The Tigers breathed a late sigh of relief last night when a third period fightback saw them beat likely play-off finalists Guildford Flames 4-3.
The county men take on Sheffield Steeldogs in next weekend’s quarter-finals high on confidence, following a dramatic evening at Telford Ice Rink.
A 3-3 scoreline at the end of 60 minutes resulted in overtime, with Max Birbraer snatching the vital goal.
That win followed an early end to Saturday’s encounter in Surrey, when a large crack in the ice stopped play after just 31 minutes.
Tigers Head Coach, Tom Watkins, said: “It’s good to pick up two points and finish a clean sweep of wins over Guildford this season.
“That is a big accomplishment against a team like them. I was disappointed with how we started the game, and how we went 2-0 down. But we put our work hats on and going it going in the end.
“We have to got to come to play against Sheffield next week. They are a very tough side and have got that play-off mentality. “
Last night’s first period saw Telford go 2-0 down after just three minutes, with Guildford scoring through Matt Towe and David Longstaff.
A string of fine saves from Thomas Murdy prevented further damage, as Telford struggled to break through a determined Flames rearguard.
It was brighter start to the second session, however, thanks to a strike from defenceman Martin Ondrej.
But the visitors regained their advantage just moments later, with Towe’s second goal of the evening.
An excellent goal from Ricky Skene – scored from the edge of the attacking zone – halved Guildford’s lead with just five minutes of the period remaining.
Nathan Salem’s goal at the start of the third session put Telford on level pegging, but neither side was able to break the deadlock until Birbraer’s late strike.
On Saturday night, meanwhile, The Tigers were leading Guildford 2-1 when the game was stopped, following first period goals from Nathan Salem and Max Birbraer.
But a large crack in the ice – behind Guildford’s goalmouth – forced a premature end to proceedings, despite a lengthy repair effort by Spectrum staff.
And with player safety high on the agenda, Watkins immediately supported the decision to end the match early.
He said: “There was a problem with the ice and it was unsafe. We had a discussion with Paul Dixon and the referee, and there were a couple of attempts to fix the crack. It was in a high traffic area and a dangerous position, so with player safety in mind it was the right decision.
“Obviously, it is disappointing to end any game early, but we have to make sure the players are safe. Before that, I thought we played well and did a lot of the little things well. I was pleased with that.”
League rules determine that a result will stand if over half the game has been played – handing a 2-1 victory to The Tigers..
Telford travel to face Sheffield Steeldogs next Friday evening, before the hosting the Yorkshire outfit on Saturday (6.30pm).
NIHL
The Tigers NIHL will target play-off glory later this month, following Sunday night’s 11-2 defeat to Laidler Conference champions Solihull Barons.
The trip to Hobbs Moat Road was Telford’s second encounter with Solihull of the weekend, as they rounded off a remarkable first league season.
And despite another loss to the Barons at Telford Ice Rink on Saturday, The Tigers NIHL still finished second in the league, albeit 14 points adrift.
Those results mean they are favourites to challenge for a place in the play-off finals – where they’re likely to meet to Birmingham side.
Assistant Coach Jason Parry said: “I am just so proud of the job these guys have done this season.
To finish second in this league is the result of a remarkable effort from every player.
“We’ll put tonight’s game behind us and be ready to go at full strength for the play-offs. The guys can definitely hold their heads high.”
Goals from James Smith and Brad Betteridge were the only highlights for The Tigers, as Solihull delivered a reminder of their status as champions.
Parry added: “Our under-18s players arrived late, as they had another game beforehand, but it was still hard going. Our mistakes were punished by a classy team that deserved to win the title. We will put this behind us and move on.”
On Saturday night, meanwhile, a short-handed Tigers NIHL squad looked to be heading for a famous victory, but the visitors eventually emerged 9-6 winners.
That fightback from Solihull wasn’t without a fair helping of luck, however, with a string of deflected goals contributing to Telford’s downfall later on.
And Parry expects his side to learn a valuable lesson from a tough night at Telford Ice Rink.
He said: “I don’t think the scoreline reflects the game at all. The guys worked hard for the whole 60 minutes, with a short bench. We had a young goalie in Kyle MacFarlane, who started his first game for us. He played really well.
“There were just a few unlucky bounces and deflections for some of their goals. I don’t think the end result shows how well we played tonight.
“We have come a very long way this season and the most pleasing thing is that there is more to come from this squad. They are all very hungry to learn.”
Karol Jets and Sean Weeks handed The Tigers that early lead, before Solihull hit back before the first break.
An even-handed second period, featuring goals from James Smith and Macaulay Heywood, ended all-square at 4-4.
But it was in the third period that the Barons stretched their advantage, despite Weeks and Russ Plant offering some hope for Telford with a goal apiece.
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