Telford Tigers team building nears completion, with only a few slots remaining to be filled, as player-coach Tom Watkins announces two more members of the squad - returning defenceman Ashley Stanton and new forward Josh Bruce.

Telford-based Stanton played for the ENL Titans last season, but describes his return to the Tigers as "like Christmas".

The 26-year-old has played almost his entire career at Telford - with the exception of a year at Romford - and is buzzing about the coming season.

"I just can't wait to get playing again," he said. "It's like when Christmas is coming. Hockey is in your blood and it's always exciting when the season is getting nearer.

"I appreciate the Titans having me on their team last year. I just wanted to play hockey, at whatever level was available to me. Now the Tigers are back I want to put myself against the best, test myself. That's the challenge of our league - the standard gets better every year. I enjoy that style of hockey, and the quality of opposition.

"We have lots of fit young players this season, so I think we will be a fast-skating team. I've played against a lot of the Coventry guys when they were with the ENL team last year, and I think Tom's made some very smart signings.

"I get the sense that although we will be quite a young side, Tom wants a good mature performance every week. He wants to win and so do I."

Watkins said: "Ashley is a good local option who has played at this level before. He is very committed to Telford, loyal, and willing to do whatever it takes to play for his home team.

"He gives his all for his team mates, and also works incredibly hard off the ice. Physically, he keeps himself in great shape.

"I'm not looking for Ashley to play a tough guy role - although we all know he will step in for his team mates if necessary. What I expect is for him to be a defensive defenceman, take pride in his defensive coverage and pay attention to his plus and minus stats. I expect him to be solid for us."

New in this term is winger Josh Bruce, signing from Coventry ENL.

Watkins said: "Josh trained with the Blaze Elite, and I've found him to be a clever little player. He makes good time and space for himself and I think now is the time for him to make a step up to EPL.

"He ticks the boxes in terms of attitude and work ethic. I'm sure he's going to fit in well."

Bruce, who has just turned 21, added: "I spent a year and a half at the Ontario Hockey Academy, which was a good experience, playing every day, then came back and played ENL the second half of last year.

"I got the call-up to the Blaze Elite and although I didn't get on much, I did enjoy the experience and training with them.

"Now I want to develop as a player and I'm looking forward to the EPL challenge. I’'ve always played against Telford as a junior, and I think it's going to be fun to play in the town."