Tom Watkins could have leading British scorer Matty Davies back in the Telford Tigers line-up for this weekend’s games against Manchester Phoenix and Swindon Wildcats.
The 26-year-old was the top home-grown forward in the EPL before he was hit in the face by a puck against Guildford Flames last month – suffering a facial injury that saw him sit out six games.
But with Davies having skated in training this week, he is likely to be part of Telford’s plans when they travel to face the Phoenix in Blackpool tomorrow afternoon.
Watkins said: “Matty’s got to crack the line-up first, of course! There’s no guarantee he will play this weekend, but it is very likely.
“He skated on Thursday and again on Friday, and then we’ll see how he feels about taking to this ice this weekend.
“Having Matty back creates tough decisions again. We’ve had three lines that have been going well and that gives us ten forwards, so it’s not an ideal situation.
“But to have the offensive ability and work ethic that Matty brings to the team is a big plus for us.”
Watkins has been spoiled for choice by the emergence of Milan Kolena in attack over recent weeks, after he was moved onto a line with Jason Silverthorn and Rick Plant.
The former Slovakian under-20s captain has scored six goals in the last four games for Telford, including a hat-trick against Bracknell Bees.
He said: “Milan has been getting some good scoring chances recently and he’s a very talented offensive player.
“He has an excellent touch around the front of the goal and I like the way he plays, with real tenacity.
“Milan finishes his hits, he’s gritty and he gets in guys’ faces. Of course, he’s still young, so I still think there is a lot more to come from him.”
Telford’s game against Manchester, at Fylde Ice Arena, starts at 5pm tomorrow.
On Sunday, Swindon Wildcats are the visitors to Telford Ice Rink (6pm). For tickets, go to www.tigershockeyuk.com.
Forward Macaulay Heywood has chosen to leave Telford Tigers.
The 20-year-old grew up in the Telford junior system, making his senior debut in 2012.
So far this season, Heywood has scored four goals in 23 games.
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