Tigers add Elite forward to roster
As Telford Tigers’ team building nears completion, player-coach Tom Watkins has added another potential star to the roster.
Dean Holland joins Tigers from defunct Elite League side Newcastle, after clocking up 42 points from six years at the highest level with the Vipers. The 22-year-old forward is a former GB under-20 and started last season with EPL Manchester Phoenix, before returning to his native North-East to rejoin Vipers.
Watkins said: “Dean is a tenacious guy, plays hard and won’t back down. I’m expecting him to come to Telford and play his game.
“From what I know of him, he is good in the dressing room and he brings some much-needed experience to our team. I was surprised I got him, but everything just seemed to fall into place.
“He is keen to come to us and use his experience to improve our side.”
Holland, a near six-foot right winger, will continue to add Elite League experience to the Tigers as he guests for Dundee Stars in their pre-season fixtures before joining his EPL team mates.
“Having talked to Tom it seemed like a really good situation to come and play in Telford,” said Holland. “I’m looking for more ice time and the Tigers look the perfect place for me.”
The youngster works full-time as a mechanic and will travel from his home to train and play with Tigers, rather than relocating to Shropshire. “I’m lucky to work in a family business,” he said. “It is only through having that backing that I am able to play hockey, having the flexibility to travel.
“I don’t know any of the team personally yet, but have played against Scott Mckenzie, Joe Henry and Juraj Senko, so I have seen them in action. But it will be all new for me, a new challenge.
“Personally I want more ice time,” he added. “For the team I think we have a good chance at the play-offs and should be targeting a final four slot.”
Telford fans will get their first chance to see the side in action when Tigers welcome Swindon Wildcats for a challenge game on Sunday September 18 (5.30pm), having made a trip to Wiltshire the night before. The team’s premier league campaign gets under way on Saturday September 24, again versus Swindon.
More information about Telford Tigers can be found at www.telfordtigers.co.uk
