'Smart hockey' from Tigers in a shut-out

Hollyhead has been placed in temporary charge of Tigers, with the coaching team of Tom Watkins and Karl Creamer on GB Under-20s duty.

And the former Tigers netminder watched his young charge Sam Gospel snatch the limelight in Milton Keynes on Saturday night, for what is believed to be his first shut-out at senior level.

Hollyhead said: "I'm really delighted with the guys. Every single one of them played hard and gave 100 per cent on every shift, with some excellent smart hockey.

"When it was needed, Sam Gospel came up big for us in goal with some great saves. It was his first senior shut-out, so I am really pleased for him.

"Sam was awesome all night and made some key saves at important points in the game. He deserves his shut-out."

A goalless first period at the Thunderdome was followed by a breathless second session, as Tigers took control of an increasingly feisty affair.

Goals from Joe Miller, Dale White and Phil Hill gave Telford a decisive advantage, despite a heavy bombardment in front of goal from Pete Russell's men.

With Russell having pulled netminder Dean Skinns in the search for an opening, Tigers captain Jason Silverthorn sealed the points with an empty net goal on 58 minutes.

Hollyhead added: "It was all about the guys buying into how we want them to play and executing it perfectly. That came from all the players.

"All three lines of forwards and our six defencemen played well and it was good for us to get the first goal.

"That really helped and meant we weren't chasing the game. Getting a couple in quick succession put them on the back foot.

"This results just shows that on their day, any team can beat any other in this division. If a team doesn't show up, then the other side always has a good chance to win."

Tigers are back in action on Saturday when they host Bracknell Bees at the Telford Ice Rink (6pm).

Meanwhile, Tigers NIHL chief Jason Parry is determined to keep faith in his younger players despite their 8-1 defeat to Blackburn Hawks at the Ice Rink.

Parry's fledglings fell behind after just eight minutes and, although they equalised on 16 minutes, the visitors rattled in a further seven unanswered goals on Saturday night.

The absence of several key players, including Adam Taylor, Karol Jets, Callum Bowley and Macaulay Heywood offered the chance for Telford's youngsters to enjoy extended periods of ice time.

Despite the scoreline, Parry believes the game was a useful experience for his young side.

He said: "We were missing some older guys, but I think that gave our youngsters the chance to enjoy some key minutes for us, especially on the powerplay.

"Denis had a great game and made some good saves, but I think my two centremen also played extremely well.

"We rotated them all night, but Matt Price and Phil Mulcahy were both great for us throughout the game."

Telford's only goal came from James Smith, as they struggled to offer a consistent threat to Blackburn's experienced defence.

The Tigers did, however, remain in contention until the third period, with the Hawks' final five goals coming in that closing session.

Parry added: "Of course, we felt that missing firepower, but the guys worked extremely hard. We were in with a chance until later on.

"Blackburn are a good team and were champions last year for a reason. They also went 18 months unbeaten and, when they sense blood, they go for it."

Go to www.tigershockeyuk.com for tickets.