Hogging The Ice

As we enter a crucial weekend in the Elite Ice Hockey League, the battle for positioning intensifies. Teams are jostling for playoff spots, title aspirations hang in the balance, and individual milestones are within reach. With every game carrying huge implications, fans can expect nothing less than high-octane action, passionate performances, and nail-biting moments. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the action-packed weekend. Game of the Weekend: Coventry Blaze vs. Guildford Flames (Sunday, March 2nd) This Sunday, all eyes will be on the Skydome Arena as Coventry Blaze (6th) take on Guildford Flames (5th) in a matchup that could have major playoff implications. Both teams are locked on 47 points, each eager to climb the table and put pressure on the teams above them. With only a few weeks left in the regular season, every point matters, and neither team can afford to let this one slip. This will be the eighth meeting between these two sides this season, and if history is an...

UK ice hockey fans are in for a thrilling night of action this Wednesday, with two high-stakes fixtures taking place in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). The Challenge Cup semi-final reaches its decisive second leg as the Nottingham Panthers host the Belfast Giants, while the Cardiff Devils welcome the Sheffield Steelers in a league showdown that could shape the race for second place. With silverware, pride, and crucial points on the line, let’s dive into the matchups and the key players who could make all the difference. --- Challenge Cup Semi-Final Second Leg: Nottingham Panthers vs. Belfast Giants 📍 Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham 🕗 Face-off: 7:30 PM The Belfast Giants travel to Nottingham with one foot in the Challenge Cup final after a commanding 3-0 win in the first leg. But if there’s one thing ice hockey has taught us, it’s that no lead is ever truly safe. The Panthers will be hoping for a classic comeback in front of their home fans at the Motorpoint Arena. They’ll take confi...

With just 13 games remaining in the Elite League season, the Belfast Giants have firmly established themselves as title favorites, holding a commanding five-point lead at the top of the table. After a dominant double-header weekend against the Cardiff Devils, the Giants look poised to close out the season strong. Their comfortable fixture run ahead makes it difficult to see them relinquishing their advantage. Devils' Title Hopes Extinguished Heading into the weekend, the Cardiff Devils still held an outside chance of making a late push for the top spot. However, after taking zero points from their back-to-back games against Belfast, they find themselves completely out of contention. A 4-1 loss on Friday, which included two empty-net goals, gave the impression of a close contest, but Saturday’s emphatic 6-0 drubbing was a definitive statement from the Giants. Cardiff’s struggles since lifting the Continental Cup have continued, with their goal-scoring drying up at a crucial stage of...

  A Night to Remember What a night of hockey! If you weren’t in the arena or watching live, you missed an absolute classic. The Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers delivered a game that encapsulates everything that makes this sport so special—passion, intensity, drama, and a comeback for the ages. From the moment the puck dropped, the energy in the building was electric. Steelers fans roared in full voice, and the Panthers faithful matched them, creating an atmosphere fitting for one of the biggest games of the season. Every shift, every hit, and every shot had the crowd on edge. You could feel the anticipation with every rush up the ice. Dominance Despite the Scoreline Despite trailing for a significant portion of the game, the Steelers controlled possession and dictated the tempo. Their relentless attack saw them fire an astonishing 61 shots on goal, but Panthers’ netminder Jason Grande put on a show, making several crucial stops and receiving some help from the goalposts ...

This weekend could be the biggest of the season in the race for the EIHL title, with pivotal clashes that will shape the run-in. The Belfast Giants and Cardiff Devils face off in a double-header, while the Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers reignite their fierce rivalry in a battle that will have major implications at the top of the table. With so much on the line, expect intensity, physicality, and playoff-style hockey across the league. The tension is mounting, and for some teams, this could be the defining moment of their season. Giants vs Devils: Must-Win for Cardiff? Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd League leaders Belfast Giants enter this weekend with a four-point cushion over second-place Sheffield Steelers, but they’ll be wary of a desperate Cardiff Devils side still clinging to their title hopes. Cardiff, sitting 11 points back but with two games in hand, know that anything less than four points this weekend will likely see their championship aspirations fade into the d...

Sheffield Steelers fans were treated to a masterclass on home ice last night as their team cruised to a commanding 8-1 victory over the struggling Fife Flyers. While the win itself was a spectacle, the night carried an extra emotional weight as Steelers fans warmly welcomed their opponents, knowing the uncertainty surrounding Fife’s future in the Elite Ice Hockey League. Rooted to the bottom of the standings and currently up for sale, the Flyers’ future remains unclear, but the appreciation shown by the Sheffield crowd was met with visible gratitude from the Fife players—a true testament to the sportsmanship and camaraderie within British ice hockey. Steelers Close the Gap at the Top This victory wasn’t just about entertainment—it was a crucial moment in the EIHL title race. The Steelers’ emphatic win moves them just four points behind the league-leading Belfast Giants, with only 15 games remaining in the season. Every point matters now, and with the Steelers in fine form, they are pri...

  Steelers Look to Capitalise as Fife Flyers Return to the House of Steel The Sheffield Steelers are back in action tonight as they welcome the struggling Fife Flyers to the Utilita Arena. With just 16 games remaining in the season, every point is crucial in the race for the EIHL title. The Steelers currently sit six points behind league leaders Belfast Giants, making tonight’s matchup a must-win. A victory tonight not only keeps the pressure on Belfast but also ensures Sheffield maintains a stronghold against the chasing pack. But with a crucial weekend ahead, featuring matchups against fierce rivals, could this also be the perfect time to rotate the squad and give key players a much-needed rest? A Must-Win Game, but Also a Chance to Rotate? Fife Flyers arrive in Sheffield on the back of a dreadful run of form, losing their last eight games, including a crushing 8-0 defeat on their previous visit to the ‘House of Steel.’ On paper, it looks like an ideal opportunity for Aaron Fox’s...

As the transfer deadline came to a close on Monday (17/2/2025), the Sheffield Steelers made a notable move by acquiring Glasgow Clan defenseman Reece Kelly. The 23-year-old blueliner joins the Steelers as a young, physical presence on the back end, bringing both size and potential to the lineup. With the departure of goaltender Jere Huhtamma—who provided injury cover earlier in the season—the Steelers balance their roster by adding depth to their defensive corps. A Promising Addition to the Blue Line Kelly has had an interesting career trajectory, developing his game across multiple leagues before establishing himself in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). His journey has taken him from the Ontario Hockey Academy to playing junior hockey in Norway and Finland before arriving in the UK to play for the Bristol Pitbulls, Cardiff Devils, and most recently, the Glasgow Clan. Since joining Glasgow in the summer of 2024, Kelly has played a season and a half with the Clan, featuring in 28 game...

  Sheffield Steelers Pull Off Stunning Comeback to Defeat League-Leaders Belfast Giants 5-2 For 45 minutes, the Steelers looked out of sorts—losing board battles, struggling in 50-50 situations, and failing to generate any offensive momentum. The Belfast Giants' defensive structure proved to be an impenetrable wall, preventing Sheffield from gaining entry into the offensive zone with any real pace. The only bright spark early on was Mitch Balmas, who looked the most dangerous for the home side. First Period: A Slow Start The Steelers were stonewalled at the offensive blue line, unable to transition through the neutral zone effectively. Forced to dump the puck into the corners, Sheffield found themselves easily neutralized by the Giants’ defense, who retrieved and cleared with ease. In contrast, Belfast played with speed and purpose, frequently executing cross-ice passes to enter the offensive zone and set up plays. Their efforts paid off when Bobo Carpenter found space and fed the ...

 After Wednesday's humiliating loss to the Devils, the Steelers came out determined to make a statement, and for the first five minutes, they did just that. They had Guildford pinned in their own zone, winning board battles, loose pucks, and generating a couple of Grade-A chances. However, as we’ve seen before, if you don’t capitalize when on top, momentum shifts—and that’s exactly what happened. The Steelers failed to convert their early dominance into goals, allowing Guildford to settle in and work their way into the game, creating chances of their own. With one minute left in the first period, the Steelers conceded a frustratingly familiar goal: four players back against one Flames forward, yet they still lost the board battle. The puck was tossed into the slot, where an unmarked Guildford player buried it. How the Steelers continue to let this happen so deep into the season is baffling—especially after conceding in the exact same manner in Wednesday’s loss. This is basic defens...

As Valentine's weekend approaches, what better way to celebrate than with a packed schedule of Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) action? With three games on Friday, four on Saturday, and three more on Sunday, fans across the UK are in for an intense weekend of hockey. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or introducing a loved one to the sport, this weekend's fixtures promise goals, big hits, and high-stakes battles as teams jockey for position in the standings. Key Games to Watch Nottingham Panthers vs. Coventry Blaze (Double Header – Saturday & Sunday) One of the marquee matchups of the weekend sees third-place Nottingham Panthers face off against fifth-place Coventry Blaze in a back-to-back showdown. Both teams are in the thick of the playoff race, making these games crucial in shaping the standings as the season enters its latter stages. The Blaze are coming into the weekend with momentum, having secured a massive four-point haul last weekend with wins over the Sheffie...

photos curtisy of Marcus Ackroyd Photography.  https://www.instagram.com/marcusackroydphotos?igsh=NXkwdG5uNjdqcGZo The second leg of the EIHL Challenge Cup Semi-Final between the Sheffield Steelers and Cardiff Devils was always expected to be a tense, closely fought battle. With Sheffield carrying a 5-3 aggregate lead into the game and both teams evenly matched in the league, fans braced themselves for a nail-biting contest. But what unfolded was a masterclass from Pete Russell’s Devils, as they overturned the deficit with a dominant 4-1 win, securing a dramatic 7-6 aggregate victory and a ticket to the final. Devils Come Out Firing From the very first puck drop, Cardiff made their intentions clear—they were here to fight. Needing a strong start, they got exactly that. The opening period was a dream for the Devils and a nightmare for the Steelers. A routine offensive zone faceoff for Sheffield turned disastrous when a turnover on the Devils’ blue line found its way to Cole Sanford....

The stage is set for a blockbuster night at the Vindico Arena as the Sheffield Steelers and Cardiff Devils face off in the second leg of the EIHL Challenge Cup tomorrow evening. With a place in the next round on the line, expect a fast-paced, hard-hitting clash between two of the league’s top sides. Steelers in the Driver’s Seat… But Not Comfortable Yet Sheffield heads into Cardiff with a two-goal cushion after securing a solid 5-3 victory on home ice last week. The Steelers' offensive firepower was on full display with goals from Cole Shudra, Joona Huttula, Mitchell Balmas, Patrick Watling, and Daniel Leavens. Despite the win, head coach Aaron Fox and his squad were left frustrated by a controversial third goal for the Devils—one that seemed to come after a whistle was blown. The officials stood by their decision, much to Fox’s dismay, and that goal could yet prove crucial in this tightly contested tie. Recent Form: Who Has the Edge? Both teams have since hit the ice for a pair of...

The Belfast Giants continue to assert their dominance at the top of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) standings, extending their lead to a commanding 8 points over their closest challengers, the Sheffield Steelers. This past weekend proved pivotal in the title race as the Giants put on a stellar performance, securing back-to-back victories against the Guildford Flames and the Manchester Storm. These crucial 4 points not only strengthened their grip on first place but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league that they mean business as they push for championship glory. Meanwhile, the Sheffield Steelers faced a significant setback in their pursuit of the top spot. Their away game against the Coventry Blaze was a high-intensity, end-to-end affair, with both teams generating multiple scoring opportunities. Despite their efforts, the Steelers were unable to clinch the win in regulation time. Instead, it was Chase Gresock of the Blaze who stole the headlines with a dramatic overti...

 Coventry Blaze vs Sheffield Steelers – Match Preview Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025 Venue: Skydome Arena, Coventry Faceoff Time: 17:30 PM Tonight, the Coventry Blaze host the Sheffield Steelers in what promises to be a thrilling Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) encounter at the Skydome Arena. Both teams come into this game on the back of wins last night, setting up an exciting clash between two sides eager to build momentum. Recent Form & Last Night’s Results Coventry Blaze pulled off an impressive 5-3 comeback victory against the Cardiff Devils at the Vindico Arena. The Blaze showed resilience and attacking prowess after trailing in the game, securing an important win on the road. Sheffield Steelers earned a 3-1 win against the Manchester Storm in a scrappy encounter. The Steelers displayed strong defensive discipline and capitalized on key chances to secure the two points. Previous Meetings & Head-to-Head Record The last time these two teams met at the Skydome was on Octob...

 In a scrappy, hard-fought battle, the Sheffield Steelers secured a crucial 3-1 victory over the Manchester Storm, keeping their title push firmly on track. It wasn’t the prettiest of performances, but when it mattered, the Steelers found the goals—and once again, Matt Greenfield stood tall between the pipes. Captain Fantastic Steps Up With the game hanging in the balance, Robert Dowd led by example, netting twice to give Sheffield the edge. The veteran forward has been a driving force this season, and his ability to produce in key moments proved vital yet again. Sheffield’s relentless forecheck and defensive discipline helped them grind out the result against a resilient Manchester side that refused to roll over. Greenfield the Game Changer While Dowd’s goals will grab the headlines, it was yet another masterclass from goaltender Matt Greenfield that ensured the Steelers walked away with two points. Time and time again, he’s been the backbone of this team, making crucial saves to ...

Steelers Face a Key Crossroads as Golod Departs: What’s Next for the Forward Lines?   With news of Golod heading back to Canada, the Sheffield Steelers are left to regroup and figure out how to fill the void left in their forward lines. Golod, known for his silky skating, quick hands, and elite playmaking, brought a dynamic skillset to the team that won't be easy to replace. But with only one import slot left and the club having used the recent games to experiment with a different lineup configuration, questions loom about how this shift will impact the team moving forward. The Impact of Golod’s Departure  Golod’s departure certainly stings for the Steelers. His speed and creativity were crucial elements on the power play and in creating scoring opportunities. It’s not easy to replace a player who brings such a unique combination of finesse and hockey IQ to the ice, especially in a team that’s gearing up for a crucial part of the season. When you lose a player with that...

Maxim Golod Returns Home to Canada for Personal Reasons The Sheffield Steelers have suffered a tough loss with the unexpected departure of forward Maxim Golod, who has returned home to Canada to deal with personal matters. Head coach Aaron Fox confirmed the news, emphasizing that the team fully supports Golod during this time. In a statement, Fox said: “Max has had to return home to deal with some personal matters that needed immediate attention. Some things are more important than hockey, and Max has our full support during this time. We hope to see him back here if and when he is able to.” Golod’s absence is undoubtedly a setback for the Steelers, as he had been an integral part of the squad, bringing a high level of skill and creativity to the ice. Since joining the team, he had impressed with his dynamic play, adding a fresh edge to the Steelers’ offensive game. Fox acknowledged the impact of his departure: “From a hockey perspective, this is a really tough loss to our group....

Maxim Golod has been making waves in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) with the Sheffield Steelers since joining the team in November 2024. His arrival has significantly boosted the Steelers' offensive firepower, making them a strong contender for the EIHL title. --- Golod’s Journey to Sheffield Before arriving in Sheffield, Golod had a unique career path: Played junior hockey in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League) with the Erie Otters (2017-2020). Went undrafted in the NHL, but signed an AHL contract with the San Diego Gulls (Anaheim Ducks affiliate). Split time between the AHL and ECHL, playing for teams like the Tulsa Oilers and Indy Fuel. Gained experience in European leagues before signing with the Steelers. --- Immediate Impact with the Steelers Golod made his Sheffield debut on November 13, 2024, in a Champions Hockey League match against Eisbären Berlin. Despite it being his first game, he quickly impressed head coach Aaron Fox, who stated: > "Maxim was ...