Jason Parry will work his Tigers NIHL troops hard in training this week, following their 3-3 draw with Sheffield Spartans at Telford Ice Rink on Sunday night.
The Shropshire youngsters returned to action against a Sheffield side that dominated early proceedings, raining in 22 shots on netminder Denis Bell during the first period alone.
But with Telford’s defence holding firm in those opening exchanges, they claimed a 3-2 lead at the start of the third period – only to lose out on victory in the final moments.
Parry believes a week of intense work in training will help his side to prepare for a tough set of games next weekend.
He said: “I was happy to come away with a point, as we were missing five key players tonight, but I thought we were flat after Christmas and the lack of training.
“We took the lead, but allowed them too much time and space to get shots on us. We grew into the game in the second period and hung on in the third, thanks to some great saves from Denis.
“It’s not so much fitness, but sharpness and timing that we need to get back. We’ve got two games next weekend and training this week, so we should be back up and running.”
Joe Aston was on target with Telford’s first goal, albeit against the run of play, on three minutes.
The visitors hit back just four minutes later, before taking a 2-1 lead on the stroke of the period break.
A relatively quiet second session saw Telford draw level just before the final interval, thanks to Karol Jets.
Corey Goodison scored The Tigers’ third goal on 47 minutes, only for Sheffield to hit back in a dramatic closing five minutes.
Parry added: “They had a lot of shots on us and I think we allowed them to shoot from wide too much. We know Denis can save them, but they still shot too easily.
“I would have taken a point before the game, but I still believe we could have taken both of them tonight. We need to start better and I know we’ve had a break, but so have Sheffield.”
The Tigers NIHL return to home action next Saturday night, when they host Sutton Sting (5.30pm), before the return trip to Yorkshire on Sunday.
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