Former Telford Tigers ice hockey star Claude Dumas has been appointed as the new player/head coach of the Bracknell Bees.

The announcement comes after it was revealed yesterday that the Tigers would be pulling out of the English Premier League for the next year.

New Tigers owner Neil James said there was simply not time to make arrangements for the 2009-10 season but has vowed to ensure the club returns next year.

French-Canadian Dumas first joined the Shropshire side in 1995 and became player-coach in 2003.

The 42-year-old had announced his playing retirement in March, but now appears to have been persuaded to don his skates once again for his new club.

Bees general manager Stuart Robinson said: “We are convinced that he possesses the right level of experience to rebuild our team for the coming season.

“He has proven, particularly at the start of last year in Telford, that he knows how to deliver squads with the right balance of productive imports and home-grown youngsters.

“Claude is a highly respected coach and player in the UK.”

Dumas added: “I am very happy to be with the Bees organisation and looking forward to this coming season.”

A native of Quebec, Dumas was a fifth round draft pick for Washington Capitals in 1985.

He first came to the UK in 1990 when he was picked up by the Whitley Warriors.