SHROPSHIRE, UK – Phil Hill expects to thrive on the pressure of fighting for a second successive league title with EPL champions The Tigers next season.
The GB forward agreed terms on a move from Sheffield Steelers last week, as Tom Watkins puts the finishing touches to his line-up.
He will temporarily rejoin his former side for September’s CHL campaign, but is committed to securing another championship for the Shropshire club.
Hill said: “Joining The Tigers is a chance to be part of a side that will compete at the top of their league, and have the same pressure as I experienced with Sheffield. That is the way I like to play the game, to win championships.
“Having Tom Watkins as coach was a very big influence for me, as he is one of the good up and coming British coaches. I’ve played with Tom and worked with him at GB, so I like the way he works and sees the game.”
Hill’s twelve years at the top level of British ice hockey included an EIHL Challenge Cup win, play-off win, and the EIHL title with Sheffield last season.
But he believes winning two titles in succession will, nevertheless, present a tough challenge for last year’s runaway EPL leaders.
“The hardest thing in any sport is to win back to back championships,” he said.
“That is why I have come to Telford, to do that. Speaking to Tom, the goal is try and go one better than last season. Whether we can do it, we’ll have to wait and see, but winning the league two years in a row is a huge achievement for any club.”
The 33-year-old, who also spent seven seasons with the GB senior side, is looking forward to a different style of play in the EPL.
He added: “I haven’t watched a huge amount of EPL hockey, but if you look at some of the signings that teams have made, it is now a very different league.
“Six or seven of the sides look pretty stacked in terms of imports and if you look at teams like Telford, they’ve got some high-end Brits. The only real difference with the Elite League is probably depth.”
Tigers season tickets are still for sale, with prices frozen at £290 for adults, and £135 for children / OAPs. There is also a new VIP ticket available for £425. For more information, go to www.tigershockeyuk.com/tickets.
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