Nottingham Panthers claimed the Elite League play-off title after a hard fought encounter with Belfast Giants. Panthers moved into the final after a 6-3 win against Cardiff Devils – Matt Myers hit a hat-trick – while two Craig Peacock goals helped Giants to a 5-1 success over Coventry Blaze. Panthers took a 2-0 lead in the final, but Giants roared back to send the game into overtime. Jordan Fox broke the deadlock to seal the win for Nottingham.
 
Panthers also clinched the Challenge Cup with a 5-3 aggregate success over Sheffield Steelers.
 
Manchester Phoenix clinched the EPL play-off crown after a thrilling weekend at Coventry SkyDome. Phoenix reached the final with a 5-4 shoot-out win over Basingstoke Bison – James Archer got the winner – while opponents Guildford Flames edged past MK Lightning 3-2. Two goals from Michal Psurny helped Phoenix to a 5-2 win over the Flames in the final.
 
Deeside Dragons claimed the runners-up slot in NIHL2 North after a 7-4 win at Hull Stingrays – Ric Hughes (2) led their scoring. Dragons now face Coventry Blaze over two legs for a place in NIHL1.
 
Chelmsford Chieftains reached the semi-finals of the NIHL South play-offs with a 9-4 aggregate win over MK Thunder. Chieftains will now play Invicta who beat Cardiff Devils 13-10 – Dynamos’ Andy Smith scored seven over the two legs. Wightlink Raiders are through to the last four after a 10-7 aggregate win against Streatham Redskins. Their semi-final opponents are Romford Raiders who beat Bracknell Hornets 14-7 – Juraj Huska hit eight goals in the tie.
 
(Article by permission of Coast to Coast)
About the author
Michael Black
Freelance news, features & sports writer for prohockeynews.com, britishicehockey.co.uk, eurohockey.com, vavel.com, ftbpro.com & rovers.footballblog.co.uk.