In a significant development for English hockey, East Grinstead Hockey Club has successfully signed Nick and Emma Bandurak, solidifying their men’s and women’s squads with two players whose experience and skills could redefine the club’s future. This joint signing, coming in the wake of Nick’s controversial exit from Holcombe Hockey Club, is more than just a fresh start for the Banduraks—it underscores East Grinstead’s commitment to strengthening their legacy and securing a competitive edge across both divisions.
Nick Bandurak has been one of English hockey’s standout figures, with his decade at Holcombe defining his reputation as a consistent top goal-scorer and influential team member. His departure from Holcombe, following a dispute with the club’s new Director of Hockey, Kwan Browne, left a sizeable void, but East Grinstead’s men’s team has seized the opportunity to bring him on board. Known for his goal-scoring finesse and tactical awareness, Nick’s experience and leadership qualities are likely to bring a new dimension to East Grinstead’s attacking strategy. East Grinstead Men’s Coach, Wes Jackson, expressed his excitement, commenting, “We are very excited to have Nick and Emma join the club. The group have started to show they can get back to the top, playing some exciting attacking hockey, and Nick will slot into that style of play nicely.”
For Emma Bandurak, this transition to East Grinstead represents a promising opportunity to contribute to a new team environment. Emma has established herself as a reliable, skillful presence on the field, and her addition to the women’s squad is anticipated to elevate the team’s competitiveness in the Women’s Premier Division. East Grinstead’s women’s side has been on an upward trajectory, with the ambition to become one of the top contenders in the league. Emma’s composure, game vision, and ability to support both offensive and defensive plays will provide a solid foundation for the squad as they aim to make waves this season.
East Grinstead Hockey Club, a historical force in English hockey, has long balanced legacy with innovation. In recent years, however, the men’s team has faced intense competition and fluctuating form, with rivals like Old Georgians and Surbiton challenging their position among the league’s elite. This acquisition of the Banduraks is a strategic move aimed at re-establishing East Grinstead’s standing within the English hockey hierarchy. Nick’s goal-scoring expertise and Emma’s steady on-field presence are timely additions for both squads, helping bridge any gaps and strengthening the teams for the upcoming season.
East Grinstead’s indoor hockey achievements have been particularly impressive, with the club consistently advancing in the Super 6s championships and representing England in European competitions. Their dominance in the indoor game has helped sustain the club’s reputation, even during challenging seasons in the outdoor league. Adding players like the Banduraks, who bring substantial outdoor and indoor experience, aligns with East Grinstead’s goals to perform across all formats of the game and offers the potential for high-impact performances both indoors and outdoors.
Nick’s move, in particular, brings renewed energy and ambition to the club. His departure from Holcombe, a club where he was deeply embedded, was a major event in English hockey. Following the fallout with Browne and his eventual release from Holcombe, Nick faced a crossroads in his career. The support he received from fans and peers was overwhelming, reinforcing his stature within the hockey community.
As the Banduraks prepare for their first matches with East Grinstead, both squads have reason to be optimistic. Their arrival not only brings individual talent but also represents East Grinstead’s larger vision of rebuilding its competitive status. The men’s team, in particular, will be looking to leverage Nick’s capabilities in offensive play to challenge top-tier clubs, while Emma’s consistent performances should provide the women’s side with an edge as they strive for higher standings in the league.
This double signing is more than just an addition to the roster; it’s a statement from East Grinstead that the club intends to blend its storied history with fresh talent to compete at the highest levels of English hockey. The Banduraks’ presence will undoubtedly attract attention as the season unfolds, with fans and followers eager to see how these two seasoned players influence East Grinstead’s journey toward reclaiming top positions in both the men’s and women’s leagues.
For East Grinstead, this is not only a nod to the future but also a reinvigoration of their pursuit of hockey excellence, a quality that has defined the club’s ethos for decades. As they gear up for the challenges ahead, East Grinstead’s supporters can look forward to an exciting season, with Nick and Emma Bandurak poised to be at the heart of the action.
