Telford Tigers are pleased to announce the return of Nick Oliver for the 2023/24 season. Oliver, returns for his sixth season with the club after missing half of the last season with a shoulder injury. Oliver has been part of two championship teams during his stint at Telford and will add to the team’s defensive core.
We spoke to Nick about his return to the team:
Welcome back, what was behind your reason for returning?
“I’m local to Telford so it’s a team I’ve always grown up watching and wanted to be a part of. To be asked to play again after missing half of last season it was hard to turn down.”
This will be your sixth year with the Tigers. How much are you looking forward to it?
“Very much so, Tom is putting a very competitive team together which is a privilege to be a part of and I’m sure goals will be high this season, aiming for silverware as a minimum. “
You missed a lot of last season through injury, how is the injury now?
“There’s still some work to be done to ensure my shoulder is ready for the season but with continued physio I’ll be ready to play and help the team anyway I can.”
Was it tough watching the side struggle last year and not be able to play?
“I found it very tough to watch the team struggle and not be able to help in any way yes, but I’ve known and played with the majority of the team for a number of years. So, I knew they would be strong enough to come back from the tough situation the team was in with the addition of a few key players.”
What do you hope to bring to the team this year?
“I hope to bring some reliability on the back end, playing strictly defensive as my main focus and priority for the team. Putting my body on the line, blocking those shots in those vital parts of the game to ensure we get the 2 points. If the opportunity comes any offensive contributions will be a bonus as well.”
Any message for the fans?
“Let’s pack the rink every game giving the team a loud and intimidating atmosphere to play with creating a tough environment for any team that comes into our barn looking for points.”
Head Coach Tom Watkins commented on Nick’s return,
“Nick suffered a serious shoulder injury last season with an extended period of rest and rehab required to get back to full strength and mobility. He tried to play/return several times last season pre-surgery to help the team which we admire and respect him for which of course goes for his teammates as well. We missed his presence, his character on road trips and of course missed his defensive attributes. He’s a very reliable player, someone who plays to his strengths, keeps it simple and moves the puck well, providing a good right hand option on the back end.
Nick’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.
