Telford Tigers claim EPIHL league title as Tom Watkins hails 'remarkable achievement'

The Tigers would claim the title if they won both of their games against the Bees this weekend, but following Milton Keynes' loss to Swindon, the title went to Telford today.

The win clinches the title with three weeks of the season remaining, set to be followed by the play-offs.

It's the second time in three years that Telford have won the title, having previously claimed the trophy in the 2014/15 season. The club posted a video of the final moments of the game and the following celebrations on social media.

The news follows a testing season for the Tigers, in which they were placed in voluntary liquidation and were under risk of being banned from the playoffs due to their financial struggles.

However, the club have confirmed they will be participating in this season's EPIHL playoffs after fears of a ban were quelled.

The game started with a goal for Bracknell, although Telford equalised within seconds, thanks to Corey McEwen.

The visitors added a second at the start of the second period, although the Tigers again equalised within minutes, this time through Milan Kolena.

Two goals at the midway point of the game, from Jason Silverthorn and Gareth O'Flaherty, gave the hosts some breathing space but Bracknell hit back on 34 minutes.

The final session saw Telford secure victory – and the EPL title with a hat trick from forward Doug Clarkson.

After watching his players secure top spot with a virtuoso third period performance, Telford coach Tom Watkins paid tribute to his team's efforts over a testing 2016/17 campaign.

"It was a tough game, but tonight it's all about Telford Tigers and a remarkable achievement by a fantastic group of guys.

"The fans were great tonight as well. The noise in the rink was absolutely phenomenal and the atmosphere was excellent.

"I can't fault the boys at all over the season and especially during October and November, when it could have been a different story.

"But the team spirit, support and belief has been fantastic.

"I've got to salute the new ownership for coming in and taking it on at a really difficult time. The boys have been fantastic all season."

"We put a good shift in tonight, especially in the third period. Bracknell battled hard and made it tough for us." He added, regarding the game against Bracknell.

"They made it hard for us, but in the end the third period was the difference.

"We were looking at the Milton Keynes score during the period breaks and Les kept us informed, so we knew what was going on."

The Tigers take on Bracknell Bees, in Bracknell, on Sunday night, before they host Hull Pirates at Telford Ice Rink on March 5th (6pm). For tickets, go to www.tigershockeyuk.com.