Telford Tigers secure key forward James Smith for 2025/26 Season

The 30-year-old returns to the Tigers after a successful previous campaign, where he notched 14 goals and contributed a career-high 28 points at National League level.

Smith’s return provides a significant boost to the Tigers' roster, with his versatility and scoring prowess proving invaluable last season. His 14 goals underscore his offensive capabilities, while his overall point tally highlights his consistent contribution to the team's performance.

Speaking on his decision to re-sign with the club, James Smith expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to be back with the Telford Tigers. The fans, the coaching staff, and my teammates have always made me feel at home here. I’m looking forward to the upcoming season and working together to achieve something special.”

Head Coach and General Manager, Tom Watkins, lauded Smith’s unique qualities and importance to the team. “James is a player that adds something a little different to the lineup,” commented Watkins. “Capable of playing on any line in a different role, he can add offense, can score, make plays, or can play heavy, bring physicality, grit and fight to set the tone or to stick up for teammates. He can play on the power play and has developed his defensive game where we used him on the penalty kill more last season. He's a Swiss army knife type of player in that respect which is important to have on the roster. He's an experienced player and plays hard every night on both sides of the puck but there is more to his game and I'm sure there is more to come from him.”

The re-signing of James Smith signals the Telford Tigers' commitment to building a strong and competitive squad for the 2025/26 season. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see Smith continue to make a significant impact on the ice as the Tigers aim for further success.