The Tigers delivered a knockout blow to Guildford Flames with a 4-0 victory at The Spectrum – a win that Tom Watkins hailed as “huge for our season”.
Saturday night’s success in Surrey means Telford are now 13 points clear at the top of the English Premier League, having seen off their nearest challengers.
They now have 15 games left to win the required eight games to be mathematically certain of securing their first league title since 1988.
That quest continues on Sunday night when The Tigers entertain Bracknell Bees, but for Watkins, victory over Guildford was a key element of his side’s title push
He said: “Tonight was a great result for us. I said to the guys before the third period, that this was huge for our season.
“We have worked so hard to get into this position and we didn’t want to give Guildford any hope, or points.
“All the guys battled well and fought throughout the game. It was a great team performance.”
Goals from captain Jason Silverthorn and Rick Plant gave Telford a 2-0 lead after just four minutes on Saturday, as they stamped their authority on the game.
A third strike from Peter Szabo, at the end of the second period, confirmed that advantage, while Blaho Novak rounded off the scoring in the third session.
Watkins added: “Thomas Murdy played really well in goal to earn his shut-out.
“He had a rest, with Sam Gospel playing last week, but he’s come back fresh. Tonight, he saw the puck well and showed some great movement.
“If a netminder is playing well, it builds a lot of confidence throughout the rest of the team.”
Sunday sees The Tigers host bottom side Bracknell Bees, in their third and final meeting of the season at Telford Ice Rink (5.30pm).
Their last encounter in Shropshire saw the Bees hold their hosts to a nailbiting 4-3 result, and Watkins expects a similar test tomorrow.
“We don’t want to come down to Guildford, get a great a result and then let it slip at home,” he said.
“Bracknell have been losing games by just a few goals, so they know how to restrict teams. They will come out and play a physical game.
“We’ve got to have the same attitude as tonight’s game and play for the whole 60 minutes.”
Sunday night’s game against Bracknell, at Telford Ice Rink, is a special military evening. Members of the Armed Forces, current and veterans, can watch the game for £7.50.
The discount also applies to employees of Capgemini in Telford.
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