Tigers Order a Big Mac.Telford Tigers are delighted to announce the signing of Zaine McKenzie on a two-way contract with Nottingham Panthers for the 2023/24 season. McKenzie is a 19 year old forward who played for Milton Keynes Lighting last season. The 6 foot tall, Coventry born player joins Telford after playing 53 games at National League level for the Lightning last season and also represented Great Britain at U20 level.
We caught up with Zaine to discuss his signing:
Welcome to Telford. What made you sign for the Tigers?
“I’ve heard only good things about the club and want to come somewhere new where I can show what I have to offer and hopefully win some silverware with the Tigers family. “
How hard was it to leave Milton Keynes?
“Milton Keynes is a strong organisation and I enjoyed my time there, however I feel it was right for me to start a new chapter and Telford Tigers appealed to me, so I’m excited for this upcoming season.”
How would you describe your style of play?
“I’m a hard worker with a love and passion for the game, I will work hard on and off the ice. I take pride in being a good teammate and sticking to structures and systems within my game.”
You played at Ontario Hockey Academy when you were younger. What was that experience like?
“Playing at OHA, opened my eyes up and made me want to take my hockey to the next level. It was an amazing experience that I will cherish forever.”
Are there any areas of your game you are looking to improve next season?
“Every year I want to improve all round as a person and player . So I buy in to the organisation I’m with and try to improve in every area possible to improve my overall game.”
You played for GB in the U20 World Championship last season. How big an honour was that?
“Playing for my country was the biggest honour I’ve had so far playing hockey. The feeling is surreal and something I will cherish for a lifetime. Pulling on that jersey for your country is something that I didn’t take lightly . It was also an experience of a lifetime.”
What are your aims for next season?
“My aims next season are to develop my game to the next level and win some silverware with the Tigers.”
Do you have a message for the fans ahead of the season?
“I just want to say a big thank you to the organisation as a whole for bringing me on board. Let’s have some fun and win some trophies.”
Tom Watkins, Head Coach and General Manager, commented, “I’m very pleased to welcome Zaine to the club. I tried very hard to sign Zaine last summer but he chose another option. He’s a player that I’ve seen progress through the junior ranks, playing conference and being part of several junior national teams. He’s got a good solid skill set, good size, skates well and he’s capable of adding some offence which he showed in his time with the Bees the season before last. I really like his attitude, he’s showed his desire and commitment to developing further, spending time training with the Nottingham Panthers on a two way contract last year under the eye of a coach of with vast experience in Corey Neilson which he is very keen to do again next season.”
Zaine’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
Image credit: Panthers Images
Watch out for further details about new signings at Telford Tigers, visit: http://www.telfordtigers.net/news or catch up on Facebook or Twitter.
