Bowley signs for Tigers

Callum Bowley will take on the mantle of senior player with The Tigers NIHL next season, after agreeing terms to play in the Moralee Conference.

The 22-year-old has spent four years with The Tigers EPL side, collecting 67 points and bagging a brace of major titles just a few months ago.

He joins an NIHL squad that already features a healthy sprinkling of senior players, as the club looks to cement a place at the higher level.

And for Head Coach Tom Watkins, the former Nottingham youngster is a timely signing for his fledgling Moralee Conference side.

He said: “Callum will spend a lot time concentrating on his Masters degree next season, so it would have been hard for him to commit to EPL level.

“He is one of our longest serving players, he knows the club well and I want to keep him here in Telford. When he’s finished his Masters, then hopefully we’ll see him in the EPL side.

“Callum will be a very good player in that league. He’s smart, is a great centreman and he does the little things very well. He does a great job in the corners.

“Over the last few years, he’s been a key component for the EPL side, so I am very pleased to see him stay. We have a few young guys who can develop into big roles with the team.”

Bowley’s presence in the NIHL side will also give Watkins extra options for the EPL set-up, as he looks to make use of both squads next season.

He added: “I am very happy with both teams, but we are always looking to make improvements. The ability to bring players up and down from the NIHL squad will be a huge advantage.

“We have got more depth than ever. Having an NIHL side that is playing at a level closer to the EPL standard is going to be a massive bonus.”

Tigers NIHL General Manager, Mike Washburn, is looking forward to watching the youngster make an impact at Moralee Conference level.

He said: “The final piece of the jigsaw – Callum is yet another class signing for The Tigers NIHL. Clearly, this has been a while in the making but the news is a fantastic boost for the guys.

“As Tom says, another impact player for the NIHL roster and another player that we retain in the Tigers development pathway.

“This latest signing completely epitomises the way we go about our business – we pursue and sign quality players, all of whom have the innate qualities that we look for in spades.

“Callum is just that player – young, but experienced and a real leader on the ice, with the skills and attributes to match.

“Anyone who looks at our NIHL roster is going to have a sharp intake of breath – it looks awesome just right now, give it a season or two and these guys will be performing at an insane level.”