Tigers end regular season with a loss against Solway Sharks
Autocraft Telford Tigers played their final game of the regular season having already secured a play off place with a terrific win on the road in Swindon the previous game.
Tigers’ win meant they could not be caught in the league standings and were guaranteed a play off place at the expense of their opponents.
There was still something to play for as Tigers sat in eighth place in the standings ahead of the game but with a win over Solway and a Romford defeat to Bristol, Tigers would finish seventh.
A close opening period saw the hosts score the only goal. David Thomson’s shot was saved by Calum Hepburn in the Solway goal but the puck wasn’t covered and Eric Henderson was on hand to score.
Just ten seconds into the second period Solway were level. Nolan Gardiner was left wide open in the right circle and slammed the puck past Brad Day. The visitors were in front seven minutes later when Lewis Young collected a rebound and shot into the roof of the net. The Sharks then got a third goal when Kell Beattie’s shot went in off the bar.
Tigers struck back with a power play goal. Scott McKenzie and already missed a glorious opportunity when his shot from close range was saved by Hepburn but Tigers recycled the puck and Henderson set up McKenzie to shoot into the open net.
Thirty seconds into the third period Tigers were level. Henderson was involved once again with a pass across the circles to David Thomson who chipped the puck over Hepburn’s pads and into the net.
The next goal would be crucial and the visitors scored it. A controversial interference call on Louie Newell would cost Telford dear and allowed the Sharks to score on the power play through Oliver Arseaneau.
Callum Boyd added an insurance goal a minute later and the game was gone.
A late empty net goal from Kyle Carruth sealed the win for the Sharks as Telford head into the playoffs in eighth place and will take on Leeds Knights, Peterborough Phantoms and Hull Seahawks in a round robin format for a place in the semi finals.
Final Score: Autocraft Telford Tigers 3 Solway Sharks 6.
Scorers: Eric Henderson, Scott McKenzie and David Thomson.
Man of the match: Tom Byrne.
After the game Head Coach Tom Watkins, commented, “I enjoyed the first period and thought it was a good game of hockey. It was frustrating that we couldn’t stay out of the penalty box but our penalty kill was good.
"We lost a bit of impetus in the second period and we have to be mentally more resilient and tougher to beat. I was frustrated with the third period, I know we are a lot better than that.
"We know the task ahead, we have a lot of experience in our team and we will probably be the underdog in our playoff group but playoff hockey is different and we are looking forward to the challenge.”
