Caroline Garbett, TygerPR
Telford Tigers head into their final weekend knowing they will be without Daniel 'Budzy' MacKriel for the trip to Guildford on Saturday, as the assistant captain gets married, but expecting him to rejoin them for his swansong the following night at home (5.30pm).Player-coach Tom Watkins said: "I want to wish all the best to Budzy. He has been a great servant to Telford over the years and will be a big miss in the dressing room and on the ice.
"As soon as I knew he was serious about quitting I talked to him about options for helping on the bench at home games next year. We have lots to discuss, but I would like to keep him in the organisation in some way."
In the meantime, Tigers have back-to-back matches against second placed Flames, one of the top teams who have dropped points to lowly Telford this year.
Tigers chairman Alan Gould said: "Our overtime win in Guildford was one of the high points of the season, but every game we have played against them has been close and exciting, so we hope for two more like that."
Reflecting on the season, Gould added: "On behalf of the trust board, I can only thank everyone - team, fans and sponsors - who has helped to make the Tigers' first year back on the ice such a memorable one.
"We set out at the beginning to put together a sustainable package that would see a competitive team complete a season in the EPL. Here we are at the end of the inaugural season of Tiger Tracks, the first supporter-owned ice hockey team. Mission accomplished.
"Everyone is aware that the squad has been assembled on a shoestring budget and, very early on, lower than forecast attendances forced changes that we didn't really want to make, but changes that were necessary.
"The highs of our victories have far outweighed the lows of the defeats. What Tom Watkins has achieved over the season has been exceptional - getting the guys back up when they've been down, coaching and concentrating on his own game. This is no easy task, but one which has been completed with the ultimate professionalism.
"Tom was given a target and he achieved it. This season we could ask for no more."
This Sunday's last match of the season will include the presentation of the home 'Own and Loan' shirts after the game, where individual sponsors receive their shirt from the player, and supporters can vote for the Fans Player of the Year, to be awarded at the team's presentation night on April 1.
Doors open on Sunday at 4.45pm, with the face off against Guildford at 5.30pm.
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