Telford Tigers are excited to announce the return of Charlie Hammerton for the upcoming season.
The now 30 year old brings experience of playing in both NIHL 1 and 2 to the Telford Tigers 2 roster, having previously played for Solihull Barons, Coventry Blaze NIHL and of course Telford Tigers.
Hammerton’s first stint with the Telford Tigers was nothing short of spectacular. The 2017/18 season was particularly memorable, as he delivered a staggering 65 points in just 30 games. In the 2018/19 season, Hammerton continued to impress. Despite a shorter stint, he secured 37 points in just 17 games.
After leaving Tigers at the peak of his hockey career, he embarked on a hiatus to explore other facets of his life, including competing in CrossFit competitions across Europe. His impact on the ice was undeniable, and his departure left a void that was not easily filled.
This season, the forward will return with even more fire-power, which is sure to inject a new level of energy and competitiveness into the squad.
We spoke with Charlie ahead of his return to Telford.
This season will see you rejoin the Tigers 2 roster, what made you decide to come back to Telford?
“I skated over the summer with some of the lads after a bit of a break from hockey and to no surprise got the bug again! The team has a great group of lads who I’ve played with in juniors right through to senior hockey, and I felt like it was the right group to return to the ice with.”
For those fans that haven’t seen you play before, how would you describe your game?
“I’d like to think I’m a team player. I try to bring energy and intensity to the ice and am also not shy of trying to find or help to find the back of the net.”
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?
“Well I have had a longer ‘off season’ than normal… Just the 4 years! But I replaced hockey with CrossFit, competing in some big competitions over the years I have been off which has kept me fit and healthy. Hopefully I can hit the ground running at the start of pre pre-season and help the team build on their successful campaign last year.”
Do you have any pre-game rituals or routines that help you get into the right mindset before a game?
“Nothing too special here. Fresh tape on the sticks, left side kit on before right, game of two touch with the lads and some good music in the changing room!”
How do you think your skills and abilities can contribute to the team’s success this season?
“As I mentioned above, I’d like to think I’m a team player and work hard at both ends of the ice but am also confident that I can help create and score goals too.”
Do you have any goals or aspirations for yourself and the team in this upcoming season?
“I’d just like to chip in where I can to build on the successful campaign they had last season and do what I can to try and help towards the goals of the team.”
Are there any specific opponents or games you’re looking forward to this season?
“I’d like to think that we’d make it through the playoffs and league cup, so these big games are the ones I love to play in.”
And finally, is there anything you would like to say to our fans ahead of the season?
“It’s good to be back with the team and representing the club, and I’d love to see as many of you as possible down at the rink backing the boys this season. Hopefully we can reward your support with some more success. Up the Tigs!”
Telford Tigers 2 Coach Dougie Wildman is delighted to have Charlie back in Telford commenting;
“We’d like to welcome Charlie back to the Tigers following a spell away from hockey. Through knowing him for a good few years it was an easy decision and seeing him back on the ice for practice it looked like he’d had hardly any time off. We’re excited to see how he shakes the rust off and fits back into the line up this year and finds his form we know him to have.”
Charlie;s own and loan shirt is 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
