Telford Tigers face Manchester Phoenix for the second time in just five days on Wednesday night – but coach Tom Watkins insists the league remains as competitive as ever.
The Phoenix travel to Telford Ice Rink for their ‘home’ encounter with the Tigers, after the original fixture – scheduled for December 27th at Deeside Leisure Centre – was postponed.
Manchester have since been unable to secure the necessary ice time to replay the 
game, and were granted permission by league bosses to host it at the Shropshire venue.
Watkins, who guided his team to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Phoenix on Saturday, will keep his preparations the same for Wednesday night’s match.
He said: “Our preparations won’t change, in terms of strategy. We’ve played Manchester a lot recently, so we know them quite well. Beforehand, it will be about getting the guys’ legs going after the weekend.
“We’re short of bodies, so training is a bit lighter, with the midweek game in mind. It is something that we have been doing the same for the last six months.
“I don’t think teams play each other too many times and it’s important that we get the games in. It is a competitive league and we compete well night in, night out.”
Telford will again have a number of their senior players missing, including Jonathan Weaver, Jason Silverthorn and Phil Hill.
And with Marcus Maynard and Joe Graham also injured, the Tigers could again be down to just four fit senior defencemen.
Watkins added: “If you take a lot of injuries, then it’s easy to analyse and try to see what you’re doing wrong. But if you look at our injuries, they’re mostly from impact.
“You can’t predict them happening and it’s just a case of the bad luck that every team goes through.”
Tigers season ticket holders can watch Wednesday night’s ‘away game’ against Manchester Phoenix at Telford Ice Rink for just £10.
To qualify for the special rate, access will be via the front entrance, with no seat reservations available for the game, which starts at 7.30pm.
Manchester Phoenix season ticket holders, who can watch the game for free, will be admitted via the rear entrance at Telford Ice Rink.
All other access, which will be from the front doors, will cost £12.50 for adults and £6 concessions, with that entrance set to open between 7pm and 7.10pm. Children get in free with a full-paying adult.
The rear doors meanwhile, will open at 6.30pm.
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