James Preece joins Telford Tigers

James Preece will be looking to fulfil the role of playmaker when he joins his TRS Telford Tigers team-mates at the start of next season.

Preece has been revealed as Telford's latest signing during a busy summer of rebuilding for player-coach Tom Watkins.

The 20 year-old has spent much of his career in the Cardiff junior system, aside from a two-year spell at the Ontario Hockey Academy.

And he believes his latest move to Shropshire is a chance to make an impact in the English Premier League.

"I would describe myself as a very offensive player, and I like to play a more European style of hockey," he said.

"As a playmaker you have to be creative and I have got the speed and skill to do just that."

Preece is another player to have been tracked by Watkins over the summer, and is looking forward to stepping up a level from the English National League.

He added: "I was invited to a tryout at the start of the summer and Tom rang me the next day. He asked if I would be interested in playing for him next season.

"We spoke throughout the summer and he offered me a contract that I was really happy with."

Watkins added: "James is making the step up from ENL South, but he has worked with the full Devils side."