Telford Tigers have signed Canadian defenceman Chris Allen as their final 2010 import in a player-coach role.

Allen, 32, who was at Edinburgh Capitals and Coventry Blaze last season, will assist Tom Watkins.

"Chris brings in massive experience and will be an integral part of what we achieve this year," Watkins told BBC Radio Shropshire.

Allen played for the Florida Panthers in the NHL before globetrotting in the top leagues in Europe and Asia.

"I expect him to be huge for us and play a lot of minutes. He will be one of the top defencemen in the English Premier League," Watkins added.

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 Chris Allen

Allen flew into the UK this week to settle down with 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."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version