Leeds Knights v Telford Tigers – Brandon Whistle anticipates tough test from former team-mates

ON A ROLL: Brandon Whistle
, in action against Sheffield Steeldogs in pre-season. Picture: Andy Bourke/Podium Prints — ON A ROLL: Brandon Whistle , in action against Sheffield Steeldogs in pre-season. Picture: Andy Bourke/Podium Prints

SHOULD Dave Whistle require any guidance on tomorrow’s visitors to Elland Road, he won’t have to look too far.

Of course, the Leeds Knights coach will have gained invaluable insight into how his team’s Shropshire rivals play following a pre-season challenge game between the two a fortnight ago at St Quentin Gate, the visitors coming away with a 3-2 win.

But in order to find out what really makes the Tigers tick, he need only have a word with a player who played a significant role in Tom Watkins’s side winning an NIHL National league and cup double in the 2019-20 season.

That player is Whistle’s son Brandon, now playing under him at Leeds and having impressed greatly since coming on board, registering two goals and an assist in last weekend’s 7-1 win over Bees IHC in the NIHL Autumn Cup.

THAT WAS THEN ... Brandon Whistle tussles with Leeds Knights' team-mate sam Zajac back in 2019-20, when the two were on opposing teams. Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie.

He has also earned warm praise from Sheffield Steelers’ head coach Aaron Fox, who has been impressed with Whistle since joining the Elite League club on a two-way deal and having attended their pre-season training camp.

But it is Leeds that is the main priority for both father and son and, ahead of facing off against his former team-mates tomorrow (5.15pm), Whistle Jnr knows a serious test of the Knights’ credentials awaits.

“When we played them in pre-season, I kind of already knew how they would play, not that that makes it any easier,” said Whistle.