Tigers sign defenceman

Tom Watkins wants Sam Zajac to renew his partnership with fellow defenceman Jonathan Weaver, after he agreed terms on a new long-term deal at The Tigers.

Zajac, 25, has put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the reigning English Premier League champions, ahead of what many expect to be a testing campaign.

A raft of improvements to teams throughout the league is set to put pressure on Telford’s bid to retain their title, following last year’s historic double of major trophies.

But with Zajac and Weaver having formed a productive combination in both defence and attack, Watkins is looking for more of the same next season.

He said: “Good British defencemen at this level, and especially ones who move the puck well, are hard to come by these days. Sam provides some good offence as well, and that’s the way the game has changed over the years.

“To have that make-up between him and Jonathan Weaver is huge for us. Sammy is a battler and competitor who works very hard, on and off the ice. He’s happy to drop the gloves with bigger guys and get the team going.

“He formed a very good partnership with Weaves and they both make each other better. They move the puck well and are very important for us offensively. Sam came in and was probably the biggest surprise for us last season.”

Zajac’s hard-working character was partially formed during his first spell at The Tigers in 2008, when he became a firm favourite with the Shropshire crowd.

His return to Telford at the start of last season was applauded by fans, and Watkins is determined to see him continue building that reputation.

“I will always want players to go out and defend their team-mates,” he said.

“But as a coach, I won’t ask my guys to go out and fight all the time. I want them to be on the ice, with the puck on the end of their stick.

“If they’re in the penalty box, that can’t happen, although it’s nice to have it in the locker. I want my best players on the ice and as a defensive pairing, Sam and Weaves play extremely well together.”