The visitors to the Link Centre this weekend are last season’s League champions, the Telford Tigers. It has been an up and down year so far for the Tigers, their season has been much like the one we’ve experienced here in Swindon. Some great victories but also some difficult losses. This evening should be a close game between two very well matched teams and the Wildcats will be hoping that home ice gives them the edge they need to grab the two points tonight.
Head coach Tom Watkins remains in charge, this will be his 13th consecutive season in Telford and coming off back-to-back league title wins the Tigers will once more be strong on the ice.
Starting at the back end, Brad Day is back once more in net for Telford and he’ll be a very strong presence in goal that will give the Tigers a solid base in every game they play. He is backed up by young goalie, Ryan Lewis, who has joined from the Tigers 2nd team. While there is a clear starter Lewis will be looking to push Day for starts all season long.
On the blue line there is continuity and the majority of the Tigers defensive corps have returned for this season and the key signings to look out for are veteran 45 year-old Jonathan Weaver and the experienced 27 year-old Daniel Rose.
In the forward ranks there is a real split when it comes to age and experience, the Tigers have 3 forwards over the age of 40. Imports Jason Silverthorn and Vladimir Luka both return and so does veteran British forward Rick Plant. These players bring a wealth of skill and experience to the team but that has to be offset against age catching up with all three.
In contrast to the above veteran’s, they will be ably supported by an up and coming star in the NIHL, Finley Howells has signed with the Tigers and currently sits 3rd in scoring for the team, they will rely on him heavily this year. Along with Howells there are some young prospects looking to make an impact, they include Brodie Jesson, Sam Watkins and Lucas Price.
This looks to be a Tigers roster in transition, they’re asking their older players for 1 or 2 more years while some youth is blooded into the line-up and will then serve the team for future successes.
