A run of eight consecutive home wins has seen growing crowds at Telford Ice Rink, with The Tigers building an eight-point lead at the top of the English Premier League standings.

The presence of Neighbours TV star Alan Fletcher – Dr Karl Kennedy in the soap – to open the club’s new shop at Sunday’s game, is also set to attract fans from across the country.

Tigers General Manager Paul Thomason wants everyone to enjoy what is set to be a big evening for the club – and has ordered a 6pm face-off time.

He said: “Playing Manchester Phoenix, along with having Alan Fletcher here to open the shop, means Sunday with be a key date for The Tigers.

“The Phoenix are one of the best-supported teams in the country, and are sure to bring a lot of people with them.

“That means we want as many Tigers fans as possible here, to create a great atmosphere for Tom and the boys.

“So far, we have had massive amounts of interest from people wanting to come on Sunday, and it promises be one of our biggest games in years.”

The opening of the club shop is part of a masterplan put in place by Red Hockey owner Wayne Scholes, who wants The Tigers to become a fully sustainable model for the future for British ice hockey.

He said: “This shop will give fans the chance to buy all sorts of Tigers-related merchandise throughout the week, as well as at weekend.

“I make sure we have as many fans as possible here every week, and create something that is truly sustainable.

“I am so glad Alan has agreed to open the shop. He will give the evening a real taste of the future, when big events for The Tigers will be the norm.”