Tigers defenceman Rick Skene was lured to Shropshire by the prospect of playing alongside the club’s title-chasing ‘legends’.
The 32-year-old, who joined from English Premier League rivals Basingstoke Bison, will make his home debut against Billingham Stars this evening
The former EPL championship winner was brought in this week after Tigers Head Coach Tom Watkins decided to strengthen his defensive cover.
And having played against The Tigers already this season, Skene jumped at the chance to join Watkins in Telford.
He said: “I’ve heard a lot about what is happening in Telford and I know Tom is a very good coach. I’ve also got a lot of mutual respect for the players in the dressing room.
“They are guys I have enjoyed playing against, so there’s a lot of respect between us.
“Then there are the guys who have been brought in this season, like Jason Silverthorn and Jonathan
Weaver.
“I played with David Longstaff at Guildford and Jonathan is the same calibre. They’re both legends of the game.”
Skene’s spell in Basingstoke co-incided with an appearance in the Hampshire club’s 4-2 defeat to The Tigers at the end of November.
And he is promising a no-nonsense approach during his time in Telford.
“I’m want to add some depth to the line-up and play a solid game,” he said.
“It will be nothing flash and I’ll log decent minutes. I’m very much a defensively minded defenceman and although I like to make a pass for a goal, I also like blocking a shot that could end in a goal.
“I also want to help in bringing along the younger guys in the squad.”
That willingness to use his coaching skills will be well-received at The Tigers, where the club’s Pathway of Talent has been a success so far this season.
He added: “I love helping the youngsters out and it is part of what I do as a personal fitness trainer with Crossfit.
“If I give someone advice and see them use that to make a success of themselves, then it’s very worthwhile.”
Rick Skene will make his debut in today’s British Challenge Cup tie at Telford Ice Rink. Face-off is 5.30pm.
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