Young Panthers roar for Tigers
Telford Tigers will welcome a couple of Panthers into their midst this season, as they are joined by Nottingham youngsters Thomas Soar and Callum Bowley.
The duo – both members of the GB under-18s squad – have signed for Tigers on two-way contracts with the Elite League Panthers. Both played for the Nottingham under-18s and ENL sides, as well as Panthers, last year.
Player-coach Tom Watkins said: “They are quite different players from each other, but complement each other well.
“Training with the Elite team enables them to develop the defensive side of their game and – as with the lads we’ve had at Coventry – they will learn a lot from the experience. They will also get plenty of time in the gym, which is good for their conditioning. “Thomas brings some size and strength, while Callum is quick, smart and talented. They are really eager to play.
“It is an important part of the Tigers trust ethos that we develop young talent like this – and vital for us to keep the club moving forwards. “As with Jack (Watkins) and Dan (Scott) last year, Thomas and Callum are ready to play at this level and can make the most of the regular ice time in the EPL to showcase themselves.”
Bowley, who turns 18 next week, said: “Although I had the experience of playing for Peterborough in a game against Slough last year, the English Premier League is a new league to me. I am really excited about the upcoming season and being part of Telford Tigers.”
“Through the summer I’ve been put on an intensive programme of training with the Panthers to get ready for the season. Then in September I will be back at college, but they are very understanding and allow me time off to train with the Panthers. I think it will be a really good balance – college, Panthers and Tigers.”
“I didn’t get a lot of chances to ice with Nottingham last year, but they are a great organisation and they do look after you. “Tom Watkins is giving me the opportunity to prove what I can do in the EPL and I am really looking forward to it.”
Soar, a 6ft 3in 18-year-old, will juggle Tigers and Panther training with studying criminology at Derby University.
“I can’t wait for the season to start and I am working hard in preparation,” he said. “I’m looking forward to playing at this consistently high standard week in week out and am really eager for the first drop of the puck. It will be an honour to wear the Telford Tigers shirt. “I played a couple of games with Peterborough last season, but that’s all the EPL experience I have.
“I have been playing and training with the Panthers, but am looking forward to taking the next step in my career, playing EPL every week.”
More information about Telford Tigers can be found at www.telfordtigers.co.uk
