Telford Tigers to play on amid financial 'challenges'

Telford Tigers have confirmed they will ice two teams in the upcoming season despite continuing financial challenges.

The ice hockey club’s partnership with title sponsor Autocraft expires on July 31 and will not be renewed.

Tigers released a statement explaining to supporters why they have been “largely silent” since that sponsorship blow a month ago. It described the period as the toughest in five years, dating back to the Covid pandemic, which forced a period of no action.

They referenced rising costs throughout the game, the loss of key sponsorships and partners and an expectation of five import players to remain competitive.

But Tigers added intense work has been ongoing on in recent weeks between club chiefs, remaining sponsors and Telford & Wrekin Council to ensure the club’s “immediate future” and that both Tigers and Tigers 2 will competitively ice next season.

Tigers warned ‘wider challenges have not disappeared’.

A statement read: “Over recent weeks, we have remained largely silent. That silence has not been without reason. The last few weeks, and the build-up to the new season, have been among the most challenging this club has faced in the last five years.

“Rising costs across almost every aspect of the game, the increasing expectation that clubs carry five imports to remain competitive, escalating player costs, and the loss of key sponsorship partners are just some of the challenges we continue to face.

“While speculation has inevitably grown during this period, our priority has been to focus on finding solutions.

“Whatever we do must be both affordable and sustainable. At the same time, we remain committed to icing two competitive teams within their respective leagues and giving both the best possible opportunity to succeed.”

Tigers added they have been able to punch above their weight in the NIHL thanks to the support of fans, partners, sponsors and volunteers.

Tigers added: “We recognise what Telford Tigers represents. We are not an arena club with 2,500 seats or unlimited resources. We have always punched above our weight, and we continue to do so because of the incredible support of our fans, sponsors and partners, together with the dedication and commitment of our volunteers.

“Over the past several weeks, a number of significant challenges have demanded our complete attention.

“Behind the scenes, the club, key sponsors and Telford & Wrekin Council have worked tirelessly alongside us to overcome those challenges and secure the club’s immediate future. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment and support.”

The club moved to assure fans that action will take place across both of the club’s teams next season.

“We also wanted to address the speculation and rumours directly,” the statement continued. “This statement is intended to provide reassurance that the Telford Tigers are here, we will ice two teams this season, and we remain fully committed to competing at the highest level possible within a sustainable framework.

“That does not mean the wider challenges facing the sport have disappeared. The economic climate, rising operating costs and an evolving league landscape remain realities that we, like many clubs, must continue to navigate.

“Our work does not stop here. Throughout the coming season, we will continue strengthening the club’s foundations to ensure we are in the best possible position for the future.

“Finally, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed their time, expertise and resources over the past six weeks. We also thank our supporters for their patience and understanding while we worked through these issues behind the scenes.”