Telford Titans’ temporary coach David Fielder has praised his side’s positive reaction to off-ice events following their 6-3 win over Coventry Blaze in the English National League.

The sacking of coach Jason Parry had threatened to cast a shadow over the side as they looked for a return to winning ways following two straight defeats.

But Sunday’s win over Coventry – a side they beat 7-3 just two weeks ago – provided the perfect tonic for fans at the ice rink.

And for Fielder, who was only confirmed as coach at the end of last week, it was a happy start to his reign.

He said: “It was a good performance after a tough week off the ice. The guys pulled together and kept things positive.

“We had a great first period, although we struggled a little bit with powerplays, but we worked really well and got ahead.”

Slovakian Marek Hornak was man of the match for Telford as he scored twice in the first period, with other goals from Ashley Stanton and Luke Brittle giving them a 4-0 cushion at the break.

Coventry pulled back two goals in the second period, although a further strike from Hornak, and a late open-net goal from Fielder, secured the points for Telford.Ê

Fielder added: “We dug deep, even killing penalties at the end of the game, and Marek stepped up to do what his job is – to get some goals.”

The win, Telford’s third of the campaign, saw them move into fourth position in the ENL 1 standings, on equal points with third-placed Sheffield Spartans and two points ahead of Trafford Metros.

Their next game is a ENL Cup fixture at Blackburn on Sunday night.

By James Shaw