The SLS Peterborough Phantoms are delighted to welcome 16-year-olds Riley Bradford and Frankie Yardley on three-year prospect contracts.
Bradford, a Great Britain U16 International and son of former Peterborough Pirate, Phantom & Islander Bernie Bradford, has played all of his hockey to-date in Peterborough. The young defenceman has progressed through the youth ranks and posted impressive points for a defensive player along the way.
He captained the Phantoms U16’s last season, whilst notching 20 goals and 6 assists in 14 games. He added a further nine points in 15 U19’s games & made his senior debut with the Peterborough Phantoms NIHL2 side.
Frankie, son of Shaun Yardley, has also enjoyed an impressive junior career with the Phantoms. He’s averaged over a point per game in every season since 2022/23 and was one of Bradford’s assistant captains for the Phantoms U16’s last season.
In that season, he grabbed 19 goals and 13 assists for 32 points in just 13 games, whilst adding seven goals and five assists for 12 points in 12 U19 games. He made his senior debut for the Phantoms NIHL2 and went on to pick up six points in eight games, whilst also icing twice for the Leeds Knights 2 in the NIHL1.
And now, the two homegrown prospects have signed their first deals with the SLS Peterborough Phantoms, ensuring they’ll continue their development in Peterborough for at least the next three seasons.
Riley said: “Signing my prospect contract with the Phantoms is a proud moment for me. Im grateful for the opportunity and excited to keep developing, working hard, and making the most of this opportunity. I cant wait for the season ahead.”
Whilst Frankie Yardley said: “I’m really pleased to sign a Prospect contract with the Phantoms. It’s been a dream of mine since I started playing at four years old, growing up watching my Dad play with the Phantoms has really inspired me. I am extremely grateful that I have been given the opportunity to join the Phantoms and hope to develop under the coaching team and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, learning from them, and doing everything I can to help the team succeed. I can’t wait to see all the fans in September!”
And Shaun Yardley, Frankie’s dad and a legend of Peterborough hockey in his own right, said: “It’s an amazing feeling to see Frankie get an opportunity with Phantoms. After being involved with the Phantoms for ten years in my own hockey career and to be able to see Frankie skate with Phantoms, it’s something we’ve wanted for him since he laced his first skates up at the age of 4 years old. He’s still young and I know he’s very grateful for this chance. There’s some great leaders in that locker room in Feds, Norton and Janne, among others. I know his future is in good hands with Ash and Nathan.”
Whilst Phantoms Director, Jon Kynaston, said: “Riley has progressed through the junior programme since an early age, he has great composure, skates really well and plays the game with a real confidence. As with all young players, plenty to work on but Riley is a very promising young defenceman.”
“Frank has also been at the club since an early age, Frank has always had an edge to his game, knows how to score and is developing good size. Frank is another exciting prospect that has great potential.”
“It will be exciting to watch both players progress over the next couple of seasons.” Kynaston concluded.
Welcome to Phantoms, #34 Riley Bradford & #18 Frankie Yardley!