News 2011-2012

Tom Watkins has called for another bumper crowd against Guildford Flames at Telford Ice Rink on Sunday as he looks to spark a late revival that could lead to an unlikely place in the EPL play-offs.

The Tigers player-coach will be hoping his side can capitalise on the momentum of last weekend's victory over Sheffield Steeldogs in a double-header of games against Guildford this weekend.

That win was watched by one of the biggest gates of the season as the Tigers collected their eighth victory and moved to within 12 points of the final play-off spot.

Telford are still to play those teams around them in the table on five separate occasions, and Watkins believes his side are already benefitting from the win over Sheffield.

He said: "It is always a confidence boost after a win like that and you can tell it has been a big lift for the guys.

"It is only one game, although with the enjoyment of winning at home, I could see it in practice this week."

Read more: TEAMNEWS: Rally Cry To Fans As Watkins Eyes A Flames Weekend

"We looked like a whole new team out there" - that is the assessment from Telford Tigers assistant coach Greg Blais after his side snatched a 3-1 win over EPL title-chasers Sheffield Steeldogs.

Sunday's victory, which was marked by four separate fights between players, was a timely boost for fans after Telford lost 9-5 at play-off rivals Peterborough Phantoms on Saturday.

The Tigers do, nevertheless, remain 12 points adrift of the final post-season berth, but Blais is hoping his men can use Sunday's win as the catalyst for a late play-off charge.

He said: "We came out really strong and Daniel Croft in particular was amazing, going after Andre Payette and showing that he is not shy to drop the gloves. Joe Henry also stood up really well.

"We looked like a whole new team out there and it is looking very good for us. Next weekend against Guildford is looking very positive and hopefully we will be looking at a four-point weekend. I was very proud of the boys tonight."

Read more: MATCHREPORT: Rumble In The Rink Sees Tigers Emerge Victorious

Telford Tigers will be wary of backlash from both Peterborough Phantoms and Sheffield Steeldogs this weekend, with both sides looking for points after a string of surprise results.

Saturday night sees Telford travel to meet a Peterborough side keen to exact revenge, after a 5-4 defeat to the county men last month threatened to derail their EPL play-off charge.

The visit of Sheffield on Sunday will be seen by many Steeldogs fans as a chance to prove a point, following a surprise 5-2 loss to struggling Peterborough last weekend.

Tigers player-coach Tom Watkins will be looking for his side to take advantage of an intimidating atmosphere at Peterborough's Bretton Road rink.

He said: "It was great when we last played there, it was a good atmopshere and a great game of hockey.

"They have had a few good results lately, and a big win against Sheffield, when they were quite physical. In their own rink I expect it to be like that.

"It is a big game and one we are targeting to win, but it is not the be all and end all of our season.

"We are in a situation where we are at the back and we have to catch up, so all of these games are important."

Read more: TEAMNEWS: TIgers Target Physical Weekend

Telford Tigers have been ordered to be "switched on in defence" against Slough Jets and Basingstoke Bison this weekend as player-coach Tom Watkins looks to stem a flow of high-scoring games.

Defeats to Milton Keynes Lightning and Manchester Phoenix last weekend saw Telford concede 15 goals - their poorest defensive display of the season.

The loss to Manchester will have been particularly hard to swallow, with Telford scoring five times themselves.

Saturday's opponents Slough boast one of the highest scoring records in the English Premier League, and Watkins is aware of his side's need to be defensively minded.

He said: "Every team in this league is beatable, but we have to be better defensively than last weekend. We scored five goals, but when you conceded eight, it is very disappointing.

"Our offense need to be more switched on to their defensive role. I am disappointed in our defensive mindset, from forwards to defence.

"The forwards forgot their role in terms of defence last weekend and it was a massive loss for us."

Read more: TEAMNEWS: Defensive Duties Top Of The List

Telford Tigers have swooped for winger Tom Castle from Hartford Juniors in the United States after a weekend that saw them lose to both Milton Keynes Lightning and Manchester Phoenix in the English Premier League.

A 7-2 defeat to Milton Keynes on Saturday was followed by an 8-5 loss at home to the Phoenix on Sunday, albeit with their chief rivals for the final play-off spot - Bracknell and Peterborough - also losing.

Those results mean Telford retain a theoretical chance of grabbing a slice of post-season action, with the other two bottom sides still to play the Tigers six times before the end of the campaign.

And the sudden availability of former Milton Keynes youngster Castle was too good a chance for player-coach Tom Watkins to miss as he looks to bolster his attacking options.

He said: "Tom is coming in because we need to bulk up to nine regular forwards. He skates well and is very quick. He is pretty strong and in great shape.

"I want him to come in and do a basic job - keep it simple and grind it out. I'm not expecting really high numbers and I don't want to put too much pressure on him.

"He has been playing against young lads and it is a bit different playing against men week in and week out, but I think he will be a good acquisition."

Read more: TEAMNEWS: Watkins Fortifies With A Castle