Telford Tigers resurgent after two impressive wins

On Saturday at home they handed out an 8-2 thrashing to high-flying Manchester, before travelling to Peterborough on Sunday to put their bogey team the Phantoms to the sword, running out 8-4 victors, with in-form Scott McKenzie scoring a hat-trick in both games.

Third-placed Manchester arrived in Telford looking to cement their place the end-of-season play-offs, but were dealt a hammer blow by in-form Tigers.

Telford took the lead early in the first period when Juraj Senko converted a penalty shot, awarded after Manchester's net minder was adjudged to have knocked the net off its moorings while Tigers attacked.

Further goals from Calum Bowley and Scott McKenzie gave Tigers a 3-0 lead. Tigers increased their domination in the second period, with goals from Jaroslav Kruzik and Luke Brittle increasing the lead before Phoenix finally got on the score sheet through Joachim Flaten.

Tigers' McKenzie then added two more to complete his hat-trick and send the shell-shocked visitors back to the dressing room 7-1 down at the end of the second period.

The final period saw Tigers add one more goal from Tomas Karpov, before a late consolation.

Sunday's trip to Peterborough saw Tigers again go goal crazy as they racked up eight goals for the second game in a row.

McKenzie bagged his second hat-trick, with a brace from Thomas Soar and Tomas Karpov, before Adam Taylor completed the scoring to give the Shropshire men a four-point weekend.

Looking back at the two games, Tigers player coach Tom Watkins said: "It's been a great weekend, fantastic effort and results.

"One of the most pleasing aspects is the number of goal scorers we had across the two games.

"We have been looking for more secondary scorers from across the team, and we've had eight different guys hit the net for us this weekend."

Tigers' final home game of the season is next Saturday at Telford Ice Rink against Bracknell Bees, with face-off at 5.30pm.

By Gabe Gray