Telford Tigers have been saved after a consortium of local businesses acquired the club’s assets.

The new company will now fund and run the EPL club, starting with this weekend’s games against Manchester Phoenix and Swindon Wildcats.

Former owner Wayne Scholes will continue to be one of the club’s main sponsors.

He said: “I’m relieved that the future of the club is resolved. We can concentrate on what matters most – a successful Tigers ice hockey team.

“I want to add my thanks to Paul (Thomason), Tom (Watkins) and all the players for staying focused through this difficult period.

“I would also pay tribute to the fans for rallying behind the team at such a difficult time. Without them the Tigers would not be the great club we all love.”

The consortium includes three local businesses, plus Scholes, all of whom have ploughed funds into the club.

The Tigers could have leading British scorer Matty Davies (above) back in the line-up for this weekend’s games.

The 26-year-old has missed the last six matches after he was hit in the face by a puck against Guildford Flames at the end of October.

Head Coach Tom Watkins said: “Matty’s got to crack the line-up first, of course – there’s no guarantee he’ll play, but it’s very likely.

“He skated on Thursday and again on Friday, so we’ll see how he feels about taking to this ice this weekend.

“Having Matty back creates tough decisions again. We’ve had three lines that have been going well and that gives us ten forwards, so it’s not an ideal situation.

“But to have the offensive ability and work ethic that Matty brings to the team is a big plus for us.”

One player who won’t be icing this weekend is young forward Macaulay Heywood after he decided to leave the club.

(Image permission: Steve Brodie)