Tom Watkins has highlighted the contribution of returnee Dan Davies in Telford Tigers’ resurgence during the closing stages of the English Premier League season.
Davies’ return from injury has co-incided with an upturn in form at Telford Ice Rink, with the county men collecting ten wins from the last eleven games.
The 26-year-old has scored six goals since that injury lay-off and will be a key part of the Tigers squad in this weekend’s home games against Basingstoke and Milton Keynes.
Watkins, who could yet guide his injury-hit side to second place in the English Premier League, believes Davies has been one of the stars of the last few months.
He said: “Individually, the guys are doing a good job and have stepped up in different roles, with more responsibility. One of the catalysts for the last month or so has been the return of Dan Davies.
“He’s been playing great hockey and is a smart player. He understands situations and what he’s playing. Dan is very good on the puck, and the combination of him and Makrov is excellent, complimented by Joe Miller.
“That line can be a bit too offensive at times, but Danny D has come in and does a great job on the penalty kill. It’s because he’s got that brain and has good awareness.”
Watkins will be wary of a heightened performance from the Bison on Saturday night, as the Hampshire side looks to secure the EPL championship.
He added: “The fact that Basingstoke are chasing the title means they’ll want to collect the points they need against us. Our record against them this season isn’t good enough and that will be a big thing for us.
“Of course, nobody wants to lose to a team that’s going to potentially win the league. They’ve had a good season backed up some great import netminding.”
Sunday’s visit of Milton Keynes Lightning, meanwhile, will see Telford face one of six teams that could yet finish second in this year’s EPL standings.
“It’s no surprise that the teams are so closely packed, as it’s a competitive league,” Watkins said.
“We’ve played five or six more games than last season and it is still relatively tight at the top. Basingstoke have obviously got a slight advantage, but from second to sixth it seems to be very close.
“It’s very interesting now that teams are jockeying for position. Especially this year, where we have a selection from first to third, for which team you can choose to play on the play-offs.
“For us, it is about trying to get as high as we can in the league, although we’ve been restricted by injuries. We picked up a reasonably long-term injury on Wednesday night, in Macaulay Heywood leaving the game.”
The Tigers host Basingstoke Bison on Saturday night, before Sunday’s visit of Milton Keynes Lightning. Both games start at 6pm.
For tickets, go to www.tigershockeyuk.com.
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