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Familiar faces in unfamiliar faces
Telford Tigers player-coach Tom Watkins is looking forward to a weekend of reunions as his side competes against two of the English Premier League's top teams - which include many players he knows from his Elite League career.
Tigers travel to Milton Keynes on Saturday before welcoming Manchester Phoenix - and a promised bumper crowd - to Telford Ice Rink on Sunday (5.30pm).
"Milton Keynes are league champions and they are used to competing for trophies," said Watkins. "I know a lot of the players, like former Tigers Gary Clarke and Barry Hollyhead, and Luke Brittle’s brother, Adam, who are all originally from Telford.
"I've played against or alongside a lot of Manchester's guys in the Elite League. They have a wealth of experience and talent. Of course, Tony Hand is the standout name, but he has also assembled a quality team around him.
"There is no doubt it's going to be a difficult weekend. We have to make sure we keep on the right side of the puck."
Phoenix, led by Britain's most successful home-grown player Hand, are currently top of the EPL, having joined the league last year while Tigers were in mothballs. They are expected to arrive with more than 120 supporters this weekend.
Before that, however, Tigers have the trip to Milton Keynes - and Watkins is still on a learning curve about the EPL sides.
"I understand Lightning work hard and are a very organised team, which is how I want my team to play. They are a model to emulate," he said.
"We've done well on big ice so far, as it gives us a bit more time to set up and move the puck, so we shouldn't have a problem with their bigger ice pad.
"Discipline is key this weekend to whether we win or lose - it will come down to not making errors. We just have to have belief and confidence to see our games out. We are half way there - we're getting ourselves into a winning position, but we're not sealing the win.
"We have to play with more pride defensively and be mentally strong to compete for the full game. We cannot afford to panic if the other team scores a goal. We will be putting in a lot of preparation this week, on and off the ice."
Like everyone at the club, Watkins is keen to see a larger crowd at the rink.
"We've heard Manchester are bringing a lot of fans and we expect more Telford supporters to turn out as Phoenix have not been here before.
We're looking forward to a big, loud crowd. That kind of atmosphere gets everyone pumped up for the game and makes it fun to play."
His comments were echoed by defenceman Daniel Croft who added:
"Manchester will be a new experience, but we know several of the guys who play for them. It should be a treat for the fans to see them and hopefully we'll give them a good run for their money. We'll be ready for them."
Croft is also looking forward to the trip to Milton Keynes, the only club he has played for outside his native Telford.
"It will be good to see some familiar faces over there - you always want to play your best against an old team.
"It's going to be a tough weekend. Milton Keynes are always difficult.
They have some very good skaters, but I think we are capable of skating with them. Our young guys are fit and the ones on the two-way contracts with Coventry are getting plenty of training on ice.
"Tom is working us hard and it will be good to see how we do against them."
Telford fans are advised to get to their seats early because of the additional away support anticipated this weekend. Doors open at 4.45pm and face-off is 5.30pm.
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| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
5-3 |
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4-5 |
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1-4 |
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4-4 |
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2-4 |
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5-8 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
5-1 |
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4-1 |
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5-2 |
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3-7 |
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1-1 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
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