An international shipping specialist has scored a new three-year sponsorship deal with leading Shropshire ice hockey team, Telford Tigers.
Telford’s Global Freight signed the agreement ahead of the start of the 2016-17 season, which will see the team battle it out against teams from across the country in the English Premier Ice Hockey League.
As part of the deal, the Zamboni – the machine that resurfaces the ice rink during half time – has been branded with the firm’s blue and yellow logo. It was premiered at the team’s first pre-season challenge at home against Milton Keynes Lightning on August 28.
Managing Director of Global Freight Nicole Gunter said the global nature of the team and its roots in Telford had led to the new partnership.
“I used to watch Telford Tigers matches at the Ice Rink as a child when we would go and enjoy it as a family, and now my husband Anton and I take our own children,” she said.
“As a business rooted in Telford but that works across the world, we identify with the global nature of the Tigers which has players from Canada, Slovakia and Poland in the squad, as well as England and Wales.
“We wanted to support a local organisation that repays the community where it’s based and the Tigers does great work through its youth and schools programmes. We’re really looking forward to the next three seasons and will be cheering on the Tigers all the way.”
Paul Thomason, Managing Director of Telford Tigers, said: “We are delighted to welcome Global Freight on board. This is a perfect example of the kind of partnership we are looking to build with solid, reliable businesses in Shropshire.
“The team at Global Freight are keen to support the local community, which reflects our ethos of working with schools and youth groups. Sponsoring the Zamboni will ensure they reach thousands of people from across the country.
“From our initial meetings, it was immediately obvious that Nicole and her team are passionate about working with Telford Tigers. We look forward to long and successful partnership.
“We won both the EPL and British Challenge Cup for the first time in our 30-year history in 2015 and I am confident that with Global Freight on board, we can push for those heights.”
Telford Tigers are expected to be fighting it out for the EPL championship again this season, after signing a number of new players, including two from the Elite League – the top flight of British ice hockey.
These include 6’5” Canadian Doug Clarkson, Great Britain international forward Matty Davies and Polish international netminder Ondrej Raszka.
