Telford Tigers are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian import forward Jesse Sutton for the forthcoming season. Sutton is 25 year old, stands 6 foot 2 inches tall and is a left handed centre. He comes to the club from the University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown. Sutton played for the University team known as the “Panthers” for the last four years.
We spoke to Jesse to discuss his signing:
Q) Welcome to Telford. How did your signing come about?
A) “My signing came about as after my USports career in Canada came to an end when I graduated and I wanted to explore professional options overseas. My agent put me in contact with Tom Watkins and I signed for Telford straight away.”
Q) What do you know about the National League?
A) “To be honest, I didn’t know much about Telford or the National League but I have done some research over the past few weeks and I am learning as much as I can. It looks like a great place to live and I understand the National League is an extremely competitive league. I have had some past teammates join the league in previous years and it seems to be becoming a popular destination for USports graduates. “
Q) Are you looking forward to joining up with your team mates and playing in the UK?
A) “I am super excited about meeting my teammates and playing in the UK as it is a completely new culture and surrounding for myself. Coach Watkins has spoken positively about the team, the area and in particular the fan base, so I am looking forward to getting to Telford and getting started.”
Q) You have played a lot of university hockey, what was the standard like there?
A) USports in Canada is gaining a lot of traction as an extremely competitive league and a major stepping stone to professional hockey. It is a strong brand of hockey that has had players every year move on to the professional ranks in America, Canada and Europe.
Q) What do you think you will bring to the team?
A) “I think I will bring a lot of character to the team and a positive attitude on and off the ice as a fierce competitor that hates to lose. My dream was to always play high level hockey and now with this opportunity I am going to make the best of it.”
Q) How would you describe your game?
A) I would describe myself as a high IQ two-way forward that loves to create plays for teammates and use my size and speed to bring pucks to the net. Of course scoring goals is important as well.”
Q) Do you have a message for the fans ahead of the season?
A) “My message to the fans in Telford would be to get out to the rink and support the Tigers in what should be an exciting season en route to chasing the league championship!”
Telford Tigers Head Coach and General Manager Tom Watkins commented “‘I’ve spent a lot of time looking for the final piece for the roster and in Jesse we have a very hungry, humble and dedicated player who is keen to keep improving. I think he will be a great addition to our team, a natural centre, a big strong powerful guy, who skates very well and is strong on the puck. He takes pucks hard to the net and when he gets his shoulder down I think he will be very difficult to stop, a real handful for defences and goalies alike. He’s a strong two way player, a guy that plays 200 feet every night, comfortable in all situations offensively and defensively. Watching video of him you can see his ability to pass the puck, make plays in tight spaces, couple that with a good work ethic, size and skill we have a solid two way guy. He is eager to get back to an offensive role but knows how to play defensively from his years in college. I’m really looking forward to what he will bring to the team, he is more than capable in the face off circle and will put up numbers in our league.“
Jesse’s own and loan shirts are available to order 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.
