EIHL news update with Sunday game reports.

Sorry we're a little late, but here's a roundup of what was a roaring Sunday of hockey! Let's look at the action!

Goal fest stays Clans way for great win, and a great start to the season

 

Braehead Clan had the dream start to the EIHL on Saturday with a stunning challenge cup victory over the Belfast Giants winning 4-3 on penalties. On Sunday, they went to Hull full of confidence, and against a team in the same situation as Giants. They lost in extra time to Cardiff on Saturday night but came home looking for a confidence boost, and this would be a game to remember.

 

It was a goal fest just from the first period and as expected, Clan scored first at 3:11 with Chris Frank on target and very quickly Leigh Salters doubled their lead. Clan were in for an easy ride. Or were they? Hull responded quickly and a fight back looked certain, but Salters and Matt Haywood scored to make sure Braehead were comfy. They were dominating 4-1. Fans were in shock as Clan were running away with this but Rays fought back with two goals to have some hope. First period buzzer goes, it's 4-3 to the Braehead Clan!

 

That hope went down the toilet though, as Clan added two more goals for 6-3. Rays would pull one back in the last minute before interval number two though, and that would take us into the final period which would be a shocker..

 

Just 17 seconds in, Neil Trimm 'secured' victory as the scoreboard read 7-4 Clan, but two more goals for Rays made it a one goal game.

 

 

Rays battled for an unusual 7-7 scoreline but that would not happen as Leigh Salters completed his hat trick with an empty netter. One second was just on the clock, and that rounded off a shocking 8-6 final scoreline!

 

Including pre-season, Braehead Clan have scored the most goals so far out of any EIHL team!

Blaze beat Fife closely after 2 goals in final period to secure top spot

Fife Flyers and Coventry Blaze met once again, after Blaze played a 1-0 win on Saturday night. Flyers wanted revenge in Coventrys barn, the Skydome, but Blaze had other ideas.

 

The full 60 minutes score on Saturday was the score after the 20 minute first period for 1-0 Blaze. Flyers fought back in the second and it was 2-2 going into the final 20.

 

Would Flyers get revenge? They pressed, but Blaze added two more goals and Flyers had failed. Blaze won 4-2 and are top of the league!

 

The puck drop for this game was done by a small truck!

Second period extravaganza gives Steelers edge in victory

Steelers had ice problems, so missed their motorpoint arena homecoming on Saturday against the Dundee Stars, so their playoff defence started on the road in Cardiff against a new look Devils team.

 

All the action happened in the second period as both sides exchanged goals which ended up 3-2 Steelers. A fighting third period wasn't enough and the scoreline that took them to glory in 2013/14 started 2014/15. Final score: Devils 2-3 steelers

 

Due to ice problems, Steelers did not only miss their home opener against the Stars, but also will play their game on Sunday against the Flyers at their second home, ICESheffield.

Giants bounce back from Saturday loss to edge caps thanks to Suarette

Belfast Giants had a close game with Edinburgh Capitals on Sunday evening. Kevin Suarrette scored both of Giants goals to win 2-1. Greg Collins scoring for the caps wasn't enough, and it would be another one goal game for the Giants! This time, it went the right way though!

 

Joe Grimaldi of Edinburgh was kicked out during the game. There may be a suspension to follow.

Panthers put out the CHL with two games to go as Lulea batter Nottingham once again

Nottingham Panthers CHL journey is over. They lost on Sunday 9-1 to Lulea despite breaking the shutout late on! One better than last for goals conceded, but that's them out! They play Hamburg freezers soon, but will be played for pride. Tickets on sale now!

 

Short term contracted players Colby Cohen (f) and Martins Raitums (NM) have left as their contracts have expired.

 

Martin Podlesak has left for personal reasons and thoughts are with him.

 

EIHL table

 

TEAM	GP	W	L	OL	SL	PTS
1	Coventry	2	2	0	0	0	4
2	Belfast	1	1	0	0	0	2
3	Braehead	1	1	0	0	0	2
4	Cardiff	1	1	0	0	0	2
5	Hull	2	0	1	1	0	1
6	Dundee	1	0	1	0	0	0
7	Fife	2	0	2	0	0	0
8	Edinburgh	0	0	0	0	0	0
9	Nottingham	0	0	0	0	0	0
10	Sheffield	0	0	0	0	0	0

 

Coventry are doing well early on, just like last season and will keep it that way. Nottingham will start their EIHL on Saturday against Cardiff at the NIC. Leave your thoughts in the comments and we will have highlights on Friday!

 

Tomorrow, we will have an article on some sad news following the fold of the Dutch league.