NIHL North round-up: Watkins heads back to Telford

Telford Tigers 1 have confirmed the signing of forward Jack Watkins.

The 24-year-old previously iced for the club back in 2010/11, before moving to play in the Elite League for Hull Stingrays and Dundee Stars.

He returned to the EPL with Manchester Phoenix and MK Lightning, but dropped into NIHL North last season with Billingham Stars.

Tigers’ boss Tom Watkins said: “Jack is a very dependable player – coachable, solid defensively, and a good penalty killer.

“He is a big strong kid, very powerful, and can shoot the puck. I think these fundamentals give us a very good platform to build on, but I also think we can add some other parts to his game.

“He hasn’t necessarily been a consistent scorer during his career, but I fully expect him to play in our top six forwards with his experience and fundamentals.

“I know he will fit right into our locker room and help the new team to gel.”

Jack Watkins added: “It’s an honour to sign back for the Tigers.

“I loved my time with the club when I was 17 – obviously a lot has changed in the organisation and the league since then, but Tom is putting together a great squad and it’s exciting to be part of that.

“I can’t wait to get going come September.”

Elsewhere in D1, forward Alex Preston has returned to Billingham after a year in the USA. Ben Davison has also agreed another season with the club.

Tom Relf and Liam Charnock have re-signed for a further year with Sheffield Steeldogs.

Netminder Matt Croyle is back for another season with Widnes Wild, while Dan Berry has agreed another year with Altrincham Aces.

(Image permission: Craig Morgan)