Autocraft Telford Tigers played their only game of the weekend against Hull Seahawks on Sunday night. Tigers had dropped to tenth in the league after Bristol Pitbulls had beaten Peterborough Phantoms on Saturday. Hull had beaten league champions Leeds Knights in their previous game so came into the contest in form.
Tigers’ Head Coach Tom Watkins was away with the Great Britain U20 team who were playing in the World Championships, meaning Assistant Coach Jason Silverthorn would lead the team for this game and as Vladimir Luka was not available to play, Silverthorn was able to ice as the team’s third import. Tigers were also without Jake Price, Edgars Landsbergs and Joe Aston.
Tigers made a slow start to the game and were lacklustre throughout the first period. The home side dominated and took a four goal lead.
A shot from the blue line by Bobby Chamberlain was tipped by Emil Svec past Brad Day for the opening goal. Shortly after, Svec had a second goal with a shot from the slot. Tigers lost their poise defensively and conceded two goals in eight seconds. A turnover led to Jason Hewitt scoring on the rebound and was immediately followed by a goal from Chamberlain after Svec had intercepted a defensive pass and found the unmarked Chamberlain who shot low past Day.
Early in the second period Hull had a fifth goal. Jonny Corneil shot through Day’s legs to put the home side firmly in control of the game.
Telford staged a comeback after the fifth Hull goal. First, James Smith hit a terrific shot into the top left corner of the Hull goal and was closely followed by a breakaway goal scored by Fin Howells. Scott McKenzie added a third goal with a delayed penalty goal after being hauled down when in on goal but McKenzie was able to force the puck into the net for Telford’s third goal of the game.
The comeback was stalled in the final minute of the second period as Hull added a sixth goal when Svec scored with a tap in to complete his hat trick.
Tigers pushed hard to get back into the game and were given hope with ten minutes left to play when a fierce shot by Harry Ferguson from the left circle flew into the net to narrow the deficit.
But Hull sealed the game five minutes from the buzzer with a goal from Lee Bonner.
Tigers’ loss is their sixth loss in a row on the road as they slip further behind in the race for a play off place.
Final Score: Hull Seahawks 7 Autocraft Telford Tigers 4.
Scorers: James Smith, Fin Howells, Scott McKenzie and Harry Ferguson.
Man of the match: Ryan Leese.
After the game Assistant Coach Jason Silverthorn, commented, “I was really disappointed about how we started the game, having a one game weekend and knowing the teams around us are winning games. We knew the importance of the game and simply didn’t compete. When you overplay and turn pucks over against a team with the quality of the Seahawks, you’re going to be punished and that’s what happened. Every game is a playoff game for us with the current league position and we need to execute better to give us any chance.”
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