Forward Rick Plant will remain with Telford Tigers for a third full season after agreeing to an extension on his stay with the Shropshire outfit.

Plant, a product of the Telford junior system, returned midway through the 2013/14 campaign, after a 14-year spell with Guildford Flames.

Head Coach Tom Watkins said: “We know exactly what we’re getting with Rick and that is always very important for any team. We get the same dedication from him every week.

“Rick is very experienced and comes with a good understanding of the game. He’s got an excellent hockey brain, keeps himself in tremendous shape and works hard every day.

“I think he played in pretty much every situation last season and is very strong on the puck. In terms of protecting the puck along the walls, he’s probably one of the best in the league.

“Rick doesn’t put the puck out in an area where it can be taken. He doesn’t try to make flashy moves through sticks and skates, but just keeps the puck on his stick really well.”

Plant was a virtual ever-present last season, missing just one game through suspension, as Telford finished fourth in the EPL – their second-best league standing in over 16 years.

“I know I can rely on Rick in any situation, and he was in our top three penalty killers last season,” Watkins added.

“I played him out of position a lot, especially as a centre as we were so short, but he did a great job in that role. He compliments the other guys because he’s got a lot of talent.

“Having that consistent performance every night is key and we get that from Rick all the time. He is an important signing for us and will be one of our top six forwards.”

(Image permission: Steve Brodie)