GM Telford Tigers ice hockey club have suffered an end-of-season blow as team manager David Candlin is standing down.

Candlin confirmed: “It is time to let someone else take the helm.”

The news broke as GM Telford Tigers’ star Marek Hornak added a hat-trick of club awards to his recent All Star selection as the Shropshire ice hockey team presented its end-of-season trophies.

The 25-year-old Slovak picked up the prizes for Most Goals, Most Points and Most Valuable Player of the year.

But there was sadness on the night as David Candlin announced he was calling it a day as team manager.

Goalie Davey Lawrence received the accolade of Players’ Player of the Year, voted on by his team mates.

Locally trained Tom Carlon was chosen as Best Forward, with Sam Zajac given Best Defenceman in his first season playing at English Premier League level.

The Most Improved Player award went to youngster Ashley Calvert, recently selected for the England under-19s squad playing at the Elite League finals weekend on Sunday.

James Knight amassed the Most Assists while Ashley Stanton picked up the wooden spoon award for Most Penalty Minutes for the second year running.

The awards evening at Telford Ice Rink included the final auction of the club’s game-worn away shirts.

Supporters attending were also able to vote for the Fans’ Favourite award – which went to the whole team, in recognition of their loyalty and dedication through a troubled season.

Directors David and Rachel Candlin confirmed they would be stepping away from the team with immediate effect.

David Candlin said: “We have managed the team for six years and, having got married at the end of last year, we have taken the difficult decision to take some time for ourselves now.

“It is time to let someone else take the helm.

“We have made some fantastic friends through ice hockey, and are immensely grateful to all the players, officials, helpers, sponsors and fans – and especially to coach Claude Dumas, for the support we’ve received.

“We have been talking to a number of interested parties about taking on the team, and hope to be able to join friends in the stands and in the bar next season, cheering on the Telford Tigers.”

* Any other companies or individuals interested in getting involved in the management of the team are invited to email contact@telfordtigers.co.uk for further information.