Telford Tigers anger at Barons after abandonment

The match was in just the 31st minute when the action ended as a result of visiting netminder Daniel Brittle being thrown out of the game.

As Solihull did not have a back-up netminder, they were given 10 minutes to dress a replacement.

But Solihull chose not to and the game, with Tigers leading 3-0 at the time, was abandoned.

As more than half the game had been played, the result will stand, giving Tigers the two points.

Watkins said: “I have never been involved in a game where this has happened. I was of the understanding that if you travel without a back-up netminder, you have to nominate a player to the officials who would take on that role and then we would avoid the situation that has occurred.

"It is not difficult to get dispensation to use a goalie from another club.

"This is the second tier of British ice hockey, yet we have a team refusing to continue the game. It’s pathetic! Would they have walked off if the game had been in Solihull?

"This was a situation which was completely out of our control. I’d like to thank the fans for their patience and understanding during a difficult situation.

"I hope those that took the opportunity of a free skate with the Tigers players enjoyed themselves.”

With league leaders Sheffield Steeldogs not playing, it was the perfect opportunity to close the gap at the top of the NIHL Moralee Division.

It was Tigers who struck first in the eighth minute when Dale White’s powerful shot was saved by Brittle but Scott McKenzie followed up to score.

Tigers then went close whilst Solihull were on a power play, Adam Taylor making Brittle pull off a good save.

In the 12th minute, Tigers extended their lead through captain Jason Silverthorn whilst on a power play.

McKenzie provided a perfect pass from behind the goal to allow Silverthorn to slam the puck home from close range.

Joe Miller and Solihull’s David Rogers dropped the gloves after Miller was cross checked by Rogers with a clear win for Miller.

Jordan Stokes then hit the bar with a shot after great work by Warren Tait left him a clear shot on goal from the left circle. The period ended with Brittle receiving a 10 minute misconduct penalty and Tigers deservedly 2-0 ahead.

The second period was only 17 seconds old when Tigers scored their third goal, Ricky Plant scoring after being set up by Silverthorn.

Shortly after Miller dropped the gloves again, this time with Stephen Heape. More penalties followed with Adam Jones getting called for boarding and Solihull’s Josh Bruce for roughing.

Tigers netminder Dennis Bell made two terrific saves to keep Solihull out before the incident that sparked the game’s conclusion.

In the 31st minute Taylor got called for a slashing penalty on netminder Brittle who took exception to the slash.

In the ensuing melee, Taylor got pushed to the ice and Brittle was given a secondnd misconduct penalty and ejected from the game.