Golden moment for Telford Tigers duo
Telford Tigers coach Tom Watkins has described the ‘amazing experience’ of winning a gold medal with Great Britain at the World Championships.
Watkins was assistant to coach Pete Russell at the tournament in Belfast, which saw GB win promotion to Division 1A – one step below the likes of Canada and Russia.
The national side, who remained unbeaten throughout the six-team competition, sealed top spot with a 4-0 win over second-placed Japan in the final game.
And the Tigers chief was delighted to be part of GB’s first promotion-winning campaign since 1993.
He said: “It was a busy three weeks, with training camp in Coventry and then the tournament in Belfast, but it has been an amazing experience.
“To do it on home soil, in a great city like Belfast, made the whole event such a memorable occasion for us all.
“There is great camaraderie in the squad and superb leadership.
I think that was a massive key to the group’s success.”
Defenceman Jonathan Weaver was a second Tiger in the Great Britain ranks, with the 40-year-old having first played senior international ice hockey in 2001.
Watkins added: “As an honour, winning the gold medal is right up there in my career, as I am sure it is for all the players, including Jonathan.
“It is always a massive honour to represent your country and of course we were disappointed in the last two years when we won silver.
“To go one better and win gold at your home tournament, with all the added pressure that brings, is a phenomenal achievement for everyone involved.”
