We are pleased to announce a brand-new Player Development Partnership with the Leeds Knights of the National League.

This Player Development Partnership means that we are excited to announce Luca Tessadri and Harrison Walker as our latest additions to the squad!

Upon his return to the Wild, Harrison Walker had a few words to say – ‘’I’m really exciting to be joining the wild again on a two way agreement. It’s a great group of lads and an even better fan base at the wild. I feel that the partnership with the knights will help me progress even further. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again at the rink on a game day. See you all soon.’’

Luca has spent the last few years in the Chelmsford and Raiders junior set-up, before making his NIHL 1 and NIHL 2 South debuts with the Chelmsford Warriors and Chelmsford Chieftains in the 2021-22 season, while remaining with the Chelmsford Mohawks in England U18. Luca has also been a part of the GB U18s team the last two seasons, playing 5 games with a 2.73 GAA and a .924 save percentage.

Luca’s has also picked up back-to-back England U18 South Best SV% award, along with back-to-back Bronze Medals with Team GB.

On his move North, we spoke to our latest signing for his thoughts ahead of the 23-24 season – “I’m really looking forward to the new challenge and proving myself in the NIHL1 north. Having spoken to Joey a lot over the summer I’m excited to get going and help the team push for silverware. Looking forward to meeting you all in September.”

This partnership will allow Harrison Walker and Luca Tessadri to gain valuable minutes with the Widnes Wild, while working alongside and with Leeds starting netminder Sam Gospel, as well as earning a wealth of knowledge from experienced Goalie Coach Davey Lawrence.

The Knights Head Coach, Ryan Aldridge, discussed this new partnership and had this to say – “I’m glad to be working with Joey Coulter and the Wild on this development partnership for both goalies, as well as many more potential players in the future.”

Joey Coulter, former Leeds Knights Assistant Captain and now Player Coach of the Widnes Wild is equally as excited for this partnership – “The Leeds Knights Organisation need no introduction and all of us here at Widnes are very excited about this opportunity. We want to to put the very best product on the ice for our fans, and this new partnership will offer a platform for some of the best youngsters in the country to showcase that talent in our town.”