Sam sweeps the board at Telford Tigers' awards

A glittering ceremony at the Park House in Shifnal saw Zajac handed a string of honours at the bash, hosted by Sky Sports' presenter Hayley McQueen.

The 25-year-old walked away with the Coaches' Award, Supporters' Best Defenceman, Fans' Player of the Year and Plus / Minus Player.

He played a pivotal role in Telford's double-winning season – and paid tribute to a "historic" team effort.

"Winning these awards is just fantastic, but it is all down to the hard work of everyone on this team," Zajac said. "The entire season has been historic for this club and I can't thank everyone enough for making it happen. I didn't expect to win any awards, let alone four. I couldn't believe it when my name was called so many times. None of this would have been possible without such a great set of players."

Other winners included the EPL's top scorer Peter Szabo, who scooped the Most Valuable Player award.

Szabo said: "This has been a great year in Telford and to win this award is just the icing on the cake. Playing on such a great team has been a big highlight for me, especially when we won the double."

Sam Gospel, meanwhile, was named Most Improved Player, while Jonathan Weaver won the Players' Player award. Tigers supporters voted for Nathan Salem as Best Forward, while Personality of the Year went to defenceman Dan Scott.

The club's owner, Wayne Scholes, who organised the evening after watching Telford win both the EPL title and British Challenge Cup, presented a lifetime achievement award to Rita MacKriel.

He said: "I am so proud of every player, member of staff and supporter connected with The Tigers. They have all put in a championship-winning effort.

It was a wonderful night."

and something to look back on in years to come."