Cyclone to Tiger

TELFORD ,U.K- The English Premier league Telford Tigers have announced the first import player to their growing roster for 2008-09. For the Tigers and the EPL in general the signing of former Twin City Cyclones right winger Jason Cassells is being considered by many a quality capture. Cassells joins on the back of an impressive season in the Southern Professional hockey league where the 5’9″ sniper registered a 62 point season to finish second in point’s for the Cyclones scoring 20 goals and 40 assists. Attending college at Elmira College from 2001 for four season’s the young Cassells matured as a player before taking the step to play for local Elmira Jackals. Playing in the UHL Cassells struggled with injury playing just seven

games in his first season. Cassells followed the 2004 season injury free icing in 52 games but only registered a disappointing five goals. Another two season’s followed in the UHL with a return to the Jackals and a brief stint for Bloomington PrairieThunder. In 2006-07 season Cassells appeared to find his feet in the SPHL tallying points total not seen since Cassells time in the junior OPJHL, 18 goals and 23 assists. Last season Cassells finished second in points scoring behind left winger Daryl Moore with an impressive 22 goals and 40 assists with the Cyclones. With similar qualities to former SPHL and Swindon Wildcats player Joel Petkoff who took the EPL by storm in his first season in the UK, it came as no surprise that Cassells former club is where Petkoff also played.  Cassells is hoping to have the same affect when he takes to the ice in September. “I am looking forward to jumping on board with the Tigers this year and being an impact player right away, being able to come over and play in the UK where most of my family is from is an exciting opportunity that i can’t wait to get started,” Cassells said  Looking to concentrate on coaching rather than playing and coaching Claude Dumas is pleased that a player of high quality in the EPL can come in to ease the pressure. “Cassells has very good stats in a league where the standard is pretty high, the SPHL produces more complete players and if Jason is a bit of a star over there we think he will be great for us in the team we are building here,” Dumas said. Contact the author at Kevin.oconnor@prohockeynews.com Photo: Jason Cassells Photo courtesy of www.tccyclones.com