TELFORD TIGERS PRESS RELEASE - CROFT BACK ON THE BLUE LINE FOR TIGERS

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.

"Like MacKriel, I expect Croft to be something of a leader, on and off the ice. These are experienced guys and they bring character to 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 concentrated on working on my house. That project is pretty much completed now 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. Tom is showing a very professional attitude to the way he is putting a team together and it is going to be good.

"And my partner is happy I'm playing again. She has been watching hockey for years and enjoys going up to the rink with me, so we are both looking forward to September."

* The Tigers have announced their first game as a supporters' trust - a friendly fixture at Elite League Coventry Blaze. The match will provide the newly-formed squad with a thorough workout ahead of their Premier League season, and takes place on Saturday September 4 at 7.00pm at Coventry Skydome.

Tigers player-coach Tom Watkins completed this ten-year testimonial season with the Blaze before joining the Shropshire side earlier in the summer.

The team is expected to confirm further challenge games for the weekend of September 11-12, with the league campaign due to commence on September 18.

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

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