Telford Tigers are coming to terms with what player-coach Tom Watkins described as a massive loss – the ‘retirement’ of Marek Hornak.

Forward Hornak called time on his ice hockey career in order to concentrate on his full-time job with Wolverhampton University and his part-time HNC studies in the wake of Monday’s 8-7 near-miss at home to EPL leaders Manchester Phoenix.

Slovakian Hornak, aged 27, has been feeling tired even before taking to the ice for training and games.

Now he has opted to rest, concentrate on his studies and possible return to the sport at a later date.

“I could be a third line player but it is not my style to just turn up,” said Hornak, who scored twice against Manchester.

“I try to focus on everything I do and give 100 per cent. I would love to come back and we have talked through some ideas of how I can continue to help the team.

“The Tigers have a lot of talent and I believe they will do good with or without me.”

Watkins added: “Marek’ decision is a big disappointment for us, a massive loss for the team and he leaves a big hole to fill.

“I have been impressed by his commitment and it is never easy to make these choices, but we do totally understand his reasons.

“We are not in a position to make demands of the players so have to accept that they all have a life away from hockey and it’s not easy to get the balance with families and jobs.

“As a player you have your own expectations and I understand how Marek feels about that.

“Personally I have been very happy with what he has produced for the team, but now we look to other guys to step into his shoes.”

Watkins added that he was now looking at options for a replacement for top-scorer Hornak and hoped to have a solution within a few days.

Man of the match against Phoenix was guest player Tim Burrows, a former Telford youth now studying at Cardiff and playing for their ENL side.

“Tim’s a guy I’ve looked at for a while, but he has one more year at Uni,” said Watkins.

“It is good to see these players, who have come through the junior development, make the step up and I thought Dan Harrison had an awesome game.

“Telford juniors over the years have put out a lot of good players and if we can keep doing that it will add to our depth in the future.”