Tigers complete roster

With just a week and half until the new campaign gets under way, player-coach Tom Watkins has made his final season 2011-12 player announcements.

Defenceman Mike Jones returns to take up his place on the Tigers blue line, where he will be joined by Ryan Selwood, from Coventry Blaze ENL. Also coming in from the Warwickshire side is back-up netminder Josh Nicholls, a product of the Telford junior development programme.

Watkins said: “I know Josh well already as I coached him as an under-18 in Telford before he went to Coventry, and I think he’s going to be a very good part of our goalie team this year. He is small and quick and has developed very well while he’s been playing at Coventry. I would say he was one of the best rated goalies in the ENL last year.

“Coming to us this year is the natural step up for Josh and I see him as being potentially a future starting goalie.

“We are carrying three netminders this year, with Declan Ryan starting the season as our No 1. Josh will play back-up and I have assured him he will get the chance to progress. He is certainly capable at this level. Greg Blais also gives us options as an import goalie. We have three very good guys, who I expect will push each other hard for ice time.”

Nicholls, 20, made regular appearances with the Tigers and Telford Titans before his move to Coventry two years ago, where he has proved a competent and steady goalie.

Watkins continued: “Ryan Selwood also comes to us from Coventry ENL so I have trained and played with him. He is keen to get to the next level, keen to progress and I know what he can do.

“He’s a mobile and smart player, and adds depth to our defensive line-up. He is very committed to his hockey.”

Selwood, 23, hails from Solihull. In addition to playing for the ENL side, he has dressed for Coventry’s Elite team and Basingstoke Bison in the EPL over the past two seasons.

“Last year was Mike Jones’ first in the EPL and he proved himself to be a steady defenceman,” said Watkins. “He is smart and knows where he needs to be. He is still developing, but then he didn’t start playing until his teens, so he should be proud of himself for achieving at this level.

“Mike is a very good team player, he works hard and never lets us down. He is always willing to listen and I think he will continue to learn from the guys around him.”

Jones added: “Last year was my first in the EPL. It was much more competitive than I had been used to, with stronger players, and it was a big learning curve. But that is making me more confident and a better player.”

The 23-year-old joined Tigers last season from Invicta Dynamos, having started his career with Flintshire Freeze. Away from the ice he will be working as a teaching assistant at a Bridgnorth school this season.

“I didn’t start playing hockey until I was 16,” said Jones. “So reaching the EPL is a big achievement for me. Tom is a great coach to learn from, and hopefully this shows if you enjoy what you do and put in the effort, you really can achieve your dreams.

“It’s shaping up to be an exciting season. We are looking to build on what we did last year and all aiming to make the play-offs. I think the team we have is strong enough to do that.”

The Tigers have issued an invitation for fans to get a first look at the team in action this Sunday, at 3.30pm, when they hold a training session open to the public at Telford Ice Rink, followed by a ‘meet the players’ session in the rink bar.

The team’s preparations for the coming season include a meal at sponsor restaurant Frankie and Benny’s and a Sunday morning workout at DW Sports Fitness.

The first home fixture of the new season takes place on Sunday September 18, 5.30pm, a challenge game against Swindon Wildcats.