Telford Tigers are pleased to announce the anticipated return of Filip Supa to the Tigers 2 roster for the 2023/23 season.
The Slovakian forward, who has put up impressive numbers since making his Tigers debut in 2017, is set to make an extraordinary comeback after a serious injury kept him sidelined for the majority of last season.
Filip’s injury, which was witnessed by many on the ice back in October last year was nothing short of deveasting, raising doubts about whether the 34-year old would return to play again. Now, as the new season dawns, fans’ hopes are reignited as Filip Supa confirms he is fit to play for the 2023/24 season.
During the 2021/22 season, Filip put up an average of 2.3 points per game, cementing his end of season accolade for Tigers 2 forward of the year. By early October last season, Filip had secured an average of 1.5 points per game which had the potential to increase before the forward was struck with injury.
We caught up with Filip ahead of him re-signing.
Your season was cut short last season due to injury, how has your recovery been?
“I am not going to lie, it’s been tough getting through it. I couldn’t do much for about 2 months after the operation and it was really frustrating sometimes.”
What were some of the challenges you faced during your rehabilitation process, and how did you overcome them?
“The number one challenge was not being able to play ice hockey, so I watched lots of games online and I was still following our team through the season. I was really worried that I wouldn’t be able to play again as the pain was really bad and I couldn’t even do a simple leg raise, but I stuck with my rehab and I recently got through a full training session on ice.”
The short lived season you had still saw you pick up at least one goal per game last season. How do you feel about your goal scoring ability for this season?
“Back yourself, before you crack yourself 😉👊”
This will be your sixth season at Telford Tigers. How does it feel to be back with your fellow team mates?
“Time flies when you are having fun and I am really looking forward to wearing a Tigers shirt for another year.”
What are your thoughts on the team’s performance the past two seasons and how do you feel heading into this season?
“The last two seasons were unreal for the team, we won the league in 21/22, playoffs and cup last season and I believe we can push a little bit more and win the triple this season.”
Are there any specific areas of your game that you have been focusing on during the off-season to further improve your performance this year?
“I have been working mainly on my fitness and getting the strength back in my knee.”
And finally, is there anything you would like to say to our fans ahead of the season?
“We have the best fans in the league and I would like to thank them all for their amazing support in the last few years. Here’s to the new season!”
Teammates, coaches and fans alike are eager to see the return of Filip Supa, including Tigers 2 Coach Scott McKenize who commented on Filip’s return:
“Filip had a tough year last season. A major lower body injury kept him off the ice for the majority of the season. After a lot of hard work in the gym and a good pre-season behind him, it will be great to get Filip back into the line up.
He is probably the fittest guy in the whole of the NIHL2 league and works his socks off every night. We are looking forward to seeing the #81 back on the ice in September and I am sure he will be raring to go himself.”
Filip’s own and loan shirt is now available to order now for £75. Please see the Tigers’ Online Shop for details.
In the 2023/24 season, Tigers are again offering individual player sponsorship at £500. The package will include a personalised ‘SPECIAL’ exclusive third jersey with a company name or family name patch, announcements on match nights, a small advert or logo in the match night programmes and a signed player photo. The jersey will be worn for cup games and play-off games and will not be available as a replica.
If you are interested or require more information on the individual player sponsorships, contact marketing@telfordtigers.net
Watch out for further details about new signings at Telford Tigers, visit: http://www.telfordtigers.net/news or catch up on Facebook or Twitter
