Shropshire Star

Phoenix's Joe Graham on the rise at Telford Tigers

Telford Tigers have signed former GB under-20s defenceman Joe Graham from English Premier League rivals Manchester Phoenix.

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Graham arrives after spells in Manchester, where he won the EPL title in 2014, and Guildford, where he lifted the 2011 play-off trophy.

The 24-year-old also spent two seasons with Peterborough Phantoms, and boasts overall figures of 142 points in 346 EPL games.

Tigers head coach Tom Watkins expects Graham to add further steel to an already battle-hardened defensive set-up.

He said: "For a defenceman, Joe has put up healthy numbers, which will help our transition and offense. He is very good on the puck, which is something we demand of all our defencemen.

"He skates well and is a gritty player, who isn't afraid to get his nose dirty. We've got ourselves a very good player.

"He's won the EPL title and the play-offs, as well as medals with Great Britain under-20s. There's a lot of pedigree with this guy."

Graham is the first player to arrive from a fellow EPL club in almost 18 months, following last summer's recruitment drive in the EIHL.

Watkins added: "It took some time to finalise the deal for Joe, we appreciate his patience."

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