Tigers told to enjoy Challenge Cup decider
Coach Tom Watkins will urge Telford Tigers fans to "enjoy the occasion" as he looks to steer the club to its first major final in 17 years against Guildford Flames.
A place in the British Challenge Cup final against either Manchester or Swindon is up for grabs, with Telford enjoying a one-goal lead from the first leg.
The Tigers' last final appearance came in the 1998 Benson & Hedges Plate and Watkins wants the club's supporters to play a part in reaching his first as a coach tonight.
His side are sitting pretty with a 13-point advantage at the top of the English Premier League.
Watkins said: "Having a good atmosphere in the rink is massive for this game. The players deserve it, because they have done well in getting to this stage.
"It would be good to get the place full and buzzing. That sort of thing really adds to the cup-tie occasion. This game has been a long time coming for the fans.
"I think I played in the last semi-final for this club. It is a big game and semi-finals are something our players have of course been involved in elsewhere. We will enjoy the occasion."
That first leg saw Telford fight back from a 3-0 first period deficit, as they continued a season-long dominance in games against Guildford.
But with the Flames boasting a squad full of international talent, Watkins is refusing to take his side's advantage into account.
He said: "It is a separate game and we start from 0-0. There are 60 minutes of hockey to play and three periods, all of which we want to win.
"Our mentality won't change, just because of where the scoreline sits. Our preparation this week has been all about this game.
"We're back to league action at the weekend, but for now it is all about the game against Guildford."
Tigers will go into the cl;ash in good heart following a double success over Milton Keynes Lightning in the league last weekend.
Tonight's game, at Telford Ice Rink, faces off at 7.30pm. Doors open at 6.55pm.
