Telford Tigers are pleased to announce the signing of Connor McNaughton for the 2023/24 season. Connor will be icing for the club’s Laidler side wearing the number 95 jersey.
The 28-year-old, started his hockey career working his way through the Solihull junior system, before breaking out into senior hockey. McNaughton’s senior debut saw him ice for Nottingham Lions in the NIHL 2 division before making a move to Coventry Blaze NIHL.
He played between the two teams until the 2018/19 season where he then had a short break from hockey until signing for Telford Tigers for this upcoming season.
We caught up with Connor ahead of the season starting;
This will be your first season with the Tigers organisation, what made you decide to join the club?
“After the great success of Telford D2 team last season I tried to make it my summer goal to make a team with a winning mentality. I know most of the lads through playing with or against them over the years. After Scott invited me down to train in Telford we agreed that it would make sense to join the Tigers Club.”
For those fans that haven’t seen you play before, how would you describe your game?
“To the fans who haven’t seen me play before, I would describe myself as an all out team player who will do what is needed as and when asked. I’m really looking forward to showing what I can do on the ice this year.”
How have you been preparing for this new challenge during the offseason?
“I’ve been training non-stop over the summer as I have had 4 years off league hockey due to work commitments. I have tried to improve all areas to my game and hoping to be able to prove this in the 23-24 season.”
What do you hope to achieve personally in your debut season with this team?
“With the roster we have this season it looks like the team should be able to challenge for another top spot in the league and hopefully bring back some more silverware to the Tigers cabinet.”
Are there any players in the team whom you hope to learn from or seek guidance during your first season?
“I know there is a lot of hockey experience in the changing room that are going to support any of us new guys in our debut season with the team. Throughly looking forward to playing with Connor Keyes again as it’s been 10 years since we played together in u18’s at Solihull. Ever since I’ve hated every season playing against him, so it will be nice to have an orange jersey on together!”
Are there any particular games or opponents you’re looking forward to facing in your debut season?
“Playing for both Coventry NIHL & Nottingham Lions in previous seasons, it will be fun to play against old team mates and hopefully take points off them home & away.”
And finally, is there anything you would like to say to our fans ahead of the season?
“A final thanks to the fans for welcoming me to the club and I’m super excited to get the new season underway! Up the Tigs!”
Tigers 2 coach Scott McKenzie commented on the addition of McNaughton saying;
“Connor kind if came to me out of the blue during the summer looking to play. I was really impressed when he skated with us. He has a fantastic work ethic, listens and is willing to learn. The main thing for me, like most of the guys, is that Connor wants to be here. I look forward to working with him.”
Watch out for further details about new signings at Telford Tigers, visit: http://www.telfordtigers.net/news or catch up on Facebook or Twitter
