

But that’s not all—free agents are finding homes too. Jordan Bloom, Charlie Bell, Oliver Davies, Samuel Hemmings-Maher, and Jack McKay have all gone from “no team” to “new team, new dreams.” Proof that in NIHL 1, you’re never out of the game for long.

It’s not just home-grown players stirring things up. Canadian netminder Greg Blais is suiting up for Solent Devils 2, bringing some international flair. Meanwhile, teams are stacking up on defence—Slough Spitfires, especially, are building a literal wall at the back, so scoring on them might be a nightmare this year.

Milton Keynes Thunder have also upped their game, snapping up Haydn Tucker and Aaron Wilkins from Guildford Firekings to lock things down.

Goalies are always in demand, and this summer’s been no different. Lewis Carter’s now with Lee Valley Lions after leaving Invicta Dynamos, and Joel Bearman has switched Coventry teams. A clutch save here and there can turn a season around.

Every move tells a story. For some, it’s a shot at redemption or a chance to lead. For others, it’s the first step in their pro journey. Whether it’s Core Swift challenging himself with Altrincham Aces or Jack McKay getting back into the groove at Coventry NIHL Blaze, the human side of transfers keeps things interesting. And then there’s Greg Blais, bringing North American vibes to the British ice—let’s see what he brings to the table.

With all these shake-ups, the new season promises to be wild. Will the Spitfires’ massive rebuild work out? Can Coventry’s blend of youth and experience take them higher? Who will be the breakout star or the surprise package? We’ll find out soon enough.

At the end of the day, NIHL 1 is all about passion, community, and chasing that next big moment. Transfers bring fresh stories, new rivalries, and a ton of energy to the league. With teams locked and loaded, it’s time to drop the puck and see what happens.

Be sure to stay tuned!