Slovak Strengthens Tigers Defence

Tom Watkins has strengthened his defensive team for the coming season with the addition of Slovak Juraj Senko.

The 26-year-old joins from Scottish league side Solway, where he was defenceman of the year.

Player-coach Watkins said: “We needed to strengthen our defence. By that I don’t just mean the five or so guys who play on the D, but we need to be solid from the back out, through to our forwards.

“I initially spoke to Senko last season, when he was up in Solway, so I have had my eye on him for a while.

“He was in the Slovakian under-20s and did a couple of years in the Extraliga, played in France and knows the UK from his time in the Scottish league.

“I talked to people he had played with and against, as well as coaches who have worked with him. I know the Solway coach Martin Grubb. And I got good feedback on Juraj.

“He is an experienced player with a good attitude. He is mobile, has a good shot and makes the lead pass.

“Juraj played in Dijon with Tomas Janak, who actually put me on to him. We are excited to have him in the line-up. He has a proven background and his experience will be good for the younger guys on the team.”

Senko, who stands 6ft 2ins, hails from Zilina in Slovakia. In addition to playing in his home country and France, he has enjoyed a spell in Hungary before spending the last two seasons in Scotland.

Speaking of his move the English Premier League, Senko said: “I am glad to be a Tiger for next season. I am looking forward to playing with Tomas again, but I also want to try playing in a higher league than last year.

“I want to play well and help the team win.

“My proudest hockey moments to date are playing for the Slovakian under-20s in the World Champions in Finland, and to be a Slovak senior champion.”

More information about Telford Tigers can be found at www.telfordtigers.co.uk