Vipers forward Shields has 28 goals for the season so far

The Great Britain international has 28 for the season, with two hat-tricks in his last four games, and says Vipers are gaining momentum at the right time.

He told the club website: "I am enjoying my hockey at the moment, and to be scoring like I am is a bonus.

"It's been an up and down season for us, but we seem to be hitting some form ahead of the play-offs which is great."

Colin Shields in profile Glasgow-born Shields graduated from the University of Maine He is a key member of the Great Britain side Shields has played for the Belfast Giants as well as enjoying a spell in North American ice-hockey

The 28-year-old has helped Vipers to seven wins in their last 10 games and believes the weekend double header with Manchester and Sheffield at the Arena will continue that rich vein of form.

He said: "Going into the weekend, Manchester will be wanting to turn us over as we beat them at our place last time out.

"Sheffield are one of the form teams and will be a tough opponent, but we've beaten them home and away this season. They got the better of us down there with a big win so we want to put that right.

"Can we win both games? Absolutely, but the guys and I know we have to be on our game all weekend to do that."