Telford Tigers coach Tom Watkins “couldn’t ask any more” of his troops after they secured a 4-1 win over Manchester Phoenix.
Sunday’s victory at Telford Ice Rink gave the Tigers four points on the opening weekend of the season, following the previous day’s win over Basingstoke.
That means the county men are joint-top of the early English Premier League standings, albeit after having played just two games.
Watkins was happy with his side’s performance over the two games, despite falling behind early on against Manchester.
He said: “It can’t get any better for us to open the league with a four-point weekend. I thought our performance in Basingstoke was really solid.
“I don’t think our performance was as good against Manchester, but the result was there. I couldn’t ask any more.
“Credit to Manchester, as I thought they worked hard throughout the 60 minutes and were dangerous, with their imports on the ice every other shift.
“If we’re rolling four lines, then we have got to bring more energy to the table, and play harder and faster.”
Telford didn’t have it all their own way in the first period against Manchester, as a short-handed Phoenix side dictated much of the early play.
The visitors struck after 15 minutes through Marek Indra and ended the opening session 1-0 in front.
Telford drew level at the halfway point of the game, however, thanks to a goal from Doug Clarkson.
And Tigers forward Milan Kolena handed his side the lead five minutes later, with a sublime strike past Phoenix netminder Stephen Fone.
Watkins was impressed by that effort from Kolena, and has urged him to deliver more in coming weeks.
He added: “I can’t remember how he picked it up off the red line and came in, but Milan has got a good, heavy shot.
“We need him to be shooting more pucks and being direct. He’s one of those guys who brings some offensive ability to the team.”
Neither side dominated play at the start of the final period on Sunday, although Telford extended their advantage through Corey McEwen on 52 minutes.
The hosts ended the game in dominant fashion, though, thanks to a late goal from Matty Davies.
Watkins added: “I’m happy with our performance this weekend. We’ve got to come to play every night, and need to be mentally prepared to play ten players, 22 players, or whatever is facing us.
“We’ve got to bring the same energy as we brought in the middle period tonight for the last ten minutes. In the second period we really turned the screw, and that pressure eventually told.”
Telford Tigers are back in action next weekend, when they travel to face Guildford Flames on Saturday, ahead of a visit from Sheffield Steeldogs on Sunday (6pm).
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