It’s “as you were” at the top of the Elite League. The Belfast Giants had a prime opportunity to claw back some ground on the Coventry Blaze on Saturday night, the Blaze losing to the Nottingham Panthers in the first of back to back games between the two. But Giants couldn’t capitalise and were defeated 2-1 at Whitley Bay by the Newcastle Vipers.
So the Blaze retain their tight lead at the top of the Elite League, with the Giants snapping at their heels and the Panthers just behind that, albeit having played more games than any other team in the league.
The Steelers experienced a rare 4 point weekend, wins over Hull and Newcastle give their fans something to cheer about, but the Steelers still sit 2nd from bottom.
Ryan Finnerty has this week returned to the Elite League, joining the Cardiff Devils. An interesting acquisition for the Welsh team considering Finnerty’s position as “Chief Villan” in last season’s rivalry with the Sheffield Steelers. Cardiff are currently in 4th spot just 4 points shy of the top.
We also have the return of the Challenge Cup this week, Belfast Giants travelling to Cardiff on Wednesday night for the first leg of the first semi final.
So with that.. here’s this weeks coverage.
Friday 11th December 2009
Belfast Giants v Newcastle Vipers; Face Off @ 7.30pm – Live Video Coverage from GiantsLive.tv
Saturday 12th December 2009
Edinburgh Capitals v Sheffield Steelers ; Face Off @6pm – Live Video Stream from Edinburgh Capitals Website
Newcastle Vipers v Nottingham Panthers; Face Off @ 6.30pm – No Known Coverage Available. Check BIH ScoreCentre or ih-update for scores.
Cardiff Devils v Coventry Blaze; Face Off @ 7pm – Live from The Inferno MNL and Fire and Ice Forum MNL
Sunday 12th December 2009
Nottingham Panthers v Hull Stingrays; Face Off @ 4pm – Live from TCW LIVE
Edinburgh Capitals Belfast Giants ; Face Off @6pm – Live Video Stream from Edinburgh Capitals Website
Coventry Blaze v Sheffield Steelers; Face Off @ 6pm– Live from Fire and Ice Forum MNL
Wednesday 16th December 2009
Challenge Cup Semi Final; First Leg
Cardiff Devils v Belfast Giants; Face Off @ 7.30pm – LIVE from UKHL and The Inferno MNL
You can, as always, also find up to date scores and stats from many of the weekends games by visiting ih-update.co.uk
If you’re running any live updates and would like added to this regular blog, leave a comment, or e-mail updates@ukhockeylive.com
Hi Paddy. TCW Live will be covering Vipers v Panthers on Saturday night.
Cheers,
Jono