Telford Tigers' Marek Hornak is hanging up his skates

Telford Tigers forward has announced he is hanging up his skates to concentrate on his full-time job and part-time university studies, writes CAROLINE GARBETT.

The decision was revealed after last night's 8-7 defeat to high-fliers Manchester Phoenix at Telford Ice Rink.

The 27-year-old Slovakian said: "I did a lot of thinking over Christmas, and it was a hard decision but I am just not meeting my own expectations.

"I work 9-5, I'm in class 6-9 three nights a week, then twice I am at the rink late at night for training, and the games at weekends.

"I've been coming to the rink tired, missing practices, falling behind in my uni work. I thought I could do it all, but I am only human, not a robot.

"I don't like to be quitting, but you have to respect yourself and your own body.

"And I need to find some time for me to rest. I don't mean this to be the end of my career - it is just this semester while I need to concentrate on my studies.

"I have been very proud to wear the Tigers jersey and I like being in Telford.

"Tom Watkins has been great about it and we have tried to find a way to make it work, but I need more time. If only there were 36 hours in the day!

"Who knows, maybe there could be a place for me on the team next year if I fit in with their plans."