The final day of Week 9 in the Elite League brings four key matchups across both league and Challenge Cup competition.
The day’s headline game sees Belfast Giants host Dundee Stars in what remains a crucial fixture for the home side, but not for the visitors. Dundee’s loss to Glasgow on Saturday eliminated them from Challenge Cup contention, though they could still have a major influence on how Group B finishes. For Belfast, the task is simple: they must win, either in regulation or overtime/shootout, to claim top spot in the group. Any other result will see Glasgow Clan take first place, sending the Giants into the Elimination Game against Nottingham Panthers.
Earlier in the day, Sheffield Steelers welcome Cardiff Devils to the Utilita Arena for a 4pm faceoff in league play. Both sides are aiming to close the gap on table-toppers Nottingham to a single point, though neither can overtake them this weekend. Cardiff are coming off a strong win over Belfast on Friday, while Sheffield play their only fixture of the week after extending their fine league form last weekend.
At the Skydome Arena, Coventry Blaze return home looking to rebound from a frustrating loss in Manchester. The Blaze sit two places and five points above their visitors, the Fife Flyers, in the standings. Coventry can still end the week with four points from six after their midweek win over Guildford. Fife, meanwhile, were beaten by Nottingham on Saturday and continue to struggle for goals, having scored just five in their last six games and none more than once in a single outing since 22 October.
The weekend wraps up in Surrey, where Guildford Flames host Glasgow Clan. The visitors got a vital win in Dundee that kept their Cup hopes alive. For Guildford, who fell in Coventry midweek, this is an opportunity to get back on track and end the weekend on a positive note in front of their home fans.
Photo: William Cherry