Telford Tigers sign Ben Washburn and James Smith

Smith – who has 44 Elite League performances under his belt despite being just 23 years of age – has spent the last two years with the Tigers, while 20-year-old Washburn has progressed through the Tigers’ youth system.

And Tigers 2 coach Callum Bowley was thrilled to bring the pair back on board.

“I am delighted Smithy has agreed to come on board, he’s an experienced and talented player, who will be a huge offensive threat in our forward line-up,” said Bowley. “He’s a player that I can rely on to put the puck in the back of the net, to stick up for his team-mates and to lead by example.

“He’s a great player for the younger guys to look up to and I will be leaning on him to pass on his knowledge of the game and to help them raise their games.”

About Washburn, he added: “I am expecting Ben to continue where he left off last season and to add more offence to his game, which I know he is capable of. He will take on a lot more responsibility and I am certain he will deliver.”