The YKK sponsored Widnes Wild are pleased to announce that Jon Anderson is to return as General Manager.
Anderson was previously Wild Manager from 2015 to 2017 after taking over from Mick Caunce. His tenure oversaw two runners up finishes for Widnes in the Laidler Division – plus their first ever trophy with the Laidler Play Off win in 2017 in Sheffield.
In the early 1980’s Jon was involved in the Widnes street hockey scene and also played roller hockey in Warrington with a team of guys from Widnes called The Destroyers. When the roller rink closed down in the mid 80’s he continued to follow ice hockey by watching the Great Britain team, Manchester Storm and even made a few journeys further afield to Canada to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs play in the NHL (National Hockey League).
When the Widnes rink opened in 2012, Jon brought his 2 sons skating. The two boys went on train with the juniors – with Sam going on to become the first ever Widnes junior to play for the Wild in the NIHL – and Jon set up and played with the Riverside Raiders recreational team.
Away from ice hockey, Anderson made the news earlier this year by staging a one-man aid convoy where he collected a van full of donated medical supplies, blankets and food and then drove across to the Polish / Ukrainian border to help with refugees from the Ukraine war zone.
Talking about his return to the club, Jon Anderson said:
“Its great to be back!! As most of you already know, I’m Widnes born and bred and for me personally, when it comes to ice hockey, it’s Wild or nothing…”
“After a couple of successful seasons and ultimately winning silverware with Ollie Barron, then stepping down for few seasons away from hockey, I kept a close eye on things at the Wild, albeit from a distance. After recent discussions with new owners Danny and Georgia and coach Haggar, I felt the time was right to return to the club.”
“Danny and Georgia have both been good friends of mine for several years now and both bring fresh ideas and a new enthusiasm to the team. This will be my first time working alongside Rich Haggar and I can already tell he’s a great guy and a very focused coach. From our recent conversations, it’s very obvious that we’re all on the same page when it comes to getting the job done!”
“NIHL 1 is a tough division, with some great teams and everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction to make good things happen. I feel that the dynamic between Rich, Danny, Georgia and myself, along with the rest of the Wild’s off ice team and combined with the legendary support of the best fans in the league, we will be providing some great entertainment and ultimately aiming high to achieve great things.”
“We’ve got an exciting season ahead and I look forward to catching up with you all soon!”
Commenting on Anderson’s re-appointment, club owners Danny Davies and Georgia Weekes said:
“We’re delighted to have Jon back on board again this season. We’ve both previously worked with Jon and have seen first hand how well he can manage the team. Jon is well known by players and fans alike and we’re excited for him to be back as part of the Wild family.”
The YKK sponsored Widnes Wild play their first game of the new season this Sunday 4th September when they take on Sutton Sting in a challenge match at Planet Ice Widnes. Face off is at 5.30pm and doors open at 4.45.
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