Hogging The Ice

  As the Sheffield Steelers wrap up another competitive season, attention inevitably shifts to roster decisions for 2025–26. Head coach Aaron Fox has built a strong foundation, but key choices lie ahead: which players have earned another year in orange, and who might be looking elsewhere? Below, we break down the entire roster — goalies, defensemen, and forwards — and assess each player’s impact this season, along with a 1–10 re-sign rating based on performance, value, and future potential. 🧤 GOALTENDERS ⭐ Matthew Greenfield – Re-sign Rating: 10/10 Greenfield delivered yet another outstanding campaign, reaffirming his position as one of the EIHL’s premier goaltenders. Appearing in over 60 games, his consistency, composure, and athleticism made him the bedrock of the Steelers’ defensive success. He faced high shot volumes with poise and was frequently the difference-maker in tight games. At just 30, he’s entering his prime. Retaining Greenfield should be a top priority — thoug...

  The 2024/25 Elite Ice Hockey League playoff quarter-finals have wrapped up, and they delivered everything from tension-filled overtimes to dominant performances by the league’s top teams. Ultimately, the top four seeds—Belfast, Sheffield, Nottingham, and Cardiff—have all secured their places at the much-anticipated Playoff Finals Weekend in Nottingham. Let’s take a closer look at how each of the quarter-final matchups played out. Belfast Giants vs Dundee Stars Aggregate: Belfast Giants 8 – 3 Dundee Stars On paper, this series looked like a straightforward win for the league-winning Belfast Giants. However, the eighth-seeded Dundee Stars came into the playoffs with a quiet confidence, having taken five of the last six points against Belfast in the regular season. The Stars believed they could cause one of the biggest playoff shocks in recent memory. The first leg, played at the SSE Arena in front of a vocal Belfast crowd, quickly put that idea to rest. The Giants came out s...

  A Final Whistle in Coventry The Elite League title race has reached its conclusion, and it won’t be coming back to Sheffield this year. A 4–3 loss to Coventry Blaze on the final day of the regular season brought the Steelers’ title defence to a heartbreaking end. Despite an incredible late-season surge, the result — coupled with Belfast Giants’ overtime win in Nottingham — ensured the Giants were crowned 2024–25 league champions. The margins were paper-thin. But at this level, that’s often all it takes. The Giants Take the Crown Full credit to Belfast. They held their nerve and delivered when it counted. Over the span of the season, they were consistent, composed, and clinical — and that’s what wins titles. No excuses from this side. Just congratulations to a worthy champion. A Season of Grit It’s easy to focus on the disappointment, but this season deserves more than that. This team showed fight — the kind that doesn’t always make headlines but builds something stronge...

Elite League Title Race: Giants, Steelers, and Panthers Set for Thrilling Final Weekend Showdown As the 2024-25 Elite League season reaches its dramatic conclusion, three teams remain in contention for the title—Belfast Giants, Sheffield Steelers, and (though their chances are slim) Nottingham Panthers. After months of intense battles, shifts in form, and standout individual performances, the final weekend will decide it all. The Giants currently lead the way with 76 points, followed closely by the Steelers at 75, while the Panthers sit three points further back with 72. The equation is simple: one team will emerge as champions. Panthers Close Season with Belfast Double The fixture list ensures a thrilling conclusion, with Nottingham and Belfast going head-to-head twice in a season-defining double-header. The Panthers travel to the SSE Arena on Saturday, April 5, before welcoming the Giants to the Motorpoint Arena on Sunday, April 6, in what promises to be a sold-out occasion. Meanwhil...

  Elite League Title Race & Playoff Battle: A Thrilling Finale Awaits The 2024/25 Elite League title race is set up for a thrilling climax, with three teams still in contention heading into the final weekend. Belfast Giants, Sheffield Steelers, and Nottingham Panthers all have a shot at glory, making for an electrifying two days of hockey. But beyond the battle for the top spot, another intense fight is brewing for the final playoff position between the Dundee Stars and Manchester Storm. The Title Race: Three Teams, One Championship Belfast Giants - The Leaders Current Position: 1st Place | 52 Games | 76 Points Remaining Fixtures: Saturday, April 5th - 7pm: vs Nottingham Panthers (The SSE Arena, Belfast) Sunday, April 6th - 5:30pm: vs Nottingham Panthers (Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham) How Can Belfast Win? The Giants have the simplest path to victory: win both games against Nottingham, and they are champions. That would give them 80 points, ensuring neither Sh...