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. Meanwhile, Sheffield faces a crucial weekend, hosting Cardiff Devils before traveling to Coventry Blaze.
For Danny Stewart’s Panthers, the odds are long, but not impossible. They need to defeat Belfast twice in regulation while hoping Sheffield loses both of their games in regulation. If those results align, Nottingham will snatch the title. Alternatively, if the Panthers win both games in regulation and finish level on points with Belfast at 76, they would still claim the championship by virtue of having more outright wins (32 to 31).
Panthers head coach Danny Stewart remains optimistic:
"Going into the final weekend with a chance to lift silverware is phenomenal and exciting. The guys are up for it. To get to where we are has been a team effort, from the work off the ice with Omar (Pacha) and recruiting, to the dedication of our day-to-day staff and the phenomenal performances from the players. It’s a collective effort."
With seven wins in their last ten outings, Nottingham carries momentum—though a recent 4-1 loss to Guildford Flames was a setback.
The Players Who Could Decide the Title Race
While the title battle remains unpredictable, several key players could shape the outcome over the weekend.
Jason Grande (Nottingham Panthers)
Regardless of whether Nottingham lifts the trophy, goaltender Jason Grande has a chance to play a pivotal role in deciding the champion. The 26-year-old American, who joined in December, has been sensational, leading the league in save percentage (.949) and goals-against average (1.71).
Grande has only conceded four goals in a game twice and has been remarkably consistent, posting a .936 save percentage or higher in his last five starts. If he delivers another standout performance, he could spoil Belfast’s party—even if the Panthers fall short of the title.
Scott Conway (Belfast Giants)
The Giants’ leading scorer, Scott Conway (55 points), has been an offensive force. However, his form has been inconsistent—while he has 11 points in his last ten appearances, he has also gone pointless in three of his last six games. When he struggles, Belfast struggles.
Keefe will need Conway to be at his best if the Giants are to hold off their challengers and secure back-to-back championships.
Chase Gresock (Coventry Blaze)
Coventry has little to play for beyond pride, as they are already locked into the playoff picture. However, they’ve played spoiler before—most notably in 2018-19 when they defeated Cardiff on the final day, handing the title to Belfast.
With Sheffield visiting on Sunday, Blaze forward Chase Gresock could prove decisive. He is tied for the league lead in goals (31) and has been red-hot lately, scoring five times in his last five appearances. If he finds the net again, he could crush the Steelers’ title hopes.
Dominic Cormier (Sheffield Steelers)
A key figure for Sheffield, Cormier is one of the Elite League’s most dynamic offensive defensemen, with 36 points (six goals, 30 assists) this season. However, his recent production has dipped—just one assist in his last five games.
Nevertheless, he remains a crucial presence for Aaron Fox’s team, logging heavy minutes and excelling in all situations. If Cormier steps up, the Steelers have a real shot at the title. If he struggles, their championship dream could slip away.
A Fitting Finale to an Incredible Season
As the curtain falls on the regular season, there’s no doubt that Belfast, Sheffield, and Nottingham have been the class of the competition in 2024-25. All three teams have enjoyed periods of dominance, endured midseason wobbles, and now stand on the brink of glory.
The only certainty is that by Sunday night, we’ll have a new (or returning) champion. Whether it’s Belfast, Sheffield, or a miracle run from Nottingham, the Elite League is set for a spectacular finish.
Is This a Fond Farewell for the Fife Flyers?
While uncertainty looms over the Flyers' future, there is a real possibility that this could be their final EIHL weekend. The team, founded in 1938, faces an uncertain offseason with various outcomes: a quick sale keeping them in the league, a slower sale potentially seeing them step away temporarily, or even a move to the SNL or NIHL.
With that in mind, Fife’s players and staff will likely treat this weekend as a celebration for their fans. They may not have had a great season – winning just four games in 52 – but they have one last chance to give their fans a moment to cherish. They face Manchester and Dundee, knowing that a win against the Stars on Sunday could also impact the playoff race. No matter the result, expect them to give their all.
Do Glasgow Clan Continue to Crumble?
A few weeks ago, I said the Clan needed to be taken seriously. That take has aged terribly. Right now, based on form, Glasgow is the worst team in the EIHL. They’ve been outscored by Fife in recent games, and defensively, things are falling apart. Goalie Landon Bow has a woeful 78% save percentage in his last five games, and the team has scored just 11 goals in that span.
With Dundee and Guildford on their schedule, two more losses would send them into the playoffs on a seven-game losing streak. They must show something different this weekend – otherwise, they might as well start booking their golf trips.
The Battle for the League’s Top Goal Scorer
While Manchester Storm’s Alexis D'Aoust leads the league in points (66), he’s tied with Coventry’s Chase Gresock at 31 goals each heading into the weekend. While other players like Cole Ully and Nick Seitz sit on 28, this is realistically a two-player race.
D'Aoust enters the weekend in red-hot form, with five goals in his last three games, while Gresock has been consistently strong all season. Both players face opponents they’ve had success against, but with D'Aoust playing against a Fife team that concedes an average of five goals per game, he might have the slight edge in the race.
A Thrilling Finale Awaits
The 2024-25 EIHL season has been full of twists and turns, and as the final weekend approaches, the excitement is palpable. Whether it’s Belfast regaining their crown, Sheffield capitalising on any slip-ups, or Nottingham pulling off an incredible miracle, one thing is for certain: the title race is wide open.
As the curtain falls on the regular season, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion. With the top teams battling for the title, the final playoff spot still undecided, and individual accolades up for grabs, this weekend will be one to remember. Stay tuned, because by Sunday night, we’ll know who will be crowned the Elite League champions—and who will have to settle for a year of “what could have been.”
Let the final weekend begin!
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