TELFORD, UK – New TRS Telford Tigers recruit Danny Rose has confessed he was “shocked and surprised” after he learned of interest from the EPL outfit. The 17-year-old has joined Telford from ENL side Nottingham Lions, following a successful first season in senior ice hockey. That debut campaign also saw Rose make a number of appearances for Elite League giants Nottingham Panthers.
But despite his experience at higher level, the youngster is looking on his first year at Telford as a learning process. He said: “I want to become a better player and improve on my skills and knowledge of the game. The main thing is to learn from coaches like Tom Watkins and the players on the team.
Tom Watkins and Danny Rose – Photo Courtesy of TRS Tigers
Rose was unveiled during the club’s annual cricket day at St Georges, which saw fan Richard Middleton, from supporters group SDP, raise £500 to have his head shaved. Ten teams took part in a limited-overs competition, which was sponsored by DW Sports & Fitness, to generate funds for the side. The return of defenceman Ryan Selwood was also announced to supporters at the event, after an impressive first season with the county outfit. He had been considering a break from the game, but was persuaded to return after hearing about Watkins’s plans for the coming season. “Tom spoke to me a few weeks before the end of last year and said he was interested in bringing me back,” Selwood said.
“I wasn’t sure what I would do at the end of the season, but Tom spoke to me again and I really liked what he said he was going to do with the team, so I thought I would come back.”
Ryan Selwood – Photo Courtesy of TRS Tigers
Tigers boss Tom Watkins, meanwhile, was delighted with the latest additions to his squad. He said: “Ryan is a great lad and is really important to us in the dressing room, and is a good defenceman. He had his ups and downs with confidence, but he did a great job for us last season. “Danny came to the trials and is a good size. He skates well and people says he is a great kid, so although it might take some time to adjust, he will get better during the season.”
The capture of Rose was made easier after sponsors Park Inn stepped in to offer the Nottingham-based youngster a hotel room, whenever he is playing for the club. A number of other players, including Thomas Soar and Declan Ryan, currently enjoy a similar deal with the town centre hotel.
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