Waslen urges Telford Tigers to stay loose and play hard

Waslen is regarded as one of the finest players to wear a Tigers shirt, having scored a remarkable 201 points in just 32 games during the 1989-90 season.

The Canadian never played the game professionally after his 12-month stint in Telford, returning to his native country to set up the now-famous Markham Golf Dome in Ontario.

But despite his relatively short stay in Shropshire, Waslen retains fond memories of that single season in UK ice hockey.

He said: "There were a lot of good times in Telford, but one that always stayed with me was the great support from the fans.

"I remember playing a game after I had just served a suspension and I got a standing ovation during the warm-up. It was a hockey moment that I will never forget."

Telford's progress this season reflects Waslen's time in the county, when the Tigers emerged as a leading force in the second tier of British ice hockey.

He added: "It is great to hear that my old club has made the play-offs. Hopefully, the fans will get to enjoy a long run and even see their side make it to the final.

"The players just need to have fun, enjoy the experience, stay loose and play hard."

The former Canadian PGA professional admits he felt at home in the UK, and was subsequently installed as a firm favourite among the local community.

"My wife and I both had day jobs in Telford," he said.

"We were really immersed in the local community and met a lot of local people. I think that is why we had such a close bond with supporters in Telford."

Waslen made a sudden decision to leave during the summer of 1990 and now wishes he had stayed longer.

"In hindsight, I wish I would have played a few more years in Telford. Ice hockey is a great game and playing it in front of the Tigers fans was a lot of fun.

"I stopped playing completely when I left the Tigers. At the time, it just felt like I should get a real job."