FORMER Durham ice hockey player Jonathan Weaver has signed for Telford Tigers – which is thought to make him the last Durham Wasp still on ice.

The defender started his career as a junior in his home city of Sunderland and played more than 100 games for the now defunct Durham Wasps between 1992 and 1996.

He played two seasons with Newcastle Cobras before spells with Manchester Storm, in America’s ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) with Detroit Vipers and Mississippi Sea Wolves, at Scotland’s Ayr Scottish Eagles and Fife Flyers, then at Coventry Blaze and Nottingham Panthers.

He joined Telford Tigers in 2014 and after an injury-hit 2019-20 season made a comeback late in the season to help the team win league and cup titles.

This week the Tigers announced he had signed for a seventh season with the club, at the age of 44.

 

“Weaves is one of the best British players of all time,” said Telford’s head coach and general manager, Tom Watkins.

“He brings so much to the team with his experience, know-how and all-around competitive nature, he is an example to all the younger players as to what it takes to succeed.

“We are very lucky to have been able to enjoy watching Jonathan play in a Tigers shirt over the last six years, any team in this league would love to have him.

“I’m delighted to have him on the roster once more.”

 

Weaver said: “I am really pleased to be returning for the forthcoming season.

“Being injured for large parts of the last season we played was difficult and then not being able to play for almost 12 months has been tough but it has put a lot of things into perspective.

“I still enjoy playing and when you have a coach like Tom to play for and the team we have, it is an easy decision to come back to play for Telford.

"I know Tom will put together a strong roster that will compete for all the silverware next season.”

What Wasps fans were saying about 'Weaves' on social media

Wasps fans remain passionate about the club and were delighted to see one of their former players is still in the game, sharing their thoughts on the Durham Wasps Ice Hockey Club Facebook page.

Here's some of their comments...

The last time I saw him a couple of seasons ago. He was the best player in the league - Andrew Williamson

Good to see him still playing, was alwaysone of the standout players for the newcastke vipers going back about 12 year - Stephen James Hodgkiss

Great to see he is still playing - Tim Crow

Good for him! Well done Weaver! of the nicest team mates I had, back in the junior hockey days of the 90s - Tom Durham

 

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