Telford Tigers take on top two
Telford Tigers face a tough task this weekend as they take on last seasons' EPL champions in Guildford Flames at home on Saturday, followed by a trip to take on playoff winners Manchester Phoenix.
Tigers will be without injured forwards Scott McKenzie and Miika Kiviranta as they look to get back to winning way following two defeats last weekend. A 5-2 loss away at Basingstoke was followed up as Sheffield Steeldogs sealed a 3-1 win with a last minute empty net goal as Tigers pushed for the equalising goal.
Saturdays' visitors to Telford Ice Rink, Guildford Flames are second in the table, level on points with leaders Manchester Phoenix, and include former Tiger Ricky Plant, who has started the season in great form scoring twelve goals in ten games.
Sundays' trip to face league leaders Manchester will be equally tough, with Phoenix in free scoring form, scoring 62 goals in their ten games to date, including a 5-1 victory over Tigers in the opening fixture of the season at Telford back in September.
Looking ahead to the weekend's games, Tigers player coach Tom Watkins commented, "The expectations of the club have been raised with the new ownership, rightly so but things don't happen overnight, but it's a fantastic opportunity for the guys to show they can step up and be a part of the team as we move forward.
We are missing a couple of guys offensively, and we need to fill that gap across the team. We are playing the top two teams in the league, last seasons' trophy winners, but we have shown before that on our day we can compete with and beat these teams.
We need to focus on our game and play to our ability, and maintain the work ethic we have shown for the majority of the season. It's a tough weekend for the team and will be a big test for the boys. It will really see where we are as a group. We didn't do ourselves justice at Basingstoke, but we played well against a good Sheffield side, and were in the game throughout, and it's these games we need to turn into wins not losses."
Meanwhile Tigers annual fundraiser 'Ladies Night' will be held at club sponsors The Park Inn, Telford on November 22nd, from 7 till late. Tickets priced £10 will be on sale at Saturdays home game, or they can be ordered by contacting organiser Zoe Thomason on 07973321231 or zoethomason@msn.com
