Sam Zajac adamant Leeds Chiefs will not give Telford Tigers cause to celebrate

AS much as he respects NIHL National leaders Telford Tigers, Leeds Chiefs’ player-coach Sam Zajac could have extra motivation for trying to get the better of them at Elland Road tomorrow.
By Phil Harrison
Published 7th Mar 2020, 07:45 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

If results go their way over the next two days, a win over the Chiefs for Tom Watkins’s side could see them crowned regular season champions.

After spending the majority of the 2008-09 season at Telford, Zajac later spent three straight years down in Shropshire, culminating in them winning the English Premier League regular season title in 2016-17.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And as much as he admires their ability to silence the doubters this season – regardless of their recent wobbles – Zajac does not want to see another team lifting a trophy in his team’s rink.

Sam Zajac is determined to avoid Telford Tigers celebrating a league title at Elland Road on Sunday night. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss.Sam Zajac is determined to avoid Telford Tigers celebrating a league title at Elland Road on Sunday night. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss.
Sam Zajac is determined to avoid Telford Tigers celebrating a league title at Elland Road on Sunday night. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss.

“Telford have probably defied the odds a bit this season,” said Zajac, whos team travel to Milton Keynes Lightning today. “I don’t think people expected them to last the distance, so full credit to them.

“But if results go their way, they could win the league on Sunday and that is one thing we don’t want to happen in our building. If there is a chance of them lifting the trophy that is extra motivation for us to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“So, if there is a chance it can happen, we’re hoping we can spoil the party for them and make them wait another week before they can celebrate.”

Related topics:Sam ZajacElland RoadPremier League

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.