James Smith is expecting a “massive step up” in quality when The Tigers NIHL make their home Moralee Conference debut against Whitley Warriors on Saturday.
Smith was top scorer during last season’s promotion campaign from the Laidler Conference, as Telford finished second behind runaway leaders Solihull Barons.
Saturday’s opponents will feature former GB star David Longstaff, as well as Canadian enforcer Andre Payette, and Smith is expecting a tough encounter.
He said: “Whitley have got a very good team of players who have been there for a few years now, so they’re very strong together. They will come here with a very physical game.
“They’ve got some good leaders as well. It will be a massive step up for the guys, but I think it is going to be a very good game.
“There is a big difference in quality between the two divisions in the NIHL. In this league, a lot of the defenceman could stull play in the EPL, but have other commitments.”
Smith is something of an elder statesman in The Tigers NIHL squad, having spent two seasons with Telford’s EPL side, and a year with Basingstoke Bison.
The 21-year-old is hoping to pass some of that experience to his team-mates.
“I feel I’ve developed a lot more maturity over the last few years, both on and off the ice,” he said.
“I’m more of a leader with the younger guys in the NIHL squad. Hopefully, I can pass on what I learned with The Tigers EPL side to the lads here.
“As a team, we just need to aim for a win in every game and see where we are at the end of the year.”
Saturday’s game against Whitley Warriors, at Telford Ice Rink, faces off at 5.30pm.
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