Telford Tigers net 12 in Blackburn rout

Doug Clarkson led the way with a hat-trick, while Jason Silverthorn (2), Adam Taylor (2), Jack Watkins (2) Corey Goodison, Ricky Plant, Andy McKinney were also on target for the Telford side.

The opening goal saw Tigers’ fans throw teddies on the ice in the traditional ‘Teddy Bear Toss’ which takes place annually in December, with all teddies donated to the Telford Princess Royal Hospital.

The goals – and the fans’ generosity – delighted Tigers’ coach Tom Watkins, but he was unhappy with the goal conceded.

“It was a very comfortable victory with the game effectively over after the first period,” said Watkins.

“I’m annoyed about the goal we conceded late on.

“The official made a huge error which cost us our shut-out. It should never have been given as a good goal as she blew the whistle well before the Blackburn player shot the puck.

“I have no idea why it was allowed to stand.”

Watkins added “We’re very grateful to everyone who donated teddy bears this evening. Thank you so much to all the fans.”

Tigers got the opening goal of the contest in the 14th minute through Clarkson and were gifted a second goal in the 16th minute when the netminder’s clearance went straight to the stick of Silverthorn.

Taylor tipped Goodison’s shot home from close range before Silverthorn deflected an Andy McKinney shot into the net.

Just 30 seconds later, the game was over as a contest when Plant netted Tigers’ fifth goal before Taylor and Goodison netted.

Clarkson scored his second of the night with a powerful slap shot before Watkins added a ninth goal and McKinney number 10. Blackburn managed to get on the scoresheet late in the game when Aaron Davies’ shot was saved by Sam Gospel but Danielius Nomanovas scored on the rebound. The referee blew the whistle to stop play before the puck entered the net but still awarded the goal.

There was still time for Watkins and Clarkson to add further goals on a one-sided night in Telford.