Telford Tigers are pleased to announce the return of defenceman Liam Preece for the 2023/24 season.
The 32-year-old’s stats date back to when the defenceman appeared on the roster for Telford Rockets in 2005. Since then, Preece has progressed through Telford Rockets and Titans before making his Telford Tigers debut in 2017 for the clubs Laidler side.
Since then, Preece has been an integral part of the Tigers 2 defensive core and has contributed towards winning silverware including the Laidler league title in 2022 as well as the 2023 League Cup and Playoff title. His ability to read the game, make crucial interceptions, and set up offensive plays from the defensive end adds a layer of dynamism to the team’s gameplay, which will hopefully lead to more success this season.
We caught up with Preece, who will be returning to play in the number 75 jersey ahead of the season;
You’ll be returning to Telford Tigers for your sixth season this year. How does it feel to be back for the 2023/24 season?
“With last season being such a great year for Tigs 2, I felt extremely grateful to be asked to come back again. Telford has been achieving big things in the last 6 years that I’ve been here, so it’s a great feeling being able to carry on being a part of that.”
Reflecting on your previous seasons with Telford Tigers, what are some of the standout moments or achievements that you cherish the most?
“Of course, I’ll forever cherish the moments of winning! Winning the cup, and then to go on and win the playoffs too, you could never forget that!”
Are there any particular parts of your game that you are looking to improve on heading into the season?
“Personally I’m just looking to improve my fitness and skating. I’m trying to skate as much as I can throughout the offseason and be game ready as soon as the season starts.”
How do you envision this season playing out, and what would make it a successful one for you personally and as a team?
“Having to follow up a season of a cup and playoff win will never be an easy ask. So I think the most important factor for this season as a team would be to stay a tightly knit group. We have a really good group of mates here and I truly believe that’s what made us so successful last year and what helped us dig through the testing times of the season. So I think if we can keep that high spirit within the team, we’ll already be on the way to the end goal of winning.”
Are there any aspects of your game that you feel particularly confident about this season?
“It’s hard to say what you’re good at. I think from last year, what really helped was communication. Having a D partner who’s on the same wavelength, and speaking to the rest of your linemates on and off the ice is a must in a team game as it helps massively! So I think if I take that into this season and make a conscious effort of talking to my teammates, whether it be about the game at hand or away from the ice about any issues they may have, I’m here to help!”
How do you think your experience from previous seasons will benefit you this year?
“This is my 6th season now with this organisation, which includes winning silverware when many others didn’t think it was possible, but also includes losing finals in front of your home crowd when everyone thought it was a given to win. I believe with both experiences of winning and losing, comes the ability of being able to dig deep at the most important times of competition, even when the odds are against you.”
How important is team chemistry to you, and how do you plan to contribute to building a cohesive team this season?
“Like I mentioned before, having high spirit within a team is essential. It makes the season so much easier to play, especially at the harder times of competition. I feel I always play my part in ensuring the team stays close together… By organising the team bbq’s… at Oli’s house, haha!”
Finally, do you have a message for our fans ahead of the 2023/24 season?
“Each year the fan group for Tigs 2 grows and grows, and we’re forever grateful for that! It definitely doesn’t go unrecognised, it’s definitely getting louder at the rink on game days! Thank you! Bring on the new season!”
Telford Tigers 2 Coach Dougie Wildman is pleased to have Preece returning for the season commenting:
“It’s good to have Liam back again in Telford for another season, especially after building a good chemistry with Dan Harrison last season as d-pairings. He plays a consistent game and has matured as a player to keep the game simple, but efficient. Liam has a very good skating ability and isn’t afraid to get in the corners to win the battles. We expect to see more of the same from him this year and keep the back of the ship steady.”
Liam’s own and loan shirt is available to order now for £75 (Away). 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.
