TIGER TRACKS PRESS RELEASE - TIGERS CELEBRATE RETURN OF BUDZ

The relaunch of Telford Tigers has prompted former captain Daniel 'Budzy' MacKriel to dust off his skates after a year away from the sport.

The popular forward will return to the ice with new coach Tom Watkins in the autumn - after a summer of hard work to get back to match fitness.

"I'm not naive," said MacKriel. "I have started running and putting together my fitness plan because I know I will have to work hard to get the place I really want on the first two lines.

"Although I had some offers for last season I decided to take the year out and spend more time with my fiancee Fran and our baby girl. After all the years of hockey, it was good to take a break and concentrate on family.

"It's been good to spend time with my daughter and be there to support Fran. She is very understanding, and knows how much I love hockey. I've done it since I was seven years old, so it is a big part of who I am.

"So, after a season out I was missing hockey. Fran and I talked it through and I spoke to Tom Watkins about his plans for the Tigers re-forming. I was really excited to hear what he had to say. Now I've recharged my batteries I am as eager as ever to get back on the ice."

The 29-year-old is assistant manager of Stirchley Recreation Centre and Phoenix Sports Centre, having worked for Telford and Wrekin Council for six years.

MacKriel came through the Telford junior programme, where he earned his nickname as 'Little Budzy' in honour of former Tigers goalscorer Mark Budz.

As well as playing for Telford Wildfoxes and Tigers, he has also had spells at Blackburn, Solihull, Romford and Slough.

Coach Tom Watkins added: "Budzy has taken a year out from the sport, but you don't just lose your skills and knowledge overnight, and he will bring lots of experience to our team.

"I expect he will be training hard through the summer to pick up his timing and general fitness levels.

"He is a real asset in the dressing room. As a team, who will be together for eight months, we need to be able to work together on and off the ice, and Budz is a team character. With quite a lot of young players, I expect him to be a leader in the dressing room, someone the players can look up to and turn to if they need help or someone other than the coach to talk to."

More information about Telford Tigers can be found at www.telfordtigers.co.uk

- Ends -

For more information please contact Caroline Garbett on 07811 649 343 or email press@telfordtigers.co.uk