Preview: Bradford Bulldogs v Altrincham Aces
NEW ERA: Dave Williams has stepped up as player-coach for the 2025-26 NIHL North Two season
HAVING just missed out on the NIHL North Two play-offs last time out, Bradford Bulldogs return for the 2025-26 campaign determined to make sure they are a more competitive force.
The Bulldogs start their season on home ice at The Pound this Sunday (Sep 7) against Altrincham Aces following a number of changes in personnel during the off-season.
Club head coach Andy Brown will remain part of the coaching team, but will be spending more time working with junior players as part of the club’s aim to enhance its junior development programme.
As a result, Dave Williams has stepped up to become player-coach, with Hannah Gibson remaining in place as assistant coach.
There have been a number of notable changes on the roster, too, with Aaron Jordan returning to the club he played for as a junior after spending last season in North One with Leeds Knights 2.
Josh Stockton - the club’s record points-scorer - and regular linemate Connor Medley have also been coaxed out of retirement after just the one season away, adding much-needed firepower to the Bulldogs.
Williams, who stepped up as player-assistant coach for 2024-25, said he was excited about the challenge ahead and was keen to establish the club as a competitive force at North Two level again.
“We all know last season didn’t go the way we wanted,” said Williams. “We lacked consistency in our performances which impacted our results and ultimately cost us a spot in the play-offs.
PREPARATION: The Bulldogs team, pictured after last Sunday’s 8-3 win over Deeside Dragons 2 in a pre-season challenge game at The Pound.
“This season we need to move on and smake sure we are challenging teams game in, game out - regardless of where they are in the table.
“We’ve made some good additions to the roster, ones I believe will make us competitive again. Bringing Aaron, Josh and Connor back gives us that leadership, experience and quality we need - as well as giving us more depth.
“We’ve also been working hard off the ice too, attracting new sponsors to the club and we’re making a drive to bring more fans to games and help us make our home ice an intimidating place for other teams to come to.
“I want us to be challenging at the top end of the table this time around and making sure we are a tough opponent for other teams in every single game.”
The Bulldogs warmed up for the opening weekend with two pre-season pre-challenge games against league rivals Deeside Dragons 2.
Jordan was the sole goalscorer as the Bulldogs went down 4-1 on the road last Saturday, but Williams’ team turned it around 24 hours later when running out 8-3 winners on home ice.
Jordan led the way wioth four goals, with other markers coming from Kacper Andrukiainec, Stockton, Medley and, with his first senior goal, young defenceman, Dan Johns.
Face-off for Sunday’s game against Altrincham is at 5.30pm, doors open at 4.45pm.
Tickets are priced as follows - Adults: £6; Concessions (incl OAPs/Under-5-U-16s): £3; Family ticket (2 adults, 2 U-16s): £12; Children (aged five and under): £1.