Birthday boy celebrates with Tigers deal

Wednesday 25th June 2008, 11:49AM BST.

Young Elite League defenceman Alex Symonds celebrated his 20th birthday today with a new contract – with Premier League Eurologix Telford Tigers.The former Cardiff Devil and GB Under-21 will make the move to Shropshire for season 2008-9 in a bid for more ice time.

Tigers coach Claude Dumas said: “We heard a lot of good things about Alex. “He was playing for Cardiff Devils last year and, because they had a lot of injuries, he was playing regularly and did very well.

“He comes highly regarded by their coach and we felt that he had the right package for us.

“Alex is young, hungry and very talented. “He moves the puck well and reads the game well. We are very happy to be able to attract this type of player this year. The Elite team could not guarantee him the regular shifts this year and a youngster like that wants to play.

“He has shown he is capable of playing at that high level so I am sure he is going to be an important person for us. We expect good things from him.”

Talking about Symonds, Devils’ Elite team coach Gerad Adams said: “I have no doubt that Alex could play the major junior A level back home in Canada and be an impact player.”