Daniel Croft will be back patrolling the Telford blue line in September, as the former captain returns to the ice with the Tigers after a year out.
Defenceman Croft, 31, has played his entire career at Telford, with the exception of one season with Milton Keynes, and his addition to the squad was a natural choice for player-coach Tom Watkins.
Watkins said: “Croft is an experienced local defenceman and I think he has a lot to give this team.
“He is exactly what I want him to be – a defensive defenceman. I can trust him to do that role, not over elaborate or do something unexpected.
“He’s not flashy, he gets on with his job and it is being that known quantity that makes him successful, especially with so many younger players on the team.”
Croft missed the end of the 2008-9 season through suspension, and opted not to play at all last year, while the Tigers were mothballed awaiting new management.
“Although I talked to other EPL clubs, travelling wasn’t really feasible for me,” said Croft, who works at MOD Donnington when he’s not on the ice.
“I took a year out and, as the Tigers are coming back, the timing is good for me to start playing again.
“I have kept going on the ice with the Titans ENL side. I’ve got to thank them for letting me train with them last year, to help me keep my fitness levels up and maintain the sharpness.
“But the year out has reignited by passion for hockey. I did miss it and I’m looking forward to getting back.”
- Tigers have announced their first game as a supporters’ trust – a friendly fixture at Elite League Coventry Blaze. The match takes place on Saturday September 4.
By Caroline Garbett