Hull Stingrays forward Lee Mitchell is hoping he has done enough to earn a call-up to the Great Britain squad for next month's World Championship in Slovenia.
The 22-year-old has been on the fringes of the GB party in recent seasons, with a knee injury preventing him from participating in the Euro Hockey Challenge in France in February 2008, and denying him a possible place in the squad for the tournament in Austria two months later.
Mitchell, who has participated in the last two Elite League All-Star games, was then named as a reserve for last year's event in Poland where Britain claimed a bronze medal.
GB coach Paul Thompson is due to name his initial 30-man squad for this year's championships in the next couple of days.
Asked about his chances of making the plane to Slovenia, Mitchell said: "I don't know, I just need to keep plugging away and that's all you can do.
"You just have to hope that is enough and you get the call and if it isn't I will work even harder. I missed the first couple of months of the season but I have done all I can do, we will have to see if that is enough."
Mitchell, who sat out the first two months with a knee injury, has been one of Stingrays' most consistent performers and has registered 12 goals and 15 assists in 39 games.
Showing posts with label Ice Hockey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ice Hockey. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Panthers Edge 13 Goal Epic
Nottingham Panthers kept their slim title hopes alive with a thrilling 7-6 victory over Hull Stingrays on Sunday night.
Corey Nielson's men, who were leading 6-2 at one point, held on to the spoils to ensure they remain just four points behind Elite League leaders Coventry Blaze.
Blaze remain three points clear at the league summit after Belfast Giants missed a golden opportunity to reduce the gap with a 4-3 reverse at Edinburgh.
Nottingham travelled to Hull Arena without number one goaltender Kevin St Pierre, so Geoff Woolhouse was forced to fill in between the pipes.
But Panthers were in no mood to hang around are were 2-0 up almost immediately through Jade Galbraith and Cameron Mann.
Stingrays pulled one back at 14.31 through George Halkidis, but Panthers regained their two-goal advantage by the end of the period with Mann firing in his second at 16.45.
Enthralling
Stingrays made it a one-goal game only 56 seconds into the second period through Halkidis' second, however that strike spurred the Panthers on and they motored 6-2 ahead through Mann, Marty Gascon and fan-favourite Bruce Richardson.
If Panthers thought it was game over then they were wrong as Stingrays roared back.
Adam Knight and Jason Silverthorn reduced the deficit before Curtis Huppe had the Hull fans off their feet to make it a one-goal game.
However, Panthers crucially struck next through Jay Henderson, although there was still time for Konstantin Kalmikov to fire in a 13th goal of an enthralling encounter.
A bad tempered affair in Scotland saw Belfast Giants' league title hopes almost ended as Edinburgh Capitals snatched a 4-3 victory in Scotland.
The hosts claimed the spoils courtesy of two late goals from skipper Martin Cingel.
Sunday evening's other game saw Cardiff Devils come from 3-0 down to overcome Newcastle Vipers 7-4 at Bay Arena.
The home side completely turned the game on its head in the third period as they hit Newcastle with a six-goal blitz to take the points.
Corey Nielson's men, who were leading 6-2 at one point, held on to the spoils to ensure they remain just four points behind Elite League leaders Coventry Blaze.
Blaze remain three points clear at the league summit after Belfast Giants missed a golden opportunity to reduce the gap with a 4-3 reverse at Edinburgh.
Nottingham travelled to Hull Arena without number one goaltender Kevin St Pierre, so Geoff Woolhouse was forced to fill in between the pipes.
But Panthers were in no mood to hang around are were 2-0 up almost immediately through Jade Galbraith and Cameron Mann.
Stingrays pulled one back at 14.31 through George Halkidis, but Panthers regained their two-goal advantage by the end of the period with Mann firing in his second at 16.45.
Enthralling
Stingrays made it a one-goal game only 56 seconds into the second period through Halkidis' second, however that strike spurred the Panthers on and they motored 6-2 ahead through Mann, Marty Gascon and fan-favourite Bruce Richardson.
If Panthers thought it was game over then they were wrong as Stingrays roared back.
Adam Knight and Jason Silverthorn reduced the deficit before Curtis Huppe had the Hull fans off their feet to make it a one-goal game.
However, Panthers crucially struck next through Jay Henderson, although there was still time for Konstantin Kalmikov to fire in a 13th goal of an enthralling encounter.
A bad tempered affair in Scotland saw Belfast Giants' league title hopes almost ended as Edinburgh Capitals snatched a 4-3 victory in Scotland.
The hosts claimed the spoils courtesy of two late goals from skipper Martin Cingel.
Sunday evening's other game saw Cardiff Devils come from 3-0 down to overcome Newcastle Vipers 7-4 at Bay Arena.
The home side completely turned the game on its head in the third period as they hit Newcastle with a six-goal blitz to take the points.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Thornton Rates Peacock
Belfast Giants player-coach Steve Thornton has hailed the efforts of rising star Craig Peacock in an exclusive interview with skysports.com.
In his debut Elite League season, 21-year-old Peacock has notched up 17 goals and 12 assists for the Northern Irish side.
Peacock, who joined Giants following a superb year with English Premier Ice Hockey League's Peterborough Phantoms, is one of the forerunners for the Ice Hockey Journalist UK's British Young Player of the year award.
And Thornton believes Peacock can put his outstanding form this year down to his extensive preparation ahead of the season.
"It all started for Craig last summer before the season had even started," Thornton told skysports.com.
"We wanted to get him involved in our conditioning programme so by the time we started playing he would be ready. He was dedicated and showed a great work ethic to improve his physical skills and we've really seen the effects of that in his play this season."
Award
Winning the Young Player award would see Peacock follow in the footsteps of Sheffield's Rob Dowd and Edinburgh's Mark Garside, who won the gong in 2008-9 and 2007-8 respectively.
A leading candidate this year, Peacock has scored three goals in his last three games, including a double in the big-team clash against league leaders Coventry, and Thornton insists the youngster has the edge over any other forward in the league.
"He's not just the kind of player who fills a role on the checking line," added Thornton.
"He's got the ability to score points too and when he's playing with the right people he can put the puck in the net.
"He's effective around the crease and has been a big part of our team this year, but it all started for him by working hard and showing the desire to improve."
In his debut Elite League season, 21-year-old Peacock has notched up 17 goals and 12 assists for the Northern Irish side.
Peacock, who joined Giants following a superb year with English Premier Ice Hockey League's Peterborough Phantoms, is one of the forerunners for the Ice Hockey Journalist UK's British Young Player of the year award.
And Thornton believes Peacock can put his outstanding form this year down to his extensive preparation ahead of the season.
"It all started for Craig last summer before the season had even started," Thornton told skysports.com.
"We wanted to get him involved in our conditioning programme so by the time we started playing he would be ready. He was dedicated and showed a great work ethic to improve his physical skills and we've really seen the effects of that in his play this season."
Award
Winning the Young Player award would see Peacock follow in the footsteps of Sheffield's Rob Dowd and Edinburgh's Mark Garside, who won the gong in 2008-9 and 2007-8 respectively.
A leading candidate this year, Peacock has scored three goals in his last three games, including a double in the big-team clash against league leaders Coventry, and Thornton insists the youngster has the edge over any other forward in the league.
"He's not just the kind of player who fills a role on the checking line," added Thornton.
"He's got the ability to score points too and when he's playing with the right people he can put the puck in the net.
"He's effective around the crease and has been a big part of our team this year, but it all started for him by working hard and showing the desire to improve."
Giants Shutout Stingrays
Belfast Giants kept the Elite League title clearly in their sights and recorded their sixth straight home win with a 9-0 shutout of Hull Stingrays.
The victory bodes well for the Giants, who must win all their matches from now until the end of the season to be in with a chance of knocking Coventry from the top spot in the standings.
Hull, who have now been blanked twice by Giants in Northern Ireland this season and have lost their last eight road games, remain in the league basement some nine points behind closest rivals Newcastle.
Hat-trick
Pat Bateman starred for the home side, netting a brace within the first ten minutes before making it a hat-trick with just two minutes remaining.
The opening goal came with 6.45 on the clock as Bateman scored his first of the night for Giants before doubling the lead at 9.52.
Jeff Szwez added another for the hosts on the powerplay at 17.22, then the Giants really hit their stride in the second period, netting a further three goals.
The first came from Evan Cheverie on the powerplay at 23.18 to make it 4-0, before Pierre-Luc Faubert and Michael Jacobsen scored two goals just over a minute apart at 32.27 on the powerplay and 33.45 to expand the lead.
Giants soared into the final session 6-0 ahead and despite the best efforts of goaltender Martins Raitums, who turned away 18 of the 21 shots on him, the hosts managed to add three more before the buzzer.
Sean McMorrow stretched the lead to 7-0 at 46.07 before Craig Peacock fired home another at 49.51.
Bateman wrapped up the victory for Giants at 58.09 with his hat trick marker to close out a dismal night for the Stingrays.
The victory bodes well for the Giants, who must win all their matches from now until the end of the season to be in with a chance of knocking Coventry from the top spot in the standings.
Hull, who have now been blanked twice by Giants in Northern Ireland this season and have lost their last eight road games, remain in the league basement some nine points behind closest rivals Newcastle.
Hat-trick
Pat Bateman starred for the home side, netting a brace within the first ten minutes before making it a hat-trick with just two minutes remaining.
The opening goal came with 6.45 on the clock as Bateman scored his first of the night for Giants before doubling the lead at 9.52.
Jeff Szwez added another for the hosts on the powerplay at 17.22, then the Giants really hit their stride in the second period, netting a further three goals.
The first came from Evan Cheverie on the powerplay at 23.18 to make it 4-0, before Pierre-Luc Faubert and Michael Jacobsen scored two goals just over a minute apart at 32.27 on the powerplay and 33.45 to expand the lead.
Giants soared into the final session 6-0 ahead and despite the best efforts of goaltender Martins Raitums, who turned away 18 of the 21 shots on him, the hosts managed to add three more before the buzzer.
Sean McMorrow stretched the lead to 7-0 at 46.07 before Craig Peacock fired home another at 49.51.
Bateman wrapped up the victory for Giants at 58.09 with his hat trick marker to close out a dismal night for the Stingrays.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Voth Steps Down as Skipper
Cardiff Devils forward Mark Richardson says former captain Brad Voth had to step down after his relationship with referees became unworkable.
British defenceman Richardson recently assumed the role as Devils' team captain, taking over Voth's duties following a decision made by player-coach Gerad Adams.
And in an exclusive interview with skysports.com, Richardson explained why the team decided to go in a new direction.
"It got to a point when anytime Brad had a discussion with a referee he would come off with a penalty," Richardson said.
"As captain he has to be able to speak to the refs and it got to a point where he couldn't so it was very tough for him.
Misconduct
"It's just down to the fact that whatever he does he seems to get penalised for it. It's a tough job to keep being sent to the penalty box and to be captain as well."
Voth, who is one of the highest penalty takers in the Elite League with almost 300 minutes in the box, will now be free to concentrate purely on playing the game.
Given that he has received numerous bans and misconducts during his lengthy spell in the UK, it appears that Voth eventually wore out his welcome with league officials and the feelings were seemingly mutual.
Despite Voth's leadership ability, it's rare that the leading penalty taker would be the captain on any hockey club, and the move could hardly be called a surprise.
Voth, the figurehead of the Devils, still retains his other role as the 'club' captain.
"Brad's been captain for three years and is still a big leader on our team," Richardson said.
"I was only asked a couple of days before we played to take over, it wasn't something that had really come up before."
British defenceman Richardson recently assumed the role as Devils' team captain, taking over Voth's duties following a decision made by player-coach Gerad Adams.
And in an exclusive interview with skysports.com, Richardson explained why the team decided to go in a new direction.
"It got to a point when anytime Brad had a discussion with a referee he would come off with a penalty," Richardson said.
"As captain he has to be able to speak to the refs and it got to a point where he couldn't so it was very tough for him.
Misconduct
"It's just down to the fact that whatever he does he seems to get penalised for it. It's a tough job to keep being sent to the penalty box and to be captain as well."
Voth, who is one of the highest penalty takers in the Elite League with almost 300 minutes in the box, will now be free to concentrate purely on playing the game.
Given that he has received numerous bans and misconducts during his lengthy spell in the UK, it appears that Voth eventually wore out his welcome with league officials and the feelings were seemingly mutual.
Despite Voth's leadership ability, it's rare that the leading penalty taker would be the captain on any hockey club, and the move could hardly be called a surprise.
Voth, the figurehead of the Devils, still retains his other role as the 'club' captain.
"Brad's been captain for three years and is still a big leader on our team," Richardson said.
"I was only asked a couple of days before we played to take over, it wasn't something that had really come up before."
Simms: Panthers to win Cup
Sky Sports pundit David Simms is backing Nottingham Panthers for victory in the Challenge Cup final.
The Panthers will take on Cardiff Devils in Wales on Sunday in the first leg of the Cup decider after facing them in Elite League action at home last weekend.
Nottingham hold a 4-2 record over Devils this season, and Simms insists the combination of Nottingham's solid form and Devils' poor road display this season tips the odds in the Panthers' favour.
Talent
"Nottingham should win it, but Nottingham should win every game that they play because they have the talent to be the best team," Simms told skysports.com.
"I think Cardiff are good enough in their own building, but if Nottingham blow them out in the first leg there's no way the Devils can come back."
The Devils edged out Belfast to reach the finals, while Panthers overcame rivals Sheffield.
Despite his money being on Nottingham, Simms says if the Devils put pressure on the Panthers in the first leg they could be in with a chance.
"If the Devils can keep it close, Nottingham are a team that don't play well under pressure," added Simms.
"Their coach doesn't do pressure, their players don't do pressure, their club doesn't do pressure.
"The Panthers find it hard to cross the finish line, whether it's playoffs or challenge cups or league titles. Cardiff have to put them under pressure. But I don't think they will."
Success
Both teams have experienced Challenge Cup success in recent years, with the Devils taking the trophy in 2005/06 and the Panthers in 2007/08.
Having witnessed the Panthers' performance numerous times on Sky Sports' weekly Elite League show, Simms insists they are destined for silverware.
"Nottingham have got to win something with that team this year," he added.
"I think they'll be up for it and ready for it and I take them to win."
The Panthers will take on Cardiff Devils in Wales on Sunday in the first leg of the Cup decider after facing them in Elite League action at home last weekend.
Nottingham hold a 4-2 record over Devils this season, and Simms insists the combination of Nottingham's solid form and Devils' poor road display this season tips the odds in the Panthers' favour.
Talent
"Nottingham should win it, but Nottingham should win every game that they play because they have the talent to be the best team," Simms told skysports.com.
"I think Cardiff are good enough in their own building, but if Nottingham blow them out in the first leg there's no way the Devils can come back."
The Devils edged out Belfast to reach the finals, while Panthers overcame rivals Sheffield.
Despite his money being on Nottingham, Simms says if the Devils put pressure on the Panthers in the first leg they could be in with a chance.
"If the Devils can keep it close, Nottingham are a team that don't play well under pressure," added Simms.
"Their coach doesn't do pressure, their players don't do pressure, their club doesn't do pressure.
"The Panthers find it hard to cross the finish line, whether it's playoffs or challenge cups or league titles. Cardiff have to put them under pressure. But I don't think they will."
Success
Both teams have experienced Challenge Cup success in recent years, with the Devils taking the trophy in 2005/06 and the Panthers in 2007/08.
Having witnessed the Panthers' performance numerous times on Sky Sports' weekly Elite League show, Simms insists they are destined for silverware.
"Nottingham have got to win something with that team this year," he added.
"I think they'll be up for it and ready for it and I take them to win."
Friday, February 12, 2010
Panthers reach cup final
Nottingham Panthers advanced to the Challenge Cup final after seeing off fierce rivals Sheffield Steelers 3-1 in the second leg of their semi-final to complete a 7-3 aggregate win.
Panthers, who will face Cardiff Devils in the decider, have now recorded seven victories from seven games against the Steelers in all competitions this season.
The first leg in Sheffield saw Panthers open a 4-2 lead and Steelers failed to recover in Nottingham as the home side skated to a convincing win.
The opening period was goalless despite numerous chances at both ends, but that changed early in the second session as Kevin Bergin put the hosts in front at 24.12.
A goal flurry at the end of the period saw Bruce Richardson fire the Panthers 2-0 ahead at 37.20, but Steelers replied at 38.53 with a Doug Sheppard strike.
The visitors fell short in the final session, outshooting Panthers by 15 to 9 but failing to elude goaltender Kevin St Pierre in the home net.
A comfortable home side piled on the misery in the last minute as Cameron Mann fired the insurance into the empty goal with 30 seconds remaining to secure Panthers their final spot.
Panthers, who will face Cardiff Devils in the decider, have now recorded seven victories from seven games against the Steelers in all competitions this season.
The first leg in Sheffield saw Panthers open a 4-2 lead and Steelers failed to recover in Nottingham as the home side skated to a convincing win.
The opening period was goalless despite numerous chances at both ends, but that changed early in the second session as Kevin Bergin put the hosts in front at 24.12.
A goal flurry at the end of the period saw Bruce Richardson fire the Panthers 2-0 ahead at 37.20, but Steelers replied at 38.53 with a Doug Sheppard strike.
The visitors fell short in the final session, outshooting Panthers by 15 to 9 but failing to elude goaltender Kevin St Pierre in the home net.
A comfortable home side piled on the misery in the last minute as Cameron Mann fired the insurance into the empty goal with 30 seconds remaining to secure Panthers their final spot.
Christiansen Cody is No.1
Edinburgh Capitals player-coach Doug Christiansen has told skysports.com that Cody Rudkowsky is the best netminder in the Elite League.
Canadian stopper Rudkowsky, 31, helped the Caps to their first road shutout in franchise history in Sunday's 1-0 win against the Cardiff Devils and has starred between the pipes for the Murrayfield-based team.
Although the fans voted Coventry's Peter Hirsch as the All Star starter for the overseas players in the EIHL, Christiansen has no doubt which goalie he believes is number one.
"Cody Rudkowsky is the best goaltender in this league," Christiansen told skysports.com.
"We rely on him every night and it was nice to see him get some accolades for a shutout because it is a tremendous achievement. And for us, our overall team defence was exceptional (in Cardiff on Sunday)."
Healthy
Rudkowsky's form this season has been all the more impressive considering Edinburgh's lack of defensive depth due to injury problems.
He has faced an even bigger workload when the Caps have travelled and played on back-to-back nights as the skaters have faded in the second game.
The Caps bolstered their blueline recently by bringing back Sean Perkins, but are still awaiting the return of Michael Beynon, who has been sidelined after suffering a concussion.
After an exhaustive search, Perkins was signed just in time before the international transfer card deadline passed at the end of January.
"We are starting to get healthier and the addition of Sean Perkins helps us immensely," Christiansen added.
"Before (Perkins arrived) we had one import defenceman, two national team British defencemen and a forward playing D. At least for now the forward playing D is our fifth defenceman (Neil Hay), who has been brought in to help give the others a break and more energy later in the game.
"I think Perkins is a big help and if we can continue getting healthy we'll be much better on the back end."
Canadian stopper Rudkowsky, 31, helped the Caps to their first road shutout in franchise history in Sunday's 1-0 win against the Cardiff Devils and has starred between the pipes for the Murrayfield-based team.
Although the fans voted Coventry's Peter Hirsch as the All Star starter for the overseas players in the EIHL, Christiansen has no doubt which goalie he believes is number one.
"Cody Rudkowsky is the best goaltender in this league," Christiansen told skysports.com.
"We rely on him every night and it was nice to see him get some accolades for a shutout because it is a tremendous achievement. And for us, our overall team defence was exceptional (in Cardiff on Sunday)."
Healthy
Rudkowsky's form this season has been all the more impressive considering Edinburgh's lack of defensive depth due to injury problems.
He has faced an even bigger workload when the Caps have travelled and played on back-to-back nights as the skaters have faded in the second game.
The Caps bolstered their blueline recently by bringing back Sean Perkins, but are still awaiting the return of Michael Beynon, who has been sidelined after suffering a concussion.
After an exhaustive search, Perkins was signed just in time before the international transfer card deadline passed at the end of January.
"We are starting to get healthier and the addition of Sean Perkins helps us immensely," Christiansen added.
"Before (Perkins arrived) we had one import defenceman, two national team British defencemen and a forward playing D. At least for now the forward playing D is our fifth defenceman (Neil Hay), who has been brought in to help give the others a break and more energy later in the game.
"I think Perkins is a big help and if we can continue getting healthy we'll be much better on the back end."
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Memorable night for Cloutier
Hull Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier had double cause for celebration on Sunday night after his 1,000th professional game ended in a 5-3 victory over Newcastle Vipers.
Leading point-scorer Konstantin Kalmikov and Jason Silverthorn netted twice and Pavel Gomenyuk was also on target as Stingrays ended a three-game losing streak in the Elite League.
Cloutier, who also received the man of the match award, said: "I have enjoyed every minute. It's always an honour to play hockey and to put that jersey on.
"Some guys take it for granted, it's something you should never take for granted. I took a year off last year and I really missed it.
"If you can play hockey, play for as long as you can because once you are out of the game you really miss the people that are involved in it. The guys, the owners, the trainers - it's a tight family and some people don't understand that.
"It was an honour to play for Hull Stingrays and to put that jersey on for my 1,000th game. To do it with that group of guys was an honour and a pleasure, they are a great bunch and I couldn't ask for a better group to play with."
Leading point-scorer Konstantin Kalmikov and Jason Silverthorn netted twice and Pavel Gomenyuk was also on target as Stingrays ended a three-game losing streak in the Elite League.
Cloutier, who also received the man of the match award, said: "I have enjoyed every minute. It's always an honour to play hockey and to put that jersey on.
"Some guys take it for granted, it's something you should never take for granted. I took a year off last year and I really missed it.
"If you can play hockey, play for as long as you can because once you are out of the game you really miss the people that are involved in it. The guys, the owners, the trainers - it's a tight family and some people don't understand that.
"It was an honour to play for Hull Stingrays and to put that jersey on for my 1,000th game. To do it with that group of guys was an honour and a pleasure, they are a great bunch and I couldn't ask for a better group to play with."
Friday, February 5, 2010
Panthers Draw First Blood
Nottingham Panthers took a giant step towards the Challenge Cup final after scoring a 4-2 first-leg victory over Sheffield Steelers on Wednesday night.
With three minutes of the semi-final first leg remaining, Sheffield Steelers were facing the embarrassment of being blanked on their home ice by their great rivals, but two late goals have at least given them hope of an unlikely turnaround.
Panthers will however now be firm favourites as they attempt to win the Challenge Cup for a third time in seven seasons of Elite League competition.
Nottingham were in command almost from the off and gained a clear advantage by taking the opening period 3-0. New signing Jay Henderson fired Panthers ahead on his debut at 9.37 on the powerplay and further strikes from Cameron Mann and Marty Gascon put the vistors in control.
Steelers attempted a recovery in the middle session but despite firing 14 shots on Kevin St Pierre between the Panthers pipes they could not make the breakthrough and the period saw no addition to the scoreline.
When David Clarke made it 4-0 to Panthers at 41.25 a long night for the home support seemed to be extending but then came the late recovery that still gives Dave Matsos' men hope.
Joey Talbot's 27th goal of the season ended St Pierre's shutout hopes at 57.00 and then only 40 seconds later Steelers were awarded a penalty shot which Jonathan Zion dispatched into the net.
With three minutes of the semi-final first leg remaining, Sheffield Steelers were facing the embarrassment of being blanked on their home ice by their great rivals, but two late goals have at least given them hope of an unlikely turnaround.
Panthers will however now be firm favourites as they attempt to win the Challenge Cup for a third time in seven seasons of Elite League competition.
Nottingham were in command almost from the off and gained a clear advantage by taking the opening period 3-0. New signing Jay Henderson fired Panthers ahead on his debut at 9.37 on the powerplay and further strikes from Cameron Mann and Marty Gascon put the vistors in control.
Steelers attempted a recovery in the middle session but despite firing 14 shots on Kevin St Pierre between the Panthers pipes they could not make the breakthrough and the period saw no addition to the scoreline.
When David Clarke made it 4-0 to Panthers at 41.25 a long night for the home support seemed to be extending but then came the late recovery that still gives Dave Matsos' men hope.
Joey Talbot's 27th goal of the season ended St Pierre's shutout hopes at 57.00 and then only 40 seconds later Steelers were awarded a penalty shot which Jonathan Zion dispatched into the net.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Giants Keep Title Hopes Alive
Belfast Giants have kept their Elite League title hopes alive with a 4-2 victory over Nottingham Panthers.
Coming into the match with the knowledge that defeat would almost certainly have ruled them out of contention, Belfast then went behind in the first period.
However, they won the second period 2-1 and with honours even going into the third period, two goals in the last 10 minutes gave the Giants the points.
Sean McAslan (26th) struck home for the Panthers at 19.54 to give the Panthers the lead before the home side got back on level terms with a powerplay goal from Michael Jacobsen (10th) at 22.28.
Nottingham were back in the lead just as soon as David Clarke (25th) scored at 23.21 but the Giants promptly levelled when Pierre-Luc Faubert struck home at 38.06.
A powerplay goal from Jeff Szwez (24th) at 53.33 allowed the Giants to take the lead for the first time before, with the Panthers goalie pulled for the extra man, Pat Bateman (21st) sealed the win by shooting into an empty net.
Meanwhile, new Sheffield Steelers signing Mike Sgroi immediately proved his worth by scoring the winning goal in their 3-2 win over Cardiff Devils with just 11 seconds remaining.
The visitors took a two-goal lead in the opening period with strikes from Ryan Finnerty (4th) after just 15 seconds before Phil Hill (17th) made it 2-0 at 6.24.
Sheffield made a better fist of the second period, although they proved unable to breach Cardiff's defence until the third period when Scott Basiuk (2nd) scored at 43.08.
It appeared as though the Steelers were destined for another home loss but Joey Talbot (25th) scored at 58.30 before Sgroi (1st) capped a dramatic comeback by scoring a powerplay winner at 59.49.
Coming into the match with the knowledge that defeat would almost certainly have ruled them out of contention, Belfast then went behind in the first period.
However, they won the second period 2-1 and with honours even going into the third period, two goals in the last 10 minutes gave the Giants the points.
Sean McAslan (26th) struck home for the Panthers at 19.54 to give the Panthers the lead before the home side got back on level terms with a powerplay goal from Michael Jacobsen (10th) at 22.28.
Nottingham were back in the lead just as soon as David Clarke (25th) scored at 23.21 but the Giants promptly levelled when Pierre-Luc Faubert struck home at 38.06.
A powerplay goal from Jeff Szwez (24th) at 53.33 allowed the Giants to take the lead for the first time before, with the Panthers goalie pulled for the extra man, Pat Bateman (21st) sealed the win by shooting into an empty net.
Meanwhile, new Sheffield Steelers signing Mike Sgroi immediately proved his worth by scoring the winning goal in their 3-2 win over Cardiff Devils with just 11 seconds remaining.
The visitors took a two-goal lead in the opening period with strikes from Ryan Finnerty (4th) after just 15 seconds before Phil Hill (17th) made it 2-0 at 6.24.
Sheffield made a better fist of the second period, although they proved unable to breach Cardiff's defence until the third period when Scott Basiuk (2nd) scored at 43.08.
It appeared as though the Steelers were destined for another home loss but Joey Talbot (25th) scored at 58.30 before Sgroi (1st) capped a dramatic comeback by scoring a powerplay winner at 59.49.
Capitals Post Steely Win
Sheffield Steelers came back down with a thump from their Friday night victory after being taken apart by Edinburgh Capitals 6-3 in Elite League action.
The Scottish side delivered a third period surge to record the home win, netting four times in the final session to just one Steelers reply.
Capitals opened a 2-0 lead in the first period courtesy of Neil Hay at 13.59 and Marc Lefebvre at 15.38, but the tables were turned in the second as Robert Farmer and Robert Dowd evened the scores for the visitors at 26.21 and 32.08.
Both sides exchanged early goals in the final session as Sean Perkins edged Capitals ahead at 43.13 only for Farmer to claim his second strike of the night at 44.06.
A powerplay goal from Martin Cingel at 47.70 began the home side's late onslaught, with Mark Garside netting just a minute later and Owen Fussey firing into the empty net with 16 seconds left on the clock to wrap up the win for the hosts.
Road woes
Cardiff Devils road woes continued after the Welsh side were seen off 2-1 by Hull Stingrays following a penalty shootout.
The two opening periods were goalless and it was Lee Mitchell that opened scoring on the powerplay at 44.57 to put the home side one ahead.
Hull appeared to have their win in the bag in regulation time until Cardiff levelled with a Ryan Finnerty strike at 58.20 to send the match into overtime.
Both teams failed to score in the overtime session and the game went to penalty shots, with Hull netting two thanks to Konstantin Kalmikov and Jason Silverthorn but missing their third.
Cardiff could only reply with one courtesy of Mark Smith, meaning Hull prevailed to take the extra point and celebrate their third successive victory.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Panthers suffered their second loss of the weekend after falling to a 3-1 road defeat to Belfast Giants.
Both sides made promising starts but it was Giants who took an early lead as George Awada fired them ahead at 1.03, only for Bruce Richardson to pull the visitors level on the powerplay at 2.46.
The home side netted again at 15.05 courtesy of Colin Shields and followed it up late in the second period with a Pat Bateman goal at 36.16 to cement their 3-1 advantage.
Panthers tried and failed to penetrate the Giants' defence in the third session and the Northern Irish side held firm to secure the two points.
Convincing
Coventry Blaze posted a convincing 5-1 victory over Newcastle Vipers on their own ice to reclaim their spot at the top of the league standings.
The visitors dominated from early on and were leading after only 6.45 thanks to a Greg Chambers powerplay strike which Luke Fulghum followed up 23 seconds later to double the advantage.
Matt Soderstrom made it 3-0 at 17.59 before Vipers managed to respond at 19.23 with a Matic Kralj effort.
Blaze were completely in control in the second period but the only goal came from Dan Carlson at 35.50 on the powerplay to make it 4-1.
It was a similar story in the final session with Blaze going nap at 53.41 as Cruikshank rounded off the scoring to seal a stress-free triumph for Paul Thompson's men.
The Scottish side delivered a third period surge to record the home win, netting four times in the final session to just one Steelers reply.
Capitals opened a 2-0 lead in the first period courtesy of Neil Hay at 13.59 and Marc Lefebvre at 15.38, but the tables were turned in the second as Robert Farmer and Robert Dowd evened the scores for the visitors at 26.21 and 32.08.
Both sides exchanged early goals in the final session as Sean Perkins edged Capitals ahead at 43.13 only for Farmer to claim his second strike of the night at 44.06.
A powerplay goal from Martin Cingel at 47.70 began the home side's late onslaught, with Mark Garside netting just a minute later and Owen Fussey firing into the empty net with 16 seconds left on the clock to wrap up the win for the hosts.
Road woes
Cardiff Devils road woes continued after the Welsh side were seen off 2-1 by Hull Stingrays following a penalty shootout.
The two opening periods were goalless and it was Lee Mitchell that opened scoring on the powerplay at 44.57 to put the home side one ahead.
Hull appeared to have their win in the bag in regulation time until Cardiff levelled with a Ryan Finnerty strike at 58.20 to send the match into overtime.
Both teams failed to score in the overtime session and the game went to penalty shots, with Hull netting two thanks to Konstantin Kalmikov and Jason Silverthorn but missing their third.
Cardiff could only reply with one courtesy of Mark Smith, meaning Hull prevailed to take the extra point and celebrate their third successive victory.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Panthers suffered their second loss of the weekend after falling to a 3-1 road defeat to Belfast Giants.
Both sides made promising starts but it was Giants who took an early lead as George Awada fired them ahead at 1.03, only for Bruce Richardson to pull the visitors level on the powerplay at 2.46.
The home side netted again at 15.05 courtesy of Colin Shields and followed it up late in the second period with a Pat Bateman goal at 36.16 to cement their 3-1 advantage.
Panthers tried and failed to penetrate the Giants' defence in the third session and the Northern Irish side held firm to secure the two points.
Convincing
Coventry Blaze posted a convincing 5-1 victory over Newcastle Vipers on their own ice to reclaim their spot at the top of the league standings.
The visitors dominated from early on and were leading after only 6.45 thanks to a Greg Chambers powerplay strike which Luke Fulghum followed up 23 seconds later to double the advantage.
Matt Soderstrom made it 3-0 at 17.59 before Vipers managed to respond at 19.23 with a Matic Kralj effort.
Blaze were completely in control in the second period but the only goal came from Dan Carlson at 35.50 on the powerplay to make it 4-1.
It was a similar story in the final session with Blaze going nap at 53.41 as Cruikshank rounded off the scoring to seal a stress-free triumph for Paul Thompson's men.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Late Show Earns Cardiff Win
Cardiff Devils returned to winning ways with a 5-4 victory against the Newcastle Vipers, thanks to a hat-trick from Matt Miller.
The Devils had lost their last two games, but a return to the Cardiff Arena gained the spoils on the night.
Jay Latulippe opened the scoring for Cardiff, with Ben Campbell quickly replying to level.
The second period saw Mike Berry net for the Vipers, only for Phil Hill to bring the scores to 2-2 at the end of the second period.
At the start of the third Berry scored his second of the night to put Newcastle ahead, but Miller responded for Cardiff to put the scores at 3-3.
Matic Kralj then put the Vipers ahead once again, but a late double from Miller secured the points for Cardiff.
Dominance
Coventry Blaze moved three points clear at the top with a 6-1 win over bottom of the table Hull Stingrays.
Blaze dominated from the start, with Jonathan Weaver scoring early into the game and Luke Fulgham netting twice to make it 3-0 at the end of the first period.
Goals from Dan Carlson and Fulgham increased the lead over Hull in the second, with Adam Knight scoring only a consolation mid-way through the match.
Derek Campbell finished off the scoring for Coventry, making it 6-1 in the final period - securing an easy win for Blaze.
Convincing
Edinburgh Capitals were heavily beaten, as they lost 7-2 to Sheffield Steelers at Murryfield Ice Rink.
A tight opening saw Matt Hubbauer score the only goal, with the visitors moving 1-0 ahead at the end of the period.
Sheffield began to dominate the second period, with goals from Jason Hewitt, Joey Talbot and Robert Dowd, increasing the lead to four
Edinburgh replied with goals from Neil Hay and Owen Fussey, reducing the deficit to only two.
However goals from Doug Sheppard, Jeff Legue and Robert Dowd, secured the points for Sheffield with a 7-2 win.
The Devils had lost their last two games, but a return to the Cardiff Arena gained the spoils on the night.
Jay Latulippe opened the scoring for Cardiff, with Ben Campbell quickly replying to level.
The second period saw Mike Berry net for the Vipers, only for Phil Hill to bring the scores to 2-2 at the end of the second period.
At the start of the third Berry scored his second of the night to put Newcastle ahead, but Miller responded for Cardiff to put the scores at 3-3.
Matic Kralj then put the Vipers ahead once again, but a late double from Miller secured the points for Cardiff.
Dominance
Coventry Blaze moved three points clear at the top with a 6-1 win over bottom of the table Hull Stingrays.
Blaze dominated from the start, with Jonathan Weaver scoring early into the game and Luke Fulgham netting twice to make it 3-0 at the end of the first period.
Goals from Dan Carlson and Fulgham increased the lead over Hull in the second, with Adam Knight scoring only a consolation mid-way through the match.
Derek Campbell finished off the scoring for Coventry, making it 6-1 in the final period - securing an easy win for Blaze.
Convincing
Edinburgh Capitals were heavily beaten, as they lost 7-2 to Sheffield Steelers at Murryfield Ice Rink.
A tight opening saw Matt Hubbauer score the only goal, with the visitors moving 1-0 ahead at the end of the period.
Sheffield began to dominate the second period, with goals from Jason Hewitt, Joey Talbot and Robert Dowd, increasing the lead to four
Edinburgh replied with goals from Neil Hay and Owen Fussey, reducing the deficit to only two.
However goals from Doug Sheppard, Jeff Legue and Robert Dowd, secured the points for Sheffield with a 7-2 win.
Neilson - Jay Will Deliver
Nottingham Panthers player-coach Corey Neilson has told skysports.com that he expects a big game from new signing Jay Henderson in Wednesday's Challenge Cup semi final against Sheffield.
Former NHL forward Henderson, 31, arrived in Nottingham on Monday and Neilson has confirmed that he will debut against the Steelers.
With so much at stake, Henderson is stepping into the biggest game of Nottingham's campaign so far, but player-coach Neilson believes it won't be a problem.
"It's not a very hard thing to sell to a player because a lot of these guys have played in big games before," Neilson said in an exclusive interview with skysports.com.
"Once you get to the occasion and you see seven thousand people in the stands, it's easy to understand and adjust accordingly. I've heard he's a big game player and that's what we expect from him."
The Panthers enter the game coming off back-to-back defeats against the Belfast Giants, which saw them concede first place to the Coventry Blaze.
Poor
Despite the setback, Neilson has been quite satisfied with his team's performance in the last two months.
"In the last 15 games or so we've only really put in one poor performance and that was on Saturday in Belfast," Neilson added.
"On Friday we were a better club but the puck just didn't go in the net and different things happened. For the most part we've been a strong team recently, but didn't get a result on the weekend.
"I don't think it's a case of us getting back on track. We've been on track - we've been in good form."
Nottingham aren't the only team with a new addition on parade as the Steelers line-up will feature recent signing Mike Sgroi, who was brought in to add toughness to the roster, especially after Sheffield coach David Matsos accused Panthers defenceman Dominic D'Amour of taking liberties.
Matsos said last week that he will see just how tough D'Amour is now that Sgroi has signed.
After Wednesday's first leg in Sheffield, the Panthers host the return fixture on February 10th.
Former NHL forward Henderson, 31, arrived in Nottingham on Monday and Neilson has confirmed that he will debut against the Steelers.
With so much at stake, Henderson is stepping into the biggest game of Nottingham's campaign so far, but player-coach Neilson believes it won't be a problem.
"It's not a very hard thing to sell to a player because a lot of these guys have played in big games before," Neilson said in an exclusive interview with skysports.com.
"Once you get to the occasion and you see seven thousand people in the stands, it's easy to understand and adjust accordingly. I've heard he's a big game player and that's what we expect from him."
The Panthers enter the game coming off back-to-back defeats against the Belfast Giants, which saw them concede first place to the Coventry Blaze.
Poor
Despite the setback, Neilson has been quite satisfied with his team's performance in the last two months.
"In the last 15 games or so we've only really put in one poor performance and that was on Saturday in Belfast," Neilson added.
"On Friday we were a better club but the puck just didn't go in the net and different things happened. For the most part we've been a strong team recently, but didn't get a result on the weekend.
"I don't think it's a case of us getting back on track. We've been on track - we've been in good form."
Nottingham aren't the only team with a new addition on parade as the Steelers line-up will feature recent signing Mike Sgroi, who was brought in to add toughness to the roster, especially after Sheffield coach David Matsos accused Panthers defenceman Dominic D'Amour of taking liberties.
Matsos said last week that he will see just how tough D'Amour is now that Sgroi has signed.
After Wednesday's first leg in Sheffield, the Panthers host the return fixture on February 10th.
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