Telford Tigers are pleased to announce that Dan Retter will be returning to the club for the 2023/24 season.
Retter joined the Telford Tigers roster last season playing a part in the double winning league cup and playoff title team. The now 25-year-old started his hockey career with local rivals Solihull Barons, icing for the U18s and U20 sides. Retter has also played recreational hockey in his time.
After some time out from hockey in recent years, Retter returned to competitive play last season where he was welcomed at Telford Tigers.
We caught up with Dan ahead of him rejoining the Tigers 2 roster this season.
This is going to be your second season with Telford Tigers, how does it feel to be back for the 2023/24 season?
“I’m buzzing to be back for my second season. Last season was a great experience and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to the Tigers. After winning the double last year I’m excited to get back on the ice with the boys and try to win all the silverware available to us.”
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?
“During the off-season, I’ve been trying to focus on getting the simple stuff right to help get up the ice as quick as possible and contribute more in the offensive zone. I have also been focussing on my fitness and strength work in the gym as I felt it could’ve been better last season.”
How have you found being part of Telford Tigers?
“I was very grateful for the opportunity to play for the Tigers last season and again this year. Having never played league hockey before I didn’t know what to expect but everyone throughout the club from the management all the way through to the fans have been great and I could see straight away what this club means to everyone involved and I can’t wait to get going again.”
There always seems to be great camaraderie within the team. How important do you think that is for the success of the team this season?
“From my first training session, the boys made me feel welcome and as if I’d been there for years which made it easy to adapt to being in a new team but you can see just how close everyone is from various team nights out to post game meals. I think this is important for the success of the team as it means everyone battles hard for each other every game and that can be the difference in games which could mean winning silverware and not.”
Are there any particular parts of your game that you are looking to improve on heading into the season?
“I want to mainly focus on my defensive skills and positioning. Solid defence is essential for the success of the team and my aim is to become a more reliable and responsible defenceman.”
Do you have any goals or aspirations for yourself and the team in this upcoming season?
“I think everyone’s goal this season is to win everything we possibly can and keep building that team ethos we had last season. A goal I’d set myself for next season is to contribute more in the offensive zone and add more points to my game and just keep trying to become the best player I can be.”
And finally, is there anything you would like to say to our fans ahead of the season?
“One thing I heard about before signing for Telford was how great the fans are and that was evident from the start of the season to the end. Thank you for all the support throughout the year and we can’t wait to see you again soon.”
Telford Tigers 2 Coach Dougie Wildman is delighted to welcome Dan back for the upcoming season commenting:
“It’s good to see Dan signing for us again after his debut season in league hockey. He settled into the group well and showed good signs of becoming more competent in his defensive role as he gained more experience. Dan has good size and reach and it can be awkward to get past his poke check. We expect to see the progression continue for Dan this year.”
Dan’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.netWatch out for further details about new signings at Telford Tigers, visit: http://www.telfordtigers.net/news or catch up on Facebook or Twitter
