THE Sheffield Window Centre Tigers had a fan-tastic night as they were welcomed by over 7,000 enthusiastic ice hockey supporters at the city's FlyDSA Arena.

The Tigers were invited as special guests of the Sheffield Steelers and were presented to the packed house ahead of the Elite League clash with Cardiff Devils, while the riders handed out flyers before the match and during the first interval.

Said co-boss Damien Bates: "We were delighted to be asked and it really was a terrific night, which made a lot of people aware of speedway.

"Being welcomed onto the ice with Steelers owner Tony Smith was something else, they really did roll out the red carpet for us....literally, to stop any of the lads slipping over!

"The Steelers were great and we had a display on the concourse level with the riders not only handing out the leaflets but also chatting to fans - and the response they had was amazing.

"Hopefully we'll see a lot of Steelers fans coming down to Owlerton as a result and our thanks go to the Arena club and Commercial Manager Mike O'Connor, they've been marvellous."

Tigers get their season under way with the Steel City Championship this coming Sunday (4pm) when under-16s will be admitted free.

The club's Media Day also takes place this Wednesday at 5pm and all are welcome when the new racejacket will be officially unveiled for the first time.