EIHL Challenge Cup 2025/26 – Early Insights and Team Stories
The 2025/26 EIHL Challenge Cup is already proving to be one of the most compelling in recent memory. A mix of reigning champions, ambitious rebuilds, and under-the-radar squads have produced surprising results and exciting narratives. With over a week of games played, let’s take an in-depth look at each team’s journey so far.
Belfast Giants – Champions Battling Fatigue
The Giants enter this season as the reigning League and Cup double winners and were widely considered front-runners once again. Early results have been a mixed bag: a massive 8–0 win over Fife shows their firepower, but losses to Dundee and Glasgow hint that the team is still finding its legs.
The key context here is the Champions Hockey League: Belfast has already played four intense games against top European teams, which may explain some inconsistency in the Challenge Cup. With eight Cup games remaining and a relatively easier group, the Giants have ample opportunity to assert dominance. Managing energy and rotation will be critical, particularly with a squad that has proven its ability to grind through long tournaments.
Sheffield Steelers – Busy Off-Season, Early Chemistry Building
The Steelers had a busy off-seasons, bringing in 10 new players (7 Forwards). This has created challenges for early cohesion, but there are bright spots. Derek Gentile has been a standout with 4 goals and 3 assists, forming a strong partnership with his best friend Mitchell Balmas and off-season training partner Stephen Harper. Evan Jasper has also made significant early impact. Returning Blueliners Dominic Cormier & Kevin Tansey have been a reliable presence.
Still only 4 weeks into the group being together, it’s no surprise that the team is still finding its rhythm. Yet their early points and strong performances hint that once chemistry develops fully, Sheffield could be real contenders for Challenge Cup silverware.
Nottingham Panthers – Struggling to Find Their Rhythm
The Panthers were expected to challenge for trophies, building on last season’s Playoff success. However, early results have been disappointing, with only one win and goalie Jason Grande struggling significantly compared to last season (.836 save percentage vs .934 last year).
The Panthers have also had nine new players added to the roster, and while preseason looked promising, the Challenge Cup has exposed a lack of cohesion and consistency. They need both offense and goaltending to click to meet expectations. The early results suggest patience is needed; the team has the talent, but chemistry is still forming.
Cardiff Devils – Physicality with an Offensive Edge
Devil's approach this season has been a blend of physicality and retained core talent. Head coach Paul Thompson returns to the EIHL with a trophy-laden resume in England, Italy and Denmark. Eight new players have been added, giving the Devils size and toughness, while the retained core provides stability.
Despite pre-season doubts about goal-scoring, Cardiff has found the net 17 times in four Challenge Cup games, including a 7–1 statement win over Guildford. This physical, high-scoring approach suggests the Devils could be genuine contenders, exceeding cautious expectations and proving that Thompson’s strategy is already bearing fruit.
Coventry Blaze – Consistency Amidst Turnover
Coventry has had a tough off-season, losing four of their top five point scorers to other European teams and EIHL rivals. Alessio Luciani is the only returning top scorer, New additions Elijiah Barriga & Grant Mismash signed from Belfast and newcomer Matthew Gleason will help to carry the offensive burden. The defence has been bolstered by Colton Saucerman, who is so far averaging a whooping 31.59 minutes per game and has contributed 5 points (3G, 2A).
The Blaze are quietly competitive, grinding out results even against stronger opponents. This team is proving to be resilient and reliable, and they may sneak into the Semi-finals if their consistent form continues.
Guildford Flames – Youth, Experience, and Potential
Guildford enters the season with 11 new players and returning players finally healthy after previous injury troubles. The squad now blends experience and youth, creating a potentially dangerous mix if things click.
Early performances have been mixed, with big wins countered by heavy defeats, reflecting the team’s ongoing adjustment process. The Flames are a classic “high variance” team: capable of upsets, but dependent on cohesion forming quickly. For fans, this is a team to watch — when they click, they can challenge anyone.
Manchester Storm – Rebuilding with Purpose
After a disappointing last season, Manchester has undergone a seismic rebuild, introducing 16 new players. Cal Critchlow, last season’s captain, now serves as head coach, focusing on blending size and skill, a model that has served the club well in the past.
Early Challenge Cup games have been competitive, with OT matches and narrow defeats suggesting the team is finding its identity. While they may not dominate yet, the mix of size, skill, and coaching stability provides hope that Manchester can climb the standings once players gel.
Dundee Stars – Under-the-Radar Contenders
Dundee’s approach this season has been quiet but effective. Adding five players from other EIHL teams while retaining top performers Spencer Nass and Keanu Yamamoto, they sit atop the Group B standings. New additions Matt Berry, Benjamin Almquist & Hampus Olsson have hit the ground running.
Early results, including a high-scoring 7–4 win over Belfast on opening night, show the Stars can compete with top sides. Few expected them to challenge, but their momentum and intelligent roster moves could see Dundee sneak into the knockout stages and upset bigger teams.
Glasgow Clan – Chaos and Resilience
The Clan’s pre-season was marked by unusual off-ice drama:
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Brady Keeper signed, retired, then returned in the ECHL.
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Chris Martenet extended his contract, then retired to become a referee.
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Jake Elmer signed and departed less than a week later due to family reasons.
Despite this, the team has stabilised, new forwards Brett Neumann & Brayden Burke bring Pace and skill, new blueliner Colton Poolman a wealth of AHL experience and the core that remains is performing well.
With a fan base always setting high expectation, Glasgow’s challenge will be consistency and maintaining focus. When they perform at their peak, they can compete with the league’s best; when off, mediocrity looms.
Fife Flyers – Rebuilding from the Ground Up
Fife is undergoing a total rebuild, with new owners, new coaches, and almost a completely new roster. Only five players returned from last season, with an emphasis on local talent, including 11 Scottish and English players.
This season is about restoring pride, developing talent, and putting points on the board, rather than chasing trophies. Despite a rough start, the foundation is being laid for a stronger, sustainable future. Fans and players alike have reason for optimism as the club rebuilds its identity.
Early Takeaways
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Overperformers: Cardiff Devils, Dundee Stars
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Meeting expectations: Sheffield Steelers, Coventry Blaze, Glasgow Clan
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Struggling relative to expectations: Belfast Giants (fatigue), Nottingham Panthers, Guildford Flames
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Developmental rebuilds: Fife Flyers, Manchester Storm
The Challenge Cup is still in its early stages, and the next six to eight games will be critical in determining who moves into the knockout rounds. What’s clear is that the league is competitive, with underdogs making noise, traditional powerhouses adjusting, and rebuilds starting to take shape. Fans have plenty to watch and talk about as the season unfolds.
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