Tigers NIHL are delighted to have added two deadline day signings. In recent weeks, Tigers have found themselves short benched following the departure of three younger members of the squad to Tigers EPL and struggling to cope with players being absent through injury.

It’s never easy to add quality to your line up at this time of the season but coach Daniel Mackriel is pleased to get these deals done. Returning to Telford for the remainder of the 16/17 season is Dale White and Joe Gilbert.

Dale spent last season in Telford playing with the premier league Tigers. Having originally signed at NIHL level at the start of the 15/16 campaign, he impressed Tom Watkins enough to move him straight up to EPIHL. 27 year old White has experience playing across all leagues from NIHL to EIHL and his versatility to play in different positions and experience will be a real bonus to Tigers NIHL as the season draws to a close.

About his return, Dale commented, “There's a great group of lads in Telford and I'm delighted to be coming back. I know that their training is intense and they work hard as a team. This is something I want to part of and why I've agreed to return.

"I'm really looking forward to putting on a Tigers jersey again and doing what I can for the team."

Gilbert, 19, is originally from Coventry and spent the 14/15 season in Telford as part of the under 18’s set up, playing four times that year with Tigers NIHL. Joe moved on in 15/16 to be part of Widnes Wild in NIHL2, where he has been able to gain more ice time and progress his game further. Joe is another player that can fit into different roles having played in defence and as a forward and will add depth to the Tigers.

A delighted Joe commented, "I'm so happy to be joining the Tigers. After spending 12 months in Widnes, it's good to finally be closer to home. I can't wait to get going with the boys on Saturday. I'm happy to be back where I played my last couple of seasons as a junior and to be back with some old friends and team mates."

Coach Mackriel commented, “We are delighted to be able to bring these two guys in to strengthen our team.

"Dale skates well, he's good on the puck and is very smart with his plays. He can play both as a forward or in D so that versatility gives us options.

"He's played at Telford before so knows a lot of the players here which means he'll fit straight in. We've been looking to add quality and with Dale we know we have that as he brings plenty of experience from playing in the elite league, EPL and the NIHL.

"We've been rolling with 5 defencemen for a while now and, although we wanted to add to the D group, we just didn't want to sign anyone. Joe is young, hungry and keen to improve.

"He skates and moves the puck very well and will give us a different look defensively. He'll compliment the existing five very well."

Both players will be in the line-up this Saturday when Tigers NIHL face off against Deeside Dragons at 5.30pm at Telford Ice Rink.

Photo credit Steve Brodie