Former captain Daniel ‘Budzy’ MacKriel is taking nothing for granted as he plans a return to ice hockey after a year off – with the relaunched Telford Tigers.

“I’m not naïve, I have started running and putting together my fitness plan because I know I will have to work hard to get the place I really want on the first two lines,” said MacKriel.

The popular forward will return to the ice with new coach Tom Watkins in the autumn – after a summer of hard training.

“Although I had some offers for last season I decided to take the year out and spend more time with my fiancée Fran and our baby girl. After all the years of hockey, it was good to take a break and concentrate on family.

“It’s been good to spend time with my daughter and be there to support Fran. She is very understanding, and knows how much I love hockey. I’ve done it since I was seven years old, so it is a big part of who I am.

“So, after a season out I was missing hockey. Fran and I talked it through and I spoke to Tom about his plans for the Tigers re-forming. I was really excited to hear what he had to say. Now I’ve re-charged my batteries I am as eager as ever to get back on the ice.”

Goalscorer

The 29-year-old is assistant manager of Stirchley Recreation Centre and Phoenix Sports Centre, having worked for Telford and Wrekin Council for six years.

MacKriel came through the Telford junior programme, where he earned his nickname as ‘Little Budzy’ in honour of former Tigers goalscorer Mark Budz.

As well as playing for Telford Wildfoxes and Tigers, he has also had spells at Blackburn, Solihull, Romford and Slough.

Coach Watkins added: “Budzy has taken a year out from the sport, but you don’t just lose your skills and knowledge overnight, and he will bring lots of experience to our team.

“I expect he will be training hard to pick up his timing and general fitness levels.

“He has the ability to keep things light and is a real asset in the dressing room. As a team, who will be together for eight months, we need to be able to work together on and off the ice, and Budz is a team character.

“With quite a lot of young players, I expect him to be a leader in the dressing room, someone the players can look up to and turn to.”

More information about Telford Tigers can be found at www.telfordtigers.co.uk

By CAROLINE GARBETT