Luke Brittle expects he will return to a “completely different club” when he joins his Telford Tigers team-mates for pre-season training in August.
The former Telford junior, who moved to Chelmsford in 2013, was unveiled as coach Tom Watkins’ latest summer signing last week.
He will link up with a much-changed side next season, as Watkins looks to regain the momentum that saw them win a league and cup double in 2015.
And Brittle, who won the NIHL championship twice in his time away from Telford, wants to continue that habit at his home-town club.
He said: “I know that Telford is a completely different club now to what it was then, that’s shown by the aims Tommy will be able to give the team now, in comparison to four years ago.
“The club has revolutionised, and I am looking forward to going in with a fresh mind-set, focusing on one game at a time, and continuing the winning habits from my time in Chelmsford and at the Hawks.”
The young forward amassed 108 points in just 49 games during two seasons with Chelmsford and Blackburn, before joining Spanish side S.A.D. Majadahonda last year.
He added: “I initially left Telford as I was moving down to Luton for work, so it didn’t make sense at the time to stay. Following that, I went to Blackburn to have more time to focus on my final year of university studies.
“This year I’ve been living in Madrid, having a year out and playing a little bit of ice hockey, so I’ve had time to work out what I want to do in general, and that’s push myself back to the best of my ability.
“I’m ready for that challenge now, so when Telford approached me and I had the chance to compete for the EPL title at my home team, I couldn’t say no.”
Brittle is part of a family ice hockey dynasty at Telford, with brothers Daniel, Stuart and Adam having also spent their formative years in the town’s junior system.
“Having a couple of years away from home has definitely made me appreciate family,” he said.
“When Telford offered me the chance to spend time with my family, as well as playing for the team I have aspired to play for all of my ice hockey life, it was a no brainer decision.
“I feel quite proud to have been approached and happy they have confidence in me. Coming home means a lot to me personally.
“I hope the fans are as excited to have me back, as I am to play, and more importantly win, in front of them this year.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.