Tigers player-coach Tom Watkins has added two successful trialists to his squad - Flintshire duo Andy McKinney and Mike Jones.

McKinney had a brief spell with the Tigers at the end of the team's last season, playing up from the Telford under-18s squad, and last year iced with EPL Manchester Phoenix and ENL Trafford Metros. The 19-year-old forward was born in Hamilton, Ontario, but grew up in Chester.

Jones, 22, also played in Deeside earlier in his career, but spent last season with Invicta Dynamos in the ENL South, where the 6ft 2in defenceman picked up 2+12 points.

Watkins said: "Both of these lads came to our open trials and I was glad to offer them the opportunity to play at this level.

"Andy I know quite well because I coached him as an under-18. I was surprised he hadn't already secured an EPL team as he has good size, skates well and is a smart player. But, although he played some games with Phoenix, it shows how much competition there is for Premier League roster slots.

"Andy was a bit unlucky that the Tigers had a year out, because I think he would have been back last year and established himself in this league.

"Mike is someone who really wants the opportunity to step up to this level. He was with Invicta last year, and they are generally a very strong team.

"He has good size and is very keen to do whatever it takes to make this step up. He understands he has lots to learn and that he maybe won't get the same ice time as he did last year, but he will add depth to our line-up and I hope to see him progress to be one of the top five D-men in our team.

"Playing in the EPL will be good experience for him."

Watkins expects to see his full team together on the ice in early September and hopes to be able to arrange an open training session which will allow supporters to meet the players ahead of the side's opening home fixture on Sunday September 12.