Telford Tigers are pleased to announce that Paul Davies will be returning to Telford Tigers for another season.
The 36-year old joined Tigers 2 shortly after the 2022/23 season had started following a 4-year break icing for an NIHL team. Whilst the forward had a gap from ‘competitive hockey’ he was often seen in Telford when playing for local recreational side Shropshire Huskies.
Upon joining Tigers, Davies made an impact straight away slotting into the line up seamlessly. Working tirelessly in every game, Davies put up an impressive 31 points in 26 games, including an all important goal at the Laidler playoff finals weekend. For the 2023/24 season, Paul will once again be seen wearing the number 26 jersey for Telford Tigers 2.
We caught up with Paul ahead of his return to Telford Tigers 2.
You joined Telford Tigers 2 last season in October and now you’re returning for a second season. How have you found joining Tigers and how does it feel to be back?
“Joining the Tigers 2 team has been fantastic, I’m glad I got the opportunity and it’s great to be back again this season.”
Last season the team won two silverware pieces as league cup and playoff champions. What do you believe were the key factors that contributed to the team’s success?
“I think the major factor was that everyone was committed and there to play their part in the team. The passion was clear to see through the whole season, each player seemed to be playing for each other and for the logo on the front of the jersey and not the name on the back. It makes for a great atmosphere week in week out.”
Are there any particular parts of your game that you are looking to improve on heading into the season?
“I am always looking to improve in any way I can, I have started doing extra off ice training in preparation to improve on my fitness level compared to last year, I hope that I can work with the coaches and my teammates to perhaps be calmer on the puck and also work on my finishing if I can.”
As an experienced player, how do you plan to contribute as a leader and mentor to the younger players on the team this season?
“I hope to try and lead by example and show that hard work can sometimes be the difference in a game. On top of that I want to be someone they feel like they can approach if they need. I know how much pressure these guys can put themselves under. As you get older you realise that we play because we love the sport and it is something that they should just enjoy.”
Are there any particular challenges or obstacles you foresee for yourself or the team this season, and how do you plan to overcome them?
“I worry that now Hull Jets have moved up to Division 1 that we will get complacent, they were our main rival last year but we dropped points to other teams too and I am certain that those teams this year will be putting in the work to stop us achieving our goals for this season. We need to make sure we are prepared and ready to face any opponent.”
You put up points for 19 goals and 12 assists in only 26 games last season. Do you have any personal goals you would like to achieve in this upcoming season?
“It is always great to score goals and set guys up for theirs but I always go into a season with the same aim and that is to work hard and hope that I help the team. As much as I wish I was, I am not the most skilled player on the team and I’m not the guy that goes out and makes other players better just by being there so I have to stick to my strengths and hope it works.”
And finally, is there anything you would like to say to our fans ahead of the season?
“Every player answers this question pretty much the same way and I know I have said it about other teams fans in the past when I played there but our fans last season were the best! To be a second team and have fans turn up to away games on the other side of the country is amazing. Then when you think about those fans that came to the playoff weekend and were by far the loudest, I believe that they were part of the reason we played so well in that final. I look forward to seeing them all again next season.”
Scott McKenzie is delighted to have secured Paul for a further season commenting;
“Paul agreed to come to us last season from the Shropshire Huskies. My expectation of what Paul would bring to the team was high but I was pleasantly surprised with the impact he made.
He formed great chemistry with James Smith and Karol Jets who were unplayable at times. Paul is aggressive, strong in the face off circle but his key asset is his work ethic. I am really happy that we have been able to retain Paul’s services for another season.”
Paul’s own and loan shirts are 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.
