Tigers NIHL chief Jason Parry hailed his side’s raw speed as a key reason behind their 6-3 win over highly-rated Solway Sharks.
Saturday night’s encounter at Telford Ice Rink saw The Tigers go two goals behind after 13 minutes, as they started poorly against the Scottish outfit.
But a late rally in the opening session, and then a turnaround in the remaining two periods, handed the hosts an unassailable lead.
Parry, who takes his side to face Whitley Warriors on Sunday, believes their ability to out-skate opponents is crucial.
He said: “I think there are areas where we can improve, and we came out a bit flat at the start. That played into Solway’s hands, to play at their speed.
“But once we upped our tempo and started using our pace, they couldn’t live with that. Tempo is everything for us, as we’ve got a quick set of guys.
“We need to utilise our strengths, with a lot of good, young skaters on our team. If we’re not doing that, then we’re not playing to our strengths.”
James Smith was on target for Telford after 16 minutes of the first period on Saturday evening, as he halved Solway’s early advantage.
Karol Jets struck after six minutes of the second session, before a quick-fire brace from Smith – including a wonder-goal fired into the top of the net.
The visitors made it 4-3 before the break, but two third period goals from Smith and Jets – and two one-on-one saves from Denis Bell – secured the points.
Parry added: “In games like this, it is hard to choose a man of the match, as there are so many good performances. Denis made some huge saves in the third period.
“There were times when we switched off and Denis was there to back us up. Smith’s third goal was brilliant. He dragged it round the back, put it through the guy’s legs and shelved it.”
Sunday’s game against Whitley Warriors, at Hillheads Road, faces off at 5pm.
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