The Morley Glass Leeds Knights are delighted to confirm the re-signing of promising forward Daragh Spawforth for the 26/27 NIHL National League season.
Still only 17-years-old, Spawforth has developed into one of the brightest young prospects since joining the Knights for the 2024/25 campaign. He came through the Bradford junior system and upon his move to Leeds, has represented both the Leeds Knights Juniors and Leeds Knights 2 teams, rapidly rising through the ranks and gaining valuable experience for the test of senior level hockey.
During the 2025/26 season, Spawforth made 42 appearances for the senior team and recorded five points, including his first NIHL goal in September against the Bristol Pitbulls – a reward for his hard work and continued progression.
The past season also proved to be a landmark year for the young forward on the international stage. He earned call-ups to both the Great Britain Under-18 and Under-20s squads, winning a silver medal with the 18s in April before racing to Coventry to celebrate the Knights’ play-off victory with his teammates.
On his return to Leeds, Spawforth said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back in Leeds for the 26/27 season. Leeds offers the best opportunity for players like myself to learn and grow our senior game into professional athletes. The club is the perfect place for my development, and guidance from Ryan and the senior players has really been massive for my game. I feel like I made improvements this past season and I'm hungry to keep pushing myself and bring home some more silverware. Finishing last season on a high is massive for the group and I'm looking forward to what we can achieve this year. Can't wait to be back and I'll see you guys at the Castle soon!”
Head Coach Ryan Aldridge said: “Daragh is one of our standing young players who improved loads last year. Like all young players the more he played the better he played and we are hoping he stays on the same trajectory this coming season. His character came out later on in the year and he forged some great relationships with some of the older guys on the team. This is a big summer for Daragh regarding his off ice training to allow him to jump right back in where he left off.”
His commitment, work ethic and willingness to learn made him a valuable part of the Knights organisation last season, and we are looking forward to welcoming him back for another season in Knights colours next year.
