Telford Tigers are delighted to announce the return of talented young forward Tom Byrne. The 19 year old, returns for his second year with the club after scoring 9 points last season including his first ever National League goal.
We caught up with Tom to discuss his return:
Welcome back. This will be your second year at the club. How did you feel about returning?
“This is where I want to play. I’m very happy to be back at this level and feel really excited for the season to start. Playing for Tigers again this year was always my goal so I’m delighted to get the chance.”
Last season was your first at National League level, how tough was the transition?
“It was a big step up coming from juniors and Laidler Division level so I think it took time to adapt to the level of hockey and pace of the game. It’s always hard going up a level but I think over the season I got better.”
Are there any stand out memories for you?
“Probably the best memory was when I scored my first National League goal, that was exciting and showed that I can score at this level. I want to score more next season and improve my points tally.”
Do you feel like you progressed well?
“Yeah it took time to adapt to a different style of play and a quicker pace of the league but I feel like over the season I got better and felt comfortable playing. I feel like I improved as the season went on and hope to continue that next season.”
With the team going through a tough spell last season, did that affect your game?
“I felt like we, and I, sometimes lacked confidence and failed to play to our strengths, which resulted in a lower finish in the league than we expected. We had a long run where we just couldn’t win a game. Bounces went against us and we had players playing injured but we fought through it and came out the other side better for it.”
What’s your target for next season?
“Next season I want to contribute more, scoring goals and putting up more points. Of course I want to see us winning more games and competing for trophies.”
Do you have a message for the fans ahead of the new season?
“Thanks for sticking with us through the highs and lows last season. I really look forward to the season ahead and cant wait to be back playing in front of you again.”
Telford Tigers Head Coach, Tom Watkins commented
“Tom is a real talent that learnt and matured a lot last season. He’s a highly skilled kid, great hands and touch, couple that with his reach and size, with the right attitude which I believe he has along with the dedication required to getting stronger over a period of time I think he can be a very good player at this level. With his size and ability he will be able to protect the puck very well and we will be focusing on getting him to play more in the gritty areas, taking pucks hard to the net and being a handful to contain down low. He’s a young guy, very coachable and a good teammate.”
Tom’s own and loan shirts are available to order now for £150 each (Home and 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.
