Tigers NIHL coach Jason Parry believes home support could hold the key to victory against local rivals Solihull Barons tomorrow.
The two teams meet just weeks after their previous Moralee Conference clash at Hobs Moat Road, when the Barons won 7-5.
But with the Tigers having beaten Solihull 9-4 at a packed Telford Ice Rink earlier this season, Parry will lead the calls for repeat on Saturday evening.
He said: “The last time we played Solihull in Telford, it was the kind of night when everything worked well for us. The guys kept their heads and stuck to the game plan.
“In those sort of games, it is essential that we have the backing of our home support. Last time, there were 300 fans in the rink and the noise really lifted our players.
“Both teams are very closely matched and Solihull are certainly beatable, especially with us having the home advantage. If we use our speed and discipline, we can make a very good game of it.”
Sunday sees Telford make the trip north to face a Billingham Stars side that won 4-3 in Shropshire just seven days ago.
That defeat put a sizebale dent in Parry’s play-off ambitions, but he hasn’t given up hope of reaching the end-of-season tournament.
“Last week’s game showed how tight it is amongst the teams around us,” he said.
“We are fifth now, but we have games in hand over Billingham, so we’re still in with a very big shout. If we can win both games this weekend, then that will put us in a very good position.
“The guys know what’s at stake, especially against Solihull on Saturday. This is when players really show their mettle and I’m confident we can come away with four points.”
Saturday’s game against Solihull Barons, at Telford Ice Rink, faces off at 5.30pm. Tigers EPL season ticket holders, and ticket stub holders, get in free.
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