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Tigers release Holland & Hanzal
Telford Tigers player-coach Tom Watkins has announced some changes to the team's roster.
British forward Dean Holland has asked to leave the club, citing difficulties with travelling from his home in the North-East, while the Tigers have chosen to release Czech centreman Jiri Hanzal.
Watkins said: "Dean is a good guy and well-liked, but he found it increasingly hard to cope with the travelling alongside his day job as a mechanic. It wasn't easy for him, unable to train with us during the week and only joining his team mates for games.
"Releasing Jiri has not been an easy decision. Again, I liked him as a player and he brought qualities to the club that I wanted but, for whatever reason, he has not found the scoring touch we need.
"We work on a very strictly limited budget and so far our results and our attendances have not been as positive as we would want for the team. We needed to make decisions for the good of the club and that means making sure we use our tight budgets most effectively.
The club is working to help Jiri find another team as he wants to remain in the UK if possible, and we thank both him and Dean for their contribution to the Tigers and wish them all the best for the future."
Watkins added that he didn't expect to sign replacements immediately.
"We still have four imports on the roster, and a core of quality British players. I will take my time to see how we perform over the next few games before making any further decisions, but my choices will definitely be dictated by the club's finances.
"The more people who support the Tigers, the better budget we have for playing staff."
Meanwhile, there is good news for the team's feisty forward Andy McKinney. The 20-year-old has secured a two-way contract with Elite League Hull Stingrays.
Watkins said: "Andy has been our most consistent player so far this year. He shows a lot of heart and grit on the ice and makes us a better team.
"I am really pleased he has the opportunity to show what he can do at Elite level. I spoke to Sylvain Cloutier (coach) at Hull and he was impressed with what he saw. I believe Andy may be joining Stingrays for their game next Wednesday.
"I'm sure whenever he gets the chance to play, Andy will give whatever he can for the team."
Watkins is hopeful that Juraj Senko will be able to ice this weekend, despite dislocating his shoulder in last week's game against Milton Keynes Lightning, but fellow defenceman Adam Radmall is out indefinitely with a back injury.
"Adam has seen a specialist and is waiting for an MRI scan," said Watkins. "His health is too important to take chances with, so we've told him to take as long as he needs to recover."
Tigers travel to Sheffield on Saturday and entertain Slough Jets at home on Sunday (5.30pm).
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