Ice hockey legend Tony Hand paid tribute to Telford’s hard-working Tigers after his Manchester Phoenix side took an 8-2 win – saying he believes the wins are not far away for Shropshire’s young team.

“Credit to Tigers for a first year team,” said Hand after Manchester’s Sunday night victory at the Ice Rink.

“Tom Watkins (Tigers’ player-coach) is doing a great job and you can see they are learning.

“Being at the bottom is tough, but I think they’ll get a few breaks and start winning.”

Phoenix brought a huge travelling support, helping create an electrifying atmosphere at Telford Ice Rink, and they were rewarded with their first goal after just 46 flying seconds.

But Hand declared: “I thought Tigers pushed us hard, especially in the first period.But we got our goals at the right time.

“To be fair, it didn’t feel like an 8-2 game, it felt closer, more like a 6-3 game.

“I’m just happy to get out of here with the points.”

Tigers skated with their visitors in the early part of the game, and Tomas Janak equalised on the powerplay at 4:18, assisted by Watkins.

However, several chances were missed, with Manchester’s back-up goalie Adam Summerfield in fine form, and the Phoenix took the period 3-1 despite being out-shot by their hosts.

Manchester extended their lead by two goals in the middle session and the intensity of Phoenix’s game appeared to be taking its toll on Tigers younger players as they seemed quieter as the game wore on.

A close range shot took the score to 6-1 before Chris Allen hit back for Telford, assisted by Andrejs Maslovskis, at 51:58. That was little comfort, however, as Manchester took a further two powerplay goals.

Tigers coach Tom Watkins said: “In the first and second periods we could have scored four or five goals if not for their young goalie.

“They skate well and hit the puck well. I think we competed reasonably well for two thirds of the game. It wouldn’t be realistic to say we were going to beat them, but we did compete well.

“These guys are really clinical. The first couple of goals the guy found a yard of space and took the pass for a one-time shot.

“That’s the difference – they pass to shoot whereas we take the touch and then shoot. It’s the difference between scoring and not.”

By CAROLINE GARBETT