Telford Tigers player-coach Tom Watkins has hailed this weekend's games against Bracknell Bees and Peterborough Phantoms as the "biggest matches of the season" as he looks to keep alive slim hopes of a play-off place.

Two successive victories on home ice have given Telford a late chance of climbing into eighth place in the English Premier League, with both Bracknell and Peterborough immediately above them in the standings.

Just 13 points separate Watkins' side from the final play-berth, and with 18 games remaining, the Tigers boss believes there is still much  to play for.

He said: "Of course, I would love to be in the play-offs, and we will be doing our best, so these are four really big points up for grabs.

"We are playing the next two teams in the league and if things don't go well, then it will make it much harder for us.

"Obviously, the goal is to make the play-offs, and it is still a long shot, but the guys are putting in great efforts to do their best and to make it feasible.

"They are two of the biggest games of the season for us."

Telford's preparations were hit at the start of the week by Henrik Sahlin's sudden departure to Norway, although the capture of Vince Connon from Elite League side Braehead Clan could prove to be a masterstroke.

The 21-year-old has scored twice in the top-flight this season, following a successful two-year spell playing junior ice hockey in Canada.

Watkins added: "Vince came recommended by Josh Bruce, who played with him over in Canada and it all happened at the last minute.

"He is a young guy and he is eager, which is the biggest thing for us. He is committed to being here and that is good after the way Henrik left us.

"It needed communicating better, but I know Vince wants to be here and he is looking to jump straight into the squad for the weekend."

Connon's arrival gives Watkins a full quota of nine forwards as he prepares for a weekend that could see his side close to within nine points of Bracknell in the table.

But with nine wins already this season, Telford have already equalled last season's total. "A big target is something we have already achieved," Watkins said.

"We finished ninth last year in our comeback season and we always felt that the second time would be harder.

"The league has improved massively this season, but a great yardstick is the fact that we equalled the win total against Guildford last Sunday.

"If we look at what we did in our first year, then that is a more realistic measure of where we are as a club."

Saturday's match in Bracknell starts at 6pm, while Sunday's visit of Peterborough to Telford Ice Rink faces off at 5.30pm and sees a very special deal for all attending fans.

Working alongside team sponsor, Frankie & Benny's, the Tigers are offering a special money back deal where fans buying either a full priced adult or family ticket will receive the value of their ticket back in Frankie & Benny's meal vouchers.

The deal was negotiated by Telford Tigers Sponsorship & Marketing Coordinator, Andy Phillips, who said "This is a fantastic deal for all fans, as effectively you come and watch the Tigers for free.

Frankie & Benny's are one of the nations best loved restaurant chains and their mix of American Italian food appeals to everyone"

Andy added "Whether you're a home fan, visiting fan or just fancy coming to see what the buzz surrounding the Tigers is all about, then you couldn't pick a better game to do so.

"Our thanks go out to our friends at Frankie & Benny's for helping to put this fantastic deal together.

"The Tigers are very fortunate to have partners that want to work with our organisation, and hopefully many more local, regional and nationally companies will want to join us over the summer months"