English Tigers 2 defenceman Joe Gilbert is leaving the club by mutual agreement, Telford Tigers confirmed today. 19-year-old Joe had joined Tigers2 for another season after joining halfway through the previous campaign but is struggling with juggling work commitments with playing hockey.
Also leaving the club by request this week is Tigers 1 netminder Sam Hewitt, Sam joined at the beginning of the 2017/18 campaign from Solihull Barons and has shared the keeping duties this season. Sam has already released a statement about the difficulty of balancing the weekend game requirements with the remainder of his work and personal life.
Tigers Under 18 goalie Ryan Lewis has been called up to support the Tigers D1 backing up Denis Bell this weekend.
Tom Watkins said, “Everyone at Telford Tigers would like to wish both Joe and Sam all the best in their futures and they will both be welcome at the Telford rink in the future”.
Head Coach, Tom, is also looking forward to a tough couple of Tigers 1 games this weekend, away to Sheffield in a potential table topping clash on Saturday and Home to Basingstoke Bison in the NIHL National Cup on Sunday.
Tigers 1, even with the addition of new signing #7 Scott McKenzie will again be short benched this weekend after it was revealed following training this week, that Jonathan Weaver is still suffering a concussion from the last game he played in September. Another injury doubt for the weekend is Captain Jason Silverthorn who again is struggling to be ready to face Sheffield and Basingstoke.
Next Home Games, Telford Ice Rink:
Telford Tigers 2 vs Hull Jets 17:30 Saturday 4th November
Telford Tigers 1 vs Basingstoke Bison 18:00 Sunday 5th November