EIHL round up 31/01

03 Nov 2015Robert Newbolt»

Pride of place, in this weeks round up must go to the Manchester Storm for qualifying for the Challenge Cup quarters. After only minimal preparation at the start of the season, after all they did step in when Hull were unable to compete, they have gradually gained an identity. They ran out 3-1 winners of rivals Coventry Blaze to pip them for the last play off spot.

Coventry/Manchester video

The Elite league games for Sheffield – against Nottingham Panthers on Saturday and Cardiff Devils on Sunday were overshadowed by some rather suspect officiating.

On Saturday the puck appeared to strike the post, but after consultation it was ruled to have passed through the netting. In a slow motion replay afterwards this was shown to be a good call but on Sunday a Sheffield goal was disallowed for ‘a man in the crease’. On first sight and in real time it was a very close call, BUT the referee was given the benefit of seeing in slow motion a review of the play which showed he was mistaken. However the original call stood.

In the games on Saturday Nottingham came from behind to win and on Sunday Sheffield netminder Tyler Plante was replaced in goal by young Brad Day after the first choice netminder had to retire through injury; Sheffield won the game in overtime through Robert Dowd.

Nottingham/Sheffield video

Sheffield/Cardiff video

Justin Fox netted the overtime winner as Fife Flyers beat Dundee Stars 4-3 in the Scottish derby on Saturday and In the Challenge Cup; Jake Morissette scored his ninth goal of the season as Cardiff Devils defeated Coventry Blaze 6-4 in Cardiff.

Coventry/Cardiff video

Belfast Giants netminder Stephen Murphy stopped two penalties in the shootout as Belfast Giants won 4-3 in Glasgow at Braehead Clan.