Telford Tigers
Telford has seen many changes over the last 50 years but did you know that there has been a semi-professional ice hockey team in the town since 1985?
Well, the Telford Tigers are still going strong and start their league campaign in a revamped league at the start of September. Tigers are an ice hockey club with two teams playing in the National Ice Hockey Leagues (NIHL) 1 & 2 respectively.
In 2014/2015, Telford Tigers won the English Premier League (EPL) title by some distance, before collecting the British Challenge Cup in a thrilling final against Manchester Phoenix.
The 2016 /2017 saw some considerable additions to the previous years team and Tigers once again won the EPL.
2017 / 2018 sees the start of a brand new chapter with a ‘One Club Two Teams’ brand as the club competes in division 1&2 in the NIHL North. Under the guidance of Head Coach and General Manager, former Great Britain player Tom Watkins, Tigers will be one of the teams expected to challenge for silverware.
There is much more to the club than the top two teams however, as junior hockey in Telford is the real key to the future of the Tigers and continues to nurture stars of the future. Age groups range from learn to play, Under 9’s through to Under 18’s.
Over the years the junior hockey system has produced a steady stream of local talent, including Rick Plant, 7 time league winner in the EPL as well current senior players Adam Taylor, Josh Hustwick, Ben Washburn and recently Brodie Jesson.
A number of the juniors have recently been recognised with national honours, including Grace Garbett and Teagan Hyatt, who were invited to training camp with the England Girls School of Excellence and U18’s players Brodie Jesson, Henry Adams and Dan Mitchell invited for a trial with GB.
From the learn to play program to the Tigers first team, the club are community focused, looking to encourage people of both sexes and all ages to come along and join in, try out the sport or just cheer on all the teams and players as they compete for silverware this season in a fun and family friendly atmosphere.
For more information on how to get involved or support the Tigers visit their website, www.telfordtigers.net
