Telford Tigers player-coach Tom Watkins has confirmed his final non-Brit for the season ahead - top Canadian defenceman Chris Allen, who joins on a two-year contract.

Allen, 32, originates from Ontario and was a third round draft pick, 60th overall, by the Florida Panthers in 1996. He played two games in the NHL before an injury prevented him continuing his career at that level.

Despite this, Allen has played in the highest leagues in North American, Europe and Asia. He started last season with Elite League Edinburgh Capitals, before moving to Coventry as injury cover. He ended the year at Bakersfield Condors in the East Coast Hockey League.

Watkins said: "Chris brings massive experience to our team and will be an integral part of what we achieve this year. His resume speaks for itself. It's every little boy's dream to make it to the NHL, and he's had that experience, as well as playing in the top leagues in this country and Europe.

"I expect him to be huge for us and play a lot of minutes. He will be one of the top D-men in the EPL. He will also take on assistant coach responsibilities, which will add an extra element to our team."

The 6ft 3ins blueliner is reported to have had his shot clocked at 103 miles per hour, was OHL defenceman of the year in 1997-8 and is joint second placed all-time OHL defenceman goalscorer along with NHL superstars Bobby Orr and Al McInnis. Allen flew into the UK this week to settle into married life with his Solihull-based wife Anna.

He said: "I knew Tom [Watkins] a little bit from last year and it just all made sense to come and play for Telford, close to home. I was fortunate to get other offers from EPL and Elite teams, but Telford was the best fit.

"Being the assistant coach will be a new challenge for me and I'm really looking forward to helping build the long-term success of the team.

"The supporter-owned team will be a good experience for all of us. It's a new challenge but hopefully we can establish some bigger sponsorships for the club. I think we will surprise a lot of the other teams."

Reflecting on his experience, Allen added: "I was young and highly touted. Although I did get to the NHL, an injury put a career there out of reach. But I did enjoy every minute of it. It was a long time ago - sometimes I wish I could go back and do it all again.

"So many want to get to the NHL, and timing is a big factor. A lot of guys could have played but never got their shot.

"I've enjoyed a career in many countries and been able to see a lot of the world. Now I'm in Telford, initially for two years, and we'll see how it carries on."

The Tigers have also unveiled ticket prices for the season ahead.

An early-bird season ticket, covering 27 home games, is available at £199 for adults and £99 for concessions. Prices will rise after 21 August to £220 and £110.

Individual adult match tickets will cost £8.00 with a Flex card, £9.50 without, and concession tickets are £4.00 (£4.75 without Flex). Full price details and season ticket application forms are available from the Telford Tigers website - www.telfordtigers.co.uk - or from Telford Ice Rink.

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