The Steelers travel to Whitley Bay with the Vipers looking revenge for last nights defeat in South Yorkshire.
Coverage from 6.25pm
Face Off at 6.30pm
Live Games
Live games covered on UKHL
LIVE This Week – EIHL Week 16
It is a HUGE weekend at the top of the Elite League. The Giants took top spot last weekend with their 11-3 blow out of the Newcastle Vipers followed by a 3-1 away win in Edinburgh. While the Coventry Blaze slipped up at home against Sheffield to allow the Giants to sit top of the tree as the weekend ended.
The Blaze still have enough games in hand to regain the top spot should they win them, however that could change after this weekend as the Giants and Blaze collide in back to back games that could go a long way to deciding who is in the driving seat come 2010.
The Blaze will be bouyed in their quest with the Giants mid-week slip up in Cardiff, losing 5-2 in a poor performance against the Devils. The Giants have injuries in defense, while the Blaze have just strengthened their with the acquisition of former Capital Chris Allen.
It’s going to be a massive weekend at the top.
So with that.. here’s this weeks coverage.
Friday 18th December 2009
Sheffield Steelers v Newcastle Vipers; Face Off @ 7.30pm – Live Text from Steel Night Live
Saturday 19th December 2009
Newcastle Vipers v Sheffield Steelers ; Face Off @ 6.30pm – LIVE on UKHL and @VipersUpdates
Belfast Giants v Coventry Blaze; Face Off @ 7pm – Live Video Coverage from GiantsLive.tv and live text from Fire and Ice Forum MNL
Cardiff Devils v Hull Stingrays; Face Off @ 7pm – Live from The Inferno MNL
Nottingham Panthers v Edinburgh Capitals; Face Off @ 7pm – Live from TCW LIVE
Sunday 20th December 2009
Hull Stingrays v Nottingham Panthers; Face Off @ 6pm – Live from TCW LIVE
Edinburgh Capitals v Newcastle Vipers; Face Off @6pm – Live Video Stream from Edinburgh Capitals Website
Coventry Blaze v Belfast Giants; Face Off @ 6pm– Live from Fire and Ice Forum MNL
Sheffield Steelers v Cardiff Devils; Face Off @ 6pm – Live coverage from Steel Night Live 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
LIVE – Cardiff Devils v Belfast Giants;
The Challenge Cup reaches the Semi-Final stage.
With the first match up seeing the EIHL leading Belfast Giants travel to Cardiff to take on the Devils.
UKHL’s interactive coverage begins at 7.15pm, Face Off at 7.30pm.
Join Patrick and Marty as they bring you all the action from Cardiff Bay Ice Arena, leave your comments and predictions.
LIVE This Week – EIHL Week 15
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
LIVE – Newcastle Vipers v Belfast Giants
The Belfast Giants make their second visit to Whitley Bay Ice Rink in Newcastle, looking to continue their assault on the Elite League title.
The Newcastle Vipers, however, have similar ambitions and will be aiming to gain revenge for the 5-2 Challenge Cup defeat they suffered at the hands of the Giants at that same venue in October.
That game was punctuated by a 1+1 performance from Sean McMorrow, his only goal of the season so far.
Coverage from Whitley Bay starts at 6.15 for a 6.30 face off, Live from UKHL
LIVE This Weekend – EIHL Week 14
A slip up in Hull by the Belfast Giants last Sunday, losing on Penalty shots to the Coventry Blaze, has allowed the Coventry Blaze to take a 1 point lead in the Elite League title race. The Midlands team also have a game in hand on their Northern Irish rivals which will build to an interesting clash when the two sides meet in 2 weeks time.
The Sheffield Steelers last weekend became the first Elite League side, and the first UK Hockey team since the Belfast Giants, to reach the Continental Cup finals in Grenoble next month. Given their league form, further hampered by a loss in Cardiff mid week, this will come as a bit of respite to the suffering Sheffield fans, and mild bragging rights to be held against their “friends” down the M1.
In other sadder news, Dave Matsos’ young son was taken into hospital with pneumonia; all at UKHL wish him a very speedy recovery.
Hull will be pleased to snap a poor losing streak with their home penalty shots win over the Giants, a game which saw both Sean McMorrow and Colin Shields shown the door to the dressing room. Shields however has reason to resent his ejection, referee Marco Coenen doing little to stem the criticism first levelled by Dave Matsos last week.
It is worth noting that there are only 6 points separating Coventry in first place and Newcastle in 5th. Making every game leading into Christmas a vital one for those hoping to catch the Blaze and remain in the title fight. But back to back games this weekend with the Nottingham Panthers will have Giants fans keeping an eager eye on events in Coventry. Can the Blaze overcome the Panthers with the ease the Giants showed only a few weeks ago?
Full compliment of 8 games this weekend…
Friday 4th December 2009
Belfast Giants v Edinburgh Capitals; Face Off @ 7.30pm – Live Video Coverage from GiantsLive.tv
Saturday 5th December 2009
Hull Stingrays v Sheffield Steelers; Face Off @ 5.30pm – Live Coverage from @HullStingrays
Newcastle Vipers v Belfast Giants; Face Off @ 6.30pm – LIVE from UKHL
Nottingham Panthers v Coventry Blaze; Face Off @ 7pm – Live from TCW LIVE and Fire and Ice Forum MNL
Cardiff Devils v Edinburgh Capitals; Face Off @ 7pm – Live from The Inferno MNL
Sunday 6th December 2009
Sheffield Steelers v Newcastle Vipers ; Face Off @ 6pm – Live coverage from Steel Night Live
Coventry Blaze v Nottingham Panthers; Face Off @ 6pm– Live from Fire and Ice Forum MNL
Edinburgh Capitals v Hull Stingrays ; Face Off @6pm – Live Video Stream from Edinburgh Capitals Website
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
LIVE – Hull Stingrays v Belfast Giants
Following the Giants 3 goal victory over the Stingrays at the Odyssey Arena last night, the Giants travel to Humberside with Sean McMorrow returning to the squad after his 1 game suspension.
You can follow all the major events in the game right here at UKHL. Join Patrick from 5.45pm.
There is also live twitter updates from @hullstingrays
LIVE This Week – EIHL Week 13
We have a 3-way tie on 26 points at the top of the EIHL as we enter this weeks games. Belfast back to back wins over the Panthers have levelled things between the two teams, and Coventry also sitting pretty at the head of the table. The Blaze have 5 games in hand on Nottingham and 2 on Belfast, so it may be the clashes between Coventry and Belfast that lead to deciding the real contenders for this seasons title.
Sheffield take a break from this weeks Elite League to enjoy a European Tour in Bolzano where they compete in the IIHF Continental Cup. Dave Matsos’s side still struggling toward the foot of the table and strangely this week bemoaning Refereeing decisions following their defeat at the hands of the Newcastle Vipers. Be this an, Alex Ferguson-esque, distraction from the real issue at hand is anyone’s guess, but the Steelers problems at the minute stem from deeper depths than mere supposed refereeing lapses.
Newcastle make the move to Whitley Bay this weekend, a move that will remain for the rest of the season, and speculation is growing that it may stretch beyond that. However Jaimie Longmuir was quick to give little credence to such speculation when UKHL spoke to him for VipersHockey. The Vipers have struggled of late on smaller ice pads, and are yet to gleam a victory from the Hillheads Road. But this is something Rob Wilson is hoping will change in order for the Vipers to continue to snap at the heels of the leading pack.
Finally before we look ahead to this week. The Chellenge Cup Semi final dates have been announced. Back in April the EIHL announced that the Challenge Cup would be “re-vamped” to finish earlier and culminate in a one off showpiece final. This seems now to have been reneged on. The “showpiece final” will not take place and once again we will see the Challenge Cup be decided by a 2-legged affair most likely in February or March. The Semi Final dates are.
Semi Final 1, 1st Leg: Cardiff Devils v Belfast Giants, Wednesday 16th December
Semi Final 1, 2nd Leg: Belfast Giants v Cardiff Devils, Wednesday 20th January
Semi Final 2, 1st Leg: Sheffield Steelers v Nottingham Panthers, Wednesday 20th January
Semi Final 2, 2nd Leg: Nottingham Panthers v Sheffield Steelers, Wednesday 3rd February
Yes, the 2 legs of the second semi final are over a month apart. And the final competitors will be decided a whole 6 weeks after the first semi final faces off.
Anyway, onto the games at hand. With Sheffield “on holiday”, only 7 Elite League games in the course of this week…
Saturday 28th November 2009
Edinburgh Capitals v Cardiff Devils ; Face Off @6pm – Live Video Stream from Edinburgh Capitals Website
Newcastle Vipers v Coventry Blaze ; Face Off @ 6.30pm – Live Text from Fire and Ice Forum MNL
Belfast Giants v Hull Stringrays; Face Off @ 7pm – Live Video Coverage from GiantsLive.tv
Sunday 29th November 2009
Nottingham Panthers v Cardiff Devils ; Face Off @ 4pm – Live from TCW LIVE and The Inferno MNL
Hull Stingrays v Belfast Giants; Face Off @ 6pm – LIVE from UKHL and @HullStingrays
Coventry Blaze v Newcastle Vipers; Face Off @ 6pm– Live from Fire and Ice Forum MNL
Wednesday 2nd December 2009
Cardiff Devils v Sheffield Steelers; Face Off @ 7.30pm – Live from 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
LIVE This Week – EIHL Week 12
Christmas is fast approaching, as is the mid way point of the EIHL season and still things couldn’t be tighter.
Coventry have put in a good series of results, while Belfast took 4 points from last weekends match ups to keep the pressure on at the top.
Life is still tough towards the bottom however, Sheffield and Edinburgh’s game this week has caused repercussions and both coaches have not been backward in coming forward to give their opinion to the press.
Cardiff had their problems too this week. Their game this Sunday, just like the Sunday past, delayed to a very late face off due to travel “issues” from Belfast.
This will be a tough week for Cardiff who, along with Newcastle, play 3 games in only 5 days.
Finally this weekend sees the “Drive for 5” initiative in Newcastle. Cardiff and Sheffield visit the Metro Radio Arena for the final games there this season. Meanwhile Rob Wilsons comments in the Daily Mail this week sheds doubt on whether the Vipers will ever return to the Elite League after this season, never mind the Arena.
Life is never dull in UK Hockey.
Time for this weeks games.
Friday 20th November 2009
Belfast Giants v Nottingham Panthers; Face Off @ 7.30pm – Live Video Coverage from GiantsLive.tv
Saturday 21st November 2009
Newcastle Vipers v Cardiff Devils; Face Off @ 6.30 – Live Coverage from The Inferno MNL
Nottingham Panthers v Belfast Giants; Face Off @ 7pm – Live Coverage from The Cats Whiskers Live
Coventry Blaze v Edinburgh Capitals; Face Off @ 7pm – Live Coverage from Fire and Ice Forum MNL
Sheffield Steelers v Hull Stingrays; Face Off @ 7pm – Live Coverage from Steel Night Live
Sunday 22nd November 2009
Newcastle Vipers v Sheffield Steelers; Face Off @ 5.30 – No Live Coverage Available
Cardiff Devils v Hull Stingrays; Face Off @ 6pm – Live Coverage from The Inferno MNL
Edinburgh Capitals v Coventry Blaze; Face Off @ 6pm – Live Video Coverage from Edinburgh Capitals Website and Text Coverage Fire and Ice Forum MNL
Wednesday 25th November 2009
Cardiff Devils v Newcastle Vipers; Face Off @ 7.30pm – Live Coverage from 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
LIVE This Week – EIHL Week 11
It is well close at the top. Only a few points separating the top 5 teams. While the poor Sheffield Steelers drift further and further away.
I’m sure there is a lot of concern up the road for that.
Anyway… later than usual.. this weekend games
Saturday 14th November 2009
Hull Stingrays v Nottingham Panthers; Face Off @ 5.30pm – Live coverage from @HullStingrays
Coventry Blaze v Newcastle Vipers; Face Off @ 7pm– Live from Fire and Ice Forum MNL
Belfast Giants v Cardiff Devils; Face Off @ 7.30pm – Live Video Coverage from GiantsLive.tv
Sheffield Steelers v Edinburgh Capitals ; Face Off @7.00pm – Live coverage from Steel Night Live
Sunday 15th November 2009
Newcastle Vipers v Belfast Giants; Face Off @ 5.30pm – LIVE from UKHL
Cardiff Devils v Nottingham Panthers; Face Off @ 6pm – Live from The Inferno MNL
Hull Stingrays v Coventry Blaze; Face Off @ 6pm – Live coverage from @HullStingrays and Fire and Ice Forum MNL
Edinburgh Capitals v Sheffield Steelers; Face Off @ 6pm – Live Video Stream from Edinburgh Capitals Website
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