Thank You, Sam Waller!
The Streatham RedHawks would like to express thanks and best wishes to Sam Waller as he hangs up his skates and retires from playing hockey.
Sam began his journey in UK hockey with the academy set ups in Bracknell and later Swindon. Before his time on the High Road Sam spent time playing in Bracknell, Guildford, Isle Of Wight, Swindon and Slough. Along the way also winning a bronze medal with the GB junior squad
Sam arrived on the High Road in 2021 after a 4-year break from the sport. Brought in by then player coach Michael Farn. To provide a physical and offensive presence on the blue line. And it did not look like Sam had missed a game in 4 years, as he delivered solid performances time and time again that year and through 5 successful seasons on the High Road. Becoming one of the nailed-on names on coach Paynter,s team sheets when building every off season after he took over.
Sam became a key component in a defence that went on to win 3 league titles in a row, 3 play off championships, 3 assorted cup winners medals. Along with a National Play off championship this past April and the National Title back in 2024.
His physicality and offensive awareness will be missed on the Streatham back end, a defenceman who could play wherever he was needed up and down the line up. Who played his role with total composure closing down gaps on opponents and hitting hard in the corners.
Able to turn defence into offence with transitional passes and use his quick wrist shot to deliver chances on net that found a way through or for his team mates to convert. His contribution of 33 goals, 51 assists for 84 points across 148 league and play-off appearance for the club will be a tough gap in the line-up for coach Paynter to fill.
But for now, as Sam Waller skates off the ice and down the tunnel one last time. From all of us at Streatham, thank you from all the fans, staff and your teammates at Streatham. And congratulations on a successful career, and all the best for what comes next.
