Popular Latvian forward Andrejs Maslovskis has returned to the Telford Tigers squad . . . just two weeks after being released.

Marek Hornak’s retirement this week left Tigers with Tomas Janak as their only import, and few options for a replacement with club funds limited.

So it’s now about turn on Maslovskis.

Player-coach Tom Wat-kins explained: “The decision to release Andrejs was made on tactical and financial grounds and we had not been planning to replace him with another import, although we continued to look for other players to help us.

“However that situation changed with Marek choosing to concentrate on his non-hockey commitments.

“Our finances don’t allow us to bring in an unknown quantity from abroad; we can’t afford to gamble the cost of an International Transfer Card, registration fees and flights.

“The whole situation has not been ideal, but it is now up to the guys to make the new combinations work.

“I am still looking to add other British players and that, along with Marek going, will change the dynamic of the team.

“All three of our lines can score goals. We just need to add a bit of depth so we can maintain our intensity for the full 60 minutes.”

Maslovskis added: “Luc-kily I had not really started talking to other teams because of Christmas, and also the Latvian league has only two months left to run, so I wanted to stay here in the UK and play a little longer.”

The 26-year-old was at Monday’s match, supporting the Tigers, and has regularly helped the youth sides with their training sessions – something that won him even more fans in Telford.

“I enjoy it here,” he said. “I like the team, the town and the people.

“The fans are great. I want to finish the season here and my aim is still for us to make the play-offs.

“The loss of Marek is hard as he is one of the best players. But life goes on, and we have Tom back for the next game after his ban, so that will be good.

“The main thing is for us to win.”

Tigers are away to Peterborough on Sunday and the next home game is on Sunday, January 16, against Milton Keynes Lightning (5.30pm).