FRESH BLOOD FOR THE WILD

Widnes Wild are delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Rourke as Head Coach of the club’s brand new Division 2 side ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Rourkey arrives in Widnes with nearly three decades of experience in the game as both a player and coach, bringing a wealth of knowledge, leadership and passion to the Wild’s expanding structure.

Having played ice hockey since 1998, Rourke has represented the Royal Air Force since 2008 and the UK Armed Forces between 2013 and 2016. Across his playing career, he has iced for a number of clubs including Haringey Racers, Slough Jets, Hull Jets, Kingston Sharks and Nottingham Lions, where he served as captain during the 2025/26 season.

Alongside his playing career, Rourke has built an extensive coaching résumé dating back to 2006. His experience spans Learn To Play, recreational and NIHL hockey, while also holding several prominent positions within military hockey programmes. He currently serves as Program Director and Head Coach of the RAF Pumas women’s team, Head Coach of the RAF Ice Hockey Association and Program Director and Head Coach of UKAF Thunder. Most recently, he worked as Club Coach for the Nottingham Lions.

Rourke will now take charge of the Wild’s new NIHL Division 2 side, working closely alongside Division 1 Head Coach, Tom Jackson as the organisation continues building a clear pathway for player development throughout the club.

Speaking following his appointment, Rourke said:

“I would like to thank the Widnes Wild executives and the other coaches for selecting me and giving me this amazing opportunity to be a part of this new, exciting direction for the club.

The formation of the NIHL 2 team now presents a clear and direct pathway from the Wild Academy through to NIHL 1, facilitating opportunities at every level. This alignment enables the club to foster and develop its younger players and prepare them for competition in senior hockey whilst retaining its in-house talent pool.

My goals for this season are to maximise opportunities for players coming through the Academy, foster a positive team culture and prepare the team to compete week in, week out. Every game is winnable with the right commitment and mindset.

I will give everything I can for the club and everyone on the team. All I ask from my players is trust and respect.

I can’t wait to get started, and I am looking forward to seeing as many fans as possible get behind the team and cheer us on as we embark on our inaugural season.”

Rourkey

The addition of a Division 2 side marks another exciting step forward for the Widnes Wild organisation, strengthening the development pathway from junior hockey through to senior competition and reinforcing the club’s long-term ambitions for growth both on and off the ice.

Everyone at Widnes Wild would like to welcome Andrew to the Coaching Claw and we look forward to seeing him behind the bench for the inaugural 2026/27 Division 2 campaign.

Keep an eye on the club’s social media channels, with more announcements coming very soon.

#LETSGOWILD #REWILDING