Telford Tigers bid an emotional farewell to their first season under supporter ownership - and to the heart of the team, retiring assistant captain Daniel MacKriel.

Newlywed MacKriel was welcomed onto the ice by his team mates forming a guard of honour as they skated out for the final home league game, against Guildford Flames.

The Surrey side went into the weekend needing maximum points and Manchester to lose in order to take the EPL title, while Tigers' priority was to finish above Bracknell and avoid the wooden spoon - which they achieved to the noisy delight of the fans.

Saturday went by the form book, with Guildford running out 3-1 winners, Telford's lone goal coming from Tom Watkins in the opening minute of the second period, and Tigers calling on all of netminder Martin Clarkson's skills to keep the score respectable.

But Sunday saw Tigers get off to a fine start with Joe Henry scoring on the powerplay after just 3:15, aided by Tom Watkins and Tomas Janak.

Guildford put netminder Declan Ryan under heavy pressure, equalising with a powerplay goal, going ahead just as Tigers came back to full strength and going 3-1 up while five-on-three.

Tigers were not ready to give up though, as Joe Henry scored after just 40 seconds in the middle session, deflecting the puck in, and the 21-year-old picked up a perfect hat trick in the 30th minute. Celebrations were shortlived though as Flames went ahead again a minute later.

Player-coach Tom Watkins picked up double misconducts for disputing the referee's calls, putting further pressure on Tigers, but his young side responded by scoring a shorthanded goal, Dan Scott earning the man of the match award for his brilliant strike.

Guildford took a 5-4 lead into the final period, and stretched to 7-4 before Jack Watkins fired in Telford's last goal of the season at 57:04, assisted by Andrejs Maslovskis and Daniel MacKriel.

The double win was not enough for Guildford, however, as Manchester Phoenix took the title after beating Swindon.

Afterwards, Tom Watkins said: "We've put in two solid performances this weekend and, like all season, the guys never gave up and kept going, even after I stupidly got myself thrown out of the game.

"I'm really proud of everyone. We scored some nice goals tonight and can go out with our heads held high."

Man of the match Dan Scott added: "That's the second goal I've scored this year, and I really enjoyed it, especially scoring against Guildford.

"Both games were close, but then we've not been blown out by them at all this year. We just needed a bit more depth.

"We have a great group of lads here and it's been my most enjoyable season playing. I got a lot more ice time than I was expecting in my first year in the EPL, but that's good for my progress.

"I would love to be back here next year, but whatever happens it's been a really good year."

There is one last chance to see this year's Tigers at the 25th anniversary game on Saturday April 16, when they will line up against a 'Legends' select team.